Sony has been working mobile fans into a frenzy at MWC in Barcelona this week, showing off a slew of new products for the first time, though for a thousand workers at its US stores it appears there’s little to cheer about.
The electronics giant announced Wednesday its intention to shutter 20 of its 31 retail stores across the US by the end of this year.
The Japanese firm said in a statement the move is part of plans “to restructure its organization to maintain its competitiveness in an evolving consumer electronics market,” with the decision resulting in the loss of approximately 1,000 US-based jobs. Globally, another 4,000 Sony workers are set to lose their jobs.
“While these moves were extremely tough, they were absolutely necessary to position us in the best possible place for future growth,” said Mike Fasulo, President and COO of Sony Electronics. “I am entirely confident in our ability to turn the business around, in achieving our preferred future, and continue building on our flawless commitment to customer loyalty through the complete entertainment experience only Sony can offer.”
Earlier this month the company also said it was selling its VAIO division to Japan Industrial Partners, with around 300 Sony workers moving across to its new owner. The decision to turn its back on the PC business will allow the firm to concentrate more on other areas including gaming, mobile, and other non-PC products. The huge company has been struggling in recent years as competition grows ever more intense in all parts of the electronics industry, with the store closures coming as the likes of Apple and Microsoft continue to expand their retail presence.
Six Sony stores have already shut down this year. These are: Beverly Center in Los Angeles, Gallery at San Francisco Centre in SF, Gallery at Park Meadows Mall in Lone Tree CO, Rehoboth Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach DE, Jersey Shore Premium Outlets in Tinton Falls NJ, and Riverhead Tanger Outlets in Riverhead NY.
Here’s a full list of the stores set to close:
Tysons VA, University Village WA, Galleria Dallas TX, Forum Shops NV, Pentagon VA, Boca Raton FL, Menlo Park NJ, Las Americas CA, Camarillo CA, Aurora IL, Gilroy CA, Wrentham MA, Pleasant Prairie WI, San Marcos TX, Cherry Creek CO, Dolphin FL, Century City CA, Valley Fair CA, Comcast PA, Central Valley NY (Woodbury Common Outlets).
[via Polygon] [Image: Tooykrub / Shutterstock]
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