Powells Staff Asked to Cut Hours Due to Weak Sales

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December 18 – December 25, 2008 Edition Powell’s Staff
Asked to Cut Hours
Due to Weak Sales

PORTLAND, Ore. (Authorlink News, December 18, 2008)—Powell’s Books has asked employees to cut their work hours or take sabbaticals to cope with disappointing sales, according to a report by Associated Press.

Powell’s, one of the nation’s largest independent booksellers, says sales are below expectations and they are adjusting inventory, operating expenses and staff to deal with the downturn.

While no layoffs have been mentioned by Powell’s chief of operations, Ann Smith, the 500-person staff is vulnerable to further cutbacks unless employees take advantage of the work reduction offers.