Multititle mailer Orchard Brands laid off 33 people last month as part of an “ongoing integration” of women’s apparel catalogers Willow Ridge and Bedford Fair Lifestyles.
Orchard Brands spokesperson Denise Deschenes says about half of the layoffs affected IT workers involved with the integration, while the other half affected some workers due to operating efficiencies gained through the process.
Both Bedford Fair Lifestyles and Willow Ridge will both maintain and mail a print catalog, and Deschenes says that the layoffs had no connection to the potential sale of Orchard Brands.
Beverly, MA-based Orchard Brands, which sells apparel, accessories and home goods to consumers age 55 and older, reportedly owes more than $700 million to lenders.