EBay will lay off about 9% of its workforce as the online marketplace looks to simplify operations and shift resources to its fastest-growing areas, chief executive Jamie Iannone told staff in a memo reviewed by Reuters. A spokesperson for eBay confirmed the layoffs to Reuters on Wednesday, saying the move will eliminate around 1,000 jobs.

Source: Reuters

AFP, reporting the same announcement on Wednesday, said the company informed staff of the cuts on Tuesday. “To ensure we continue to operate from a position of strength by aligning our teams and resources with our top strategic priorities,” a spokesperson told AFP, adding that eBay is “committed to supporting them through this transition with care and respect.”

Source: AFP

~1,000Jobs to be eliminated
9%Share of workforce
12,300Employees at end of last year
800Jobs cut in February round

The company had 12,300 employees at the end of last year, Reuters reported. It also let go about 6% of its workforce, or 800 employees, in February as part of efforts to streamline operations. Affected staff in this new round would be informed in the coming days, Iannone said in the memo.

“Our strategy is working,” Iannone said in the memo, adding that “continuing to capture the significant opportunity ahead requires us to make thoughtful choices about where we focus and invest.” Shares of eBay rose about 1% in early trading on Wednesday, Reuters reported, and the stock has risen nearly 40% this year. The company is based in San Jose, California, and is slated to report its latest earnings next week.

Reuters noted eBay has pushed into authenticated luxury goods, collectibles and refurbished products, and benefited this year from its deal for the fashion resale platform Depop, which expanded its reach among younger consumers. GameStop chief executive Ryan Cohen made an unsolicited bid for eBay in May, which the board rejected, Reuters and AFP both reported.

What is solid

  • eBay will eliminate around 1,000 jobs, about 9% of its workforce, per Reuters (memo reviewed, spokesperson confirmed) and AFP (spokesperson statement).
  • eBay had 12,300 employees at the end of last year and cut about 800 jobs in February, per both wires.
  • The company is headquartered in San Jose, California, per AFP.

What is only claimed

  • Which teams, countries and how many San Jose jobs are affected has not been disclosed — Reuters said affected staff would be informed in the coming days.