QVC starts layoff of 900, most in West Chester

Television retailer QVC began a series of layoffs today that will result in the elimination of about 900 jobs - most of them in West Chester - over the next 14 months.

The announcement comes after a rough quarter. Its total revenue in its third quarter, which ended Sept. 30, decreased by 3 percent to $1.64 billion and revenue in the U.S. fell by 9 percent to $1.07 billion.

The cuts, combined with other reductions, will save the company $30 million to $40 million a year, said Michael George, the company's president and CEO.

QVC told 160 employees today that their jobs were being eliminated immediately. About 110 of them were at the company's corporate headquarters in West Chester and its operations center about two miles away.

QVC will lay off 500 more people at its distribution center in West Chester over the next 14 months. Its West Chester call center will close around March 27, leaving 250 additional people out of work.

The company will be creating 200 jobs at its Florence, S.C., operations, for a net loss of about 700 jobs.

Employees at the West Chester call center and distribution center will work through the holiday season and have been offered enhanced severance and health benefits when they leave, George said.

George said it was difficult to deliver the news. The West Chester divisions that are being affected are among the company's oldest.

"It was hard," he said. "There was no other way to describe it. A lot of shock. A lot of sadness. Some tears. It was a very emotional time."