Grand Prairie, Texas-based Republic National Distributing Company, the second-largest beverage alcohol distributor of premium wine and spirits in the United States, has announced that it will close its California operations after losing the distribution rights for several iconic brand names. Additionally, the company cited rising costs of doing business in the state.
The closure will affect 1,756 employees, and it is scheduled to take place after September 2, 2025. Over 2,500 drinks brands are now seeking a new wholesaler and distributor in the state
Interim CEO Bob Hendrickson said, “This decision is driven by rising operational costs, industry headwinds, and supplier changes that made the market unsustainable. We’ve made the difficult business decision to withdraw from California, which affects many of the roles in the state. We are complying with all regulatory obligations and are committed to handling every transition thoughtfully and smoothly and ensuring everyone is treated fairly and respectfully. We are grateful for the support of these employees and will do our best to support them during this time.”
Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?