B&N described the layoffs as the result of a “new labor model for its stores that has resulted in the elimination of certain store positions.” The change will “allow stores to adjust staff up or down based on the needs of the business, increase store productivity and streamline store operations,” the company said.
Longer term, the company is cutting some of its sidelines and reducing the size of its stores (see “Barnes & Noble Cutting Toys and Games, Gift SKUs”).