Headlines

Williams-Sonoma to Cut 1400 Jobs

High-end retailer has been hard hit by the recession

Published

15 years ago

January 22, 2009

VMSD Staff

Williams-Sonoma Inc. (San Francisco) has announced plans to cut 18 percent of its workforce.

By the end of the month, the specialty retailer will have cut 1400 positions and shut down a call center in Pennsylvania and a distribution facility in Tennessee.

The company, which is also parent of the Pottery Barn chain, said the series of actions would reduce costs by about $75 million in fiscal 2009.

“All of these initiatives will allow us to maintain our financial flexibility while at the same time focus on those strategic objectives that will enhance our competitive positioning when these macro head winds subside,” said ceo Howard Lester.

The high-end home furnishings market has been particularly hard hit by the recession. This month, Williams-Sonoma reported a 24.2 percent decrease in 2008 same-store holiday sales.

MasterClass: ‘Re-Sparkling’ Retail: Using Store Design to Build Trust, Faith and Brand Loyalty

HOW CAN WE EMPOWER and inspire senior leaders to see design as an investment for future retail growth? This session, led by retail design expert Ian Johnston from Quinine Design, explores how physical stores remain unmatched in the ability to build trust, faith, and loyalty with your customers, ultimately driving shareholder value.

Presented by:
Ian Johnston
Founder and Creative Director, Quinine Design