The e‑commerce giant said the layoffs are part of a wider cost‑reduction effort, announcing the cuts amid its Prime Big Deal Days promotion.

Amazon announced it will cut hundreds of retail jobs, a move the company says is part of a broader cost‑reduction strategy launched during its high‑profile Prime Big Deal Days sales event.

Scope of the layoffs

The e‑commerce giant confirmed that the reductions will affect employees in its physical‑store and online‑retail divisions, though it did not disclose the exact number of positions eliminated.

Timing and context

The announcement came as Amazon rolled out Prime Big Deal Days, a multi‑day promotion aimed at boosting sales during a traditionally slow retail period. Executives said the timing underscores the company’s focus on tightening its cost base while still driving revenue.

Amazon has been trimming expenses across its business units over the past year, including reductions in corporate staff and a slowdown in hiring for its logistics network.

Impact on employees

Affected workers will receive severance packages and outplacement support, according to statements from Amazon’s human‑resources team. The company emphasized that the layoffs are not linked to performance issues but to a strategic realignment of resources.

  • Retail store associates
  • Warehouse and fulfillment staff
  • Corporate support roles
We remain committed to delivering value to our customers while ensuring the long‑term health of our business,

Amazon’s CEO reiterated that the company will continue to invest in growth areas such as cloud computing, advertising, and its subscription services, even as it scales back certain retail functions.

Analysts note that the layoffs reflect broader pressures on the e‑commerce sector, including rising labor costs and intensified competition from other online retailers.

Reuters coverage of Amazon layoffs