:( BTW, You're Fired

RadioShack Corp. (Fort Worth, Texas) has followed through on plans to cut about 400 jobs – by email.

Employees at the consumer electronics retailer’s headquarters received an email message on Tuesday morning, Aug. 29, 2006, telling them they were being dismissed immediately.

“The work force reduction notification is currently in progress,” the notice stated. “Unfortunately your position is one that has been eliminated.”

A company spokeswoman said employees had been told in a series of meetings that layoff notices would be delivered electronically.

The company announced on August 10 that it would cut 400 to 450 jobs, mostly at headquarters, to cut expenses and “improve its long-term competitive position.” RadioShack has also closed nearly 500 stores, consolidated distribution centers and liquidated slow-moving merchandise in an effort to shake out of a sales slump. Sales of cellphones, a crucial item for the company, have been disappointing.

Last month, the company hired former Kmart executive Julian Day as ceo.

Home Depot Inc. (Atlanta) will also engage in cost-cutting, eliminating about 300 jobs at its headquarters. The ceo, Robert Nardelli, made the announcement in a written memorandum to Home Depot employees.