Selfridges have announced on Tuesday that they are to cut 450 jobs reducing their overall headcount by 14%.
Sales in the luxury department store have been “significantly less” than last year and it has been one of the “hardest decisions” to make, they said in a statement.
Managing director Anne Pitcher said in an email to Selfridges staff, “How we work, shop and socialise is changing.
“Of course, our high streets were changing rapidly before Covid-19 arrived.
“As a creative business at the forefront of retail, we have a proud history of leading the way, however the speed and magnitude of what is happening right now and the impact on trading means we must make some more fundamental changes to our organisation to stay ahead and realise a more sustainable future.
“Like many others, we are feeling the effects and acknowledge that recovery will be slow, with sales this year forecast to be significantly less than they were in 2019. It will, without doubt, be the toughest year we have experienced in our recent history.
“As a family business, the hardest decisions are the ones that affect our people, which is why it pains me to share news today of the toughest decision we have ever had to take that we will, very regrettably, need to make a 14% net reduction in our overall headcount, approximately 450 roles.”
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