QVC to Cut 900 Mostly-Pennsylvania-Based Jobs

Yesterday, QVC announced plans to eliminate 900 U.S. positions over the next 14 months — a response to the slumping global economy meant to trim the retailer’s operating expenses by $30 to $40 million in 2009.  The move is part of a plan to wind down call center and warehousing operations in West Chester, Pennsylvania.  The company’s Florence, South Carolina, distibution center will benefit from an expected pick-up of 200 new positions, which will reduce the net loss of jobs to some 700 (or 5.8% of QVC’s U.S. workforce).  Call centers in Virginia, Florida and Texas will also see additional work, upon the closure of the West Chester call center next March.  Also announced was an expansion of the retailer’s work-from-home plan for call center employees.  Reuters Nov. 12, 2008  The Virginian-Pilot Nov. 13, 2008  QVC Press Release Nov. 12, 2008