BYU Bookstore announces cutbacks

In the midst of difficult economic times, the BYU Bookstore is one of the latest to announce a workforce reduction.

In a Friday evening telephone call, University Spokeswoman Carri Jenkins announced the revisions to the BYU Bookstore’s structure.

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“The BYU Bookstore has been losing money in recent years,” Jenkins said. “It is now clear that for the Bookstore to become commercially viable, and self-sustaining in the future, some very significant changes are required.”

Of the 100 full-time, non-student positions, 25 have been eliminated along with four part-time, non-student positions. Employees were informed of this decision Friday afternoon, effective immediately. However, those who lost their jobs are scheduled to receive two weeks of pay, as well as a severance package. No student employees were affected.

Jenkins said the decision was not made rashly.

“The Bookstore has been losing money for several years,” Jenkins said. “This decision came after three years of internal study and closely watching trends which are not reversing, particularly in the textbook area.”

Roger Reynolds, director of the BYU Bookstore, expressed his feelings on the matter in a statement to Jenkins.

“We recognize the excellent service these employees have given through the years and appreciate all that they have done for the Bookstore and the university,” Reynolds said. “We made this very difficult decision because it was absolutely necessary for the survival of the Bookstore. We believe, however, that these changes will allow us to remain relevant to the BYU campus.”