JULY 29, 2020 — 120 COMPANY LAYOFFS, 90 AT THE COMPANY’S KANSAS CITY HEADQUARTERS
“Hallmark is transforming its business as people shop and engage with brands differently. This need is even more urgent now that Covid-19 has introduced more shoppers to digital and e-commerce solutions."
"To meet consumers’ changing needs, we’re investing in our marketing, modern digital experiences and supply chain capabilities in ways that will help us reimagine how we deliver our products. Part of this transformation includes a workforce reduction, as well as the continued restructuring of the Hallmark Global business to better position us to serve our retail partners and consumers."
Original Post…
Kansas City, Missouri-based Hallmark Cards, the iconic manufacturer of greeting cards and specialty items, has announced a reduction in force to continue their restructuring and cost-cutting efforts. Approximately 400 employees will be effected, including 325 positions at Hallmark’s Kansas City headquarters. The layoffs, some of which will be offered on a voluntary basis, will encompass all of the company’s functional areas including those in greeting cards, retail operations, and corporate support functions.
According to president and chief executive officer, Mike Perry…
“Our success in 2019 reflects the power of the 100 plus year-old Hallmark and Crayola brands and their relevancy in the lives of our consumers. While there is a lot to feel good about, it is no secret that today’s companies must continuously transform in response to the rapidly evolving retail and consumer environments. The way people shop and the competitive dynamics in the marketplace are changing at a pace and at a degree that is having a significant impact on our businesses.”
“As we open 2020, we have a clear line of sight to the transformational work that needs to be accomplished and these efforts will lead us on a path that will enable us to realize the longer-term vision and mission we have for our business.”
“This transformation includes actions to reduce the size of the current global workforce for Hallmark’s greeting card business, retail business and corporate support functions. Perry announced to employees this week that the company is taking voluntary and involuntary actions that will impact approximately 400 of the company’s 30,000 employees around the world. These changes, while not easy, will enable us to invest in new growth strategies that will ultimately help us realize our future vision. The products and content we create make a positive difference in the world. To be able to help others, and to build an enduring business, we must change.” said Perry. “Our efforts will be ongoing and by transforming the way we work, the way we go to market, and the way we serve our customers, we will be enabling our business to thrive and fulfill the promise of our brand.”
Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?