REI announced a small number of layoffs at its headquarters as well as its stores. REI said in a statement, The shifts we made support the needs of our business and growth strategy. Out of respect for those individuals whose positions were eliminated, were not providing specifics on the total number or which areas were impacted.”
According to a report in the Seattle Times, the layoffs represented a “limited number” of employees and most the eliminated positions were in support areas. Spokeswoman Libby Catalinich said REI is making changes at its stores to “help us focus on our customer and provide more scalability.”
The layoffs began a few weeks ago and are completed. Plans are in place to hire an undisclosed number of employees in the coming months, for an expected “net increase” in headquarters jobs by year’s end, Catalinich told the Seattle Times.
