Since Catalog Age first reported on the mass layoffs affecting catalogers in 2001 (“Layoffs: Who’s Getting Hit?” in the April issue), a number of companies have joined the ranks of those trimming head count in an effort to cut costs. Catalogers such as Chadwick’s of Boston and PC Connection have followed the lead of companies such as Hanover Direct, which in January let go of 285 workers, and Coldwater Creek, which in February cut 160 employees. Dell Computer Corp., which in February laid off 1,700 employees, announced in May that it will cut another 3,000-4,000 jobs by October.
And it’s not just catalogers feeling the pain. The Direct Marketing Association in May laid off 14 people, or 7% of its workforce, while in June printing giant R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co. announced it was laying off 250 staffers. Below, a list of the most recent casualties as of mid-June.
| Company | Number of layoffs (% of workforce) |
When announced |
|---|---|---|
| Kids Stuff | 6 (18%) | June |
| Micro Warehouse | 116 (NA) | May |
| Neiman Marcus | 190 (1.5%) | May |
| New England Business Service (NEBS) | 125 (3%) | May |
| Dell Computer Corp. | 3,000-4,000 (up to 10%) | May |
| Kennametal | 250 (6%-8%) | April |
| Chadwick’s of Boston | 300 (20%) | April |
| PC Connection | 125 (7.5%) | March |