Following the quick departure of chief merchandising officer Jackie De Leo earlier in the month, Barnes & Noble has laid off a number of veteran staff as part of a “realignment of our buying and campaigns teams.” Senior director, books Shannon DeVito wrote in an email, “The aim is to streamline our responsibilities and better focus our efforts to improve our bookselling. Unfortunately, this has meant that a number of colleagues have left the business as their roles were removed.” PL is aware of at least seven longtime buyers and publisher liaisons whose roles were eliminated. As of today’s newsletter […]
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Hachette Book Group Slashes Union Square Staff
Just two months after acquiring Union Square and Co. from Barnes & Noble, Hachette Book Group has notified the unit’s staff that it will eliminate a substantial number of positions. HBG employees report and believe the layoffs to affect approximately 60 jobs, or roughly half of the Union Square personnel. The company tells PL, “We do not disclose personnel information; however, it is inaccurate and false that 60 employees are being let go. Additionally, some of the impacted employees have been offered other roles within the company and are working with human resources to remain at Hachette Book Group.” When the acquisition […]