Well Christmas is over, the presents all opened and families all fed, time once again for executives to wake early from bed. They will return to their regions, their districts, and stores, and begin the countdown to the news we deplore.
January 3rd is the day of which I do speak, when the announcements are made and the reductions are bleak. First at store level, with VPSM's in stores that do 15 million or less, we will hear that the company considers them to be in excess. Dual box coverage will be the new theme of the day; with 1 out of 2 VPSM's in these locations going away.
Where stores are remote and dual box not an option, say goodbye to your VP title and stock options. Other executives in small stores also do not stay, like our Visual Managers who go to Lead at a max of just $38K.
At the region and district levels merchants get streamlined, because the FOB's all get combined.
Where once there were seven, there will be only three, that's a bunch of executives released by January decree.
At the corporate offices there will also be eliminations, in conjunction with store closings and district consolidations. There will be many affected, that you will see, but now I must go, as there's eggnog remaining and friends by the tree.
Good luck in the days remaining, and between now and then, consider those who remain vs. those with jobs that will end. Ask yourself which the better will be, to stay in job and do the work of two, possibly three, or take a big package, roll the dice, and be free?