KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Hallmark announced in a statement on Monday that it made two business decisions that will result in at least 200 job cuts by the end of 2014. One decision made by Hallmark involves product development, which the company says will become more streamlined. It also announced that it is making a phased exit from the party business.
The explanation for the first decision doesn’t go into great detail, but mentions that virtually every step of product development will be impacted. Those positions include: creative development, product strategy and project management. The transition is effective immediately and the company’s new strategies will be in place by January 2014. The decision impacts approximately 100 positions that will be cut.
The company said it sees the party business as a commodity and will no longer sell, purchase or distribute party cups, plates, napkins or table covers. That will result in the loss of 125-150 jobs over time.
President Dave Hall said in the statement that the decisions were made to streamline its operations with the future in mind.
“We never approach decisions that impact people lightly or without thoughtful consideration, but business realities require us to become a smaller, leaner organization,” Hall stated.