Amazon Cuts Jobs in New York
In October, Amazon implemented significant layoffs, impacting 660 employees in Manhattan, as indicated by state records.
The layoffs affected nine office locations, with Amazon confirming that only its own employees were let go.
The majority of local layoffs concentrated at two sites. According to a report from the state Department of Labor, 233 individuals lost their jobs at the office on 450 W. 33rd Street, near Hudson Yards, while another 182 were laid off at 424 Fifth Avenue, which was formerly the Lord & Taylor flagship store that Amazon purchased for $1 billion back in 2020.
Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, commented that most layoffs were in the tech sector, suggesting that New York City was not immune to these cuts. He mentioned the ongoing competition for talent, particularly as we enter an era dominated by advancements in artificial intelligence.
While Amazon didn’t detail the layoffs specifically, it did clarify that warehouse and delivery workers were not included in these job reductions.
Late last month, the Seattle-based company announced a plan to cut 14,000 employees for restructuring purposes. This move aimed to streamline operations and better allocate resources, as explained by Beth Galetti, the senior vice president of people experience, in a blog post from October 28.
The company is looking to eliminate 30,000 corporate roles in total, which would represent around 9% of its global office workforce, as reported by those familiar with the situation.
According to the New York Times, further layoffs might occur into January, following the holiday season. Amazon has already reduced tens of thousands of jobs since Andy Jassy succeeded Jeff Bezos in 2021.
Amazon usually employs a large number of individuals across its various locations, and despite the layoffs, none of the nine offices in New York City are slated for closure.
As of 2023, approximately 2,000 people work in the iconic Lord & Taylor building, which houses Amazon’s “New York Tech Hub.” This historic 11-story structure features a rooftop garden, indoor dining options, and even a dog park.
Recent layoffs in New York City included 91 positions at 410 10th Street, 58 at 7 West 34th Street, 41 at 330 West 34th Street, 38 at 237 Park Avenue, and smaller numbers at several other addresses.
In a prior message, Galetti noted that some may question the need for reductions when the company appears to be thriving. She emphasized the transformative nature of current AI technologies, which enable companies to innovate at an unprecedented pace.
