Hallmark completes previously announced layoff plans

Hallmark Cards followed through this week with headquarters staff cuts announced in March.

The company had expected to eliminate about 200 product development and creation positions but was able to reduce the number to 165.

Even at the reduced reduction rate, the company didn’t receive enough voluntary separation requests, so involuntary cuts began this week.

Company spokesman Julie Elliott said the affected employees’ final workdays will be later this month. All are receiving severance packages and outplacement assistance.

David Hall, president of Hallmark North America, said earlier this year, “Like so many consumer products companies, Hallmark must find ways to reduce its costs in the face of changes in consumer spending.”

The company has been aggressively paring costs by consolidating some operations and looking for new revenue streams.

This story was originally published June 3, 2015 at 12:17 PM with the headline "Hallmark completes previously announced layoff plans."