Knoxville-based home shopping network Jewelry Television began a new round of layoffs Wednesday as a result of poor holiday sales and a weak economy.
Spokeswoman Kelly Fletcher could not confirm how many employees would be affected but said they likely would be from all departments. Employees will be notified through Friday but downsizing may continue until sales improve, she said.
"We're in a cost-cutting mode. There is no change in the company status. We're not filing for bankruptcy," Fletcher said.
Jewelry Television at one point employed up to 2,000 workers but that was down to about 1,300 employees before Wednesday's layoff announcement.
The company has gone through several rounds of layoffs in the last year, reducing its work force in Knoxville and Nashville.
Electronic retailer ShopNBC also announced Wednesday it was reducing its workforce by approximately 11 percent, effective immediately. The announcement, which is part of an organizational restructuring to reduce expenses, represents a total reduction in salaried employees of 27 percent since fiscal 2007.
Nationally, sales of such luxury items as jewelry took a big hit over the holiday, according to SpendingPulse. Based on figures collected from MasterCard Advisors from Nov. 1 to Dec. 24, the sales of high-end restaurants, leather goods, department stores and jewelry retailers showed the largest year-over-year declines.
Sales of those items were down by more than 34 percent over last year. When jewelry is excluded, luxury sales are down slightly more than 21 percent compared to 2007.
In July, Jewelry Television said it would not move forward with plans to build a new $20 million headquarters at the Pellissippi Corporate Center near the intersection of Pellissippi Parkway and Hardin Valley Road.
Business writer Carly Harrington may be reached at 865-342-6317.
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Comments » 494
shoes writes:
I thought they were required to file notice with the state? Or did I get that part wrong?
mooncat017#404368 writes:
I think it's ironic that my boyfriend worked two hours of overtime last night and got laid off this morning (He works 11-7 usually, 9-7 last night). They have been allowing employees to work overtime since the beginning of December and the amount of calls they have received since at least Christmas has been higher than usual with sometimes as much as 100 people waiting on the line for a call center representative, but they want to cry poor holiday sales and get rid of more employees even as they are still allowing them to work overtime. I just have a hard time believing a lot of what anyone from JTV says.
billbob writes:
any one from b shift no was b supvisior let go wed and high supvisior go and is shipping going 2 8 hour shifts
SpongeBob writes:
billbob, unfortunately for you I used to be an enciphered communications analyst at NSA for several years. I am working diligently to decrypt your coded message to the other jewelery television employees and will post it in plain text as soon as I can. It appears to be a letter skip code where you take every fourth letter to form a sentence. Oh, I've got it cracked now: "Bring vienna sausage tonight. I'll bring peaches".
Ophelia writes:
Welcome to the reality that is Jewelry Television. It doesn't matter how long you have worked there, it does not take long for one to see the nastiness. And all you can do is either leave of your own volition or wait until it is your turn at the chopping block as you watch the people that you are surrounded by daily/nightly be asked to log off of the phone and computer and walk into their end with the company. To some it is a blessing, to others it is a curse. But to all, it isn't right.
justSEWyouknow writes:
They are afraid to say how many because chances are more are to be laid off as the month goes on. They want the people who are going to be laid off eventually to hang around and do their work (ie not quit and look for other work) until it is time to let them go. My husband is still there but who knows for how long? We updated his resume and are getting ready for the inevitable. When I heard that they were outsourcing their call center work to Florida, I knew the death knell was sounding.
PamBeasley writes:
Their "spokeswoman" is a loon. And I agree, the new big-shot CEO needs to say a few words. I was laid off from there months ago - I'm glad I got out when I did and have since moved on to better things. What a mess that operation turned out to be.
whatsup writes:
The spokesperson Kelly Fletcher is a great PR person which is why Knox News doesn't report all the layoffs that are happening at JTV. She has them (KNS) totally under her thumb- look at the article yesterday- they went from 2000 employees to 1300 and only had two articles about layoffs one in May and one in November-- Great PR person- bad company- bad newspaper reporting
leprechaun writes:
This company is going completely out of business.
They are just letting the bad news seep out slowly so as to not totally panic the workers that are still left there.
CCPAT writes:
My wife works at JTV as of this morning anyway. Not for the money, but the benifets are good. As a business person I never could understand how they made any money the way the owners ran the company. They finally got a professional (Tim Mathews) to fix it and got the hell out of the way. They are not in business to provide jobs. They are in business to make money. From what I saw from the outside looking in, I laughed everytime I thought about it. The list is to long to name, But let it be said, the behavor, and work ethic would not be tolorated in almost any other company.
I do wish everyone well, unemployment, and cobra insurance will help. You had a great ride.
ladelock#332850 writes:
"Posted by SpongeBob on January 8, 2009 at 8:08 a.m.
billbob, unfortunately for you I used to be an enciphered communications analyst at NSA for several years. I am working diligently to decrypt your coded message to the other jewelery television employees and will post it in plain text as soon as I can. It appears to be a letter skip code where you take every fourth letter to form a sentence. Oh, I've got it cracked now: "Bring vienna sausage tonight. I'll bring peaches"."
SpongeBob, that is the funniest thing I have read in a long time!!!!
Perhaps billbob will let you know shortly how well you deciphered his message.
On a serious note, I am sorry for those who are loosing their jobs. Best of luck to you and your families during a difficult time.
SpinFire writes:
"Spokeswoman Kelly Fletcher" should be ashamed of herself, AGAIN. Sure business is to make money but to try this scam that they don't know how many people will be laid off?
Please.
You have to know where you are before you know how to get to the next point.
It sounds like their just letting people go randomly?
More heads to roll today and tomorrow. The invisible number will swell.
So far, as of late 2nd shift yesterday, 70-90 people.
Tonight that number may double and if not, it will tomorrow.
I think this means I lose my privilege to the Company Jet?
Whatever1 writes:
Nice post Kelly!
robertb writes:
Folks if you can’t eat it, don’t need it to get to work or don’t need it to stay alive.... it is pretty useless in this economic climate. If it isn’t a necessity there is a good chance few will buy it and thus those jobs will vanish.
knoxgrrl writes:
Just heard they let a slew of IT people go. Pray for them, everyone, these are good people that just lost their jobs.
Platypus writes:
Does anyone know how many IT folks were let go?
potterplant writes:
Just remember, people, you just need to keep telling the customers "Oh what a beautiful piece of jewelry you are purchasing" even though it is cheap phooey and will fall apart after they get it...oh, but you can buy their "warranty" for it, which not only gives Jewelry Television more money in their pocket, because it will hardly cost them anything to fix or replace it...OR you can buy their parcels which is only left over chips after they have cut larger stones. People, if you are out there buying Jewery Television's products, the owners are laughing at you. You should read some of the comments of the ones who started the company...how they are making fun of the customers...how the customer will buy anything if you show it on TV long enough
Justiceforall writes:
Hi JTV Family-
I am truly getting tired of going through this lay off thing. I work part time at JTV in the call center. Things have not been the same in the call center since May when they let the 2 best managers go. They truly cared about the employees in the call center and were great managers. The call center has always been top heavy in the management department. Why do you need Senior Managers, it did not surprise me that Terry Q was let go since there is no need for Senior Managers and I am waiting for the day Kevin B is let go. From a business standpoint, those positions were never needed (Senior Managers) and a waste of company dollars. Things always take longer to settle and resolve when there is an extra layer of management that is not needed.
I wish everyone well and good luck on your job search if you get laid off. If I get laid off, I will miss the money, but have a full time job to fall back on.
fujtv writes:
I'm sorry to everyone getting laid off who survive only off JTV income. Thankfully I got out of there before the worst of this hit. JTV used to be an okay company to work for, but the last year and a half that I worked there it was pure hell. The managment doesn't care about the employees, but yet the employees are supposed to care about the customers. And they wonder why JTV operators are complete A holes. From what I hear, there arent even schedules in the computer for anyone past January 17th. There are also no show schedules past the 17th. In my personal opinion, JTV is going out of busines. Perhaps that is why no one will admit to how many people they are letting go. The worst part about JTV is that they are never upfront with the employees. Employees of JTV found out about the recent lay offs through the news like everyone else and that isn't right. I feel bad for people who need their job, but JTV is a shady company and really doesn't even deserve to be open.
billbob writes:
whats the news today in shipping dept
minihorselover1 writes:
There's an article on wbir.com today that states that companies that employ more that 100 people must give a 60 day notice to the state and the employees before a layoff, if they are laying off more than 50 people. This is the 3rd layoff at JTV in 7 months and not one of the employees were given notice that this was going to happen. You found out when you were told to log off your computer,grab your stuff and walked to your car. Now I hear that people are going to work, finding out that their badges don't open the doors anymore,then finding out that they are laid off.
I was laid off 2 months ago with no notice. Can the company be fined or something for not giving this notice?
x_jtv_woman writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
x_jtv_woman writes:
The mug says James
chaoticstubbs writes:
Hey All, here is the totals of the LAY OFF DEAL
93 call center
50 People in E-commerce
AT 9:00 am SUPS GET THE AX!!!
SOME PEOPLE IN THE CALL CENTER BELIEVE THAT THE STATE LAWS DON'T APPLY HERE BUT THEY DO
THEY CAN FIRE YOU FOR ANY REASON!!!!!
AND MORE TO COME!!!
TIM MATTHEWS IS A HATCHET MAN
3 SHOW HOSTS GOT FIRED!!!
AND THE MANAGMENT TEAM PLACED PEOPLE IN THE CALL CENTER TO LISTEN TO YOUR CONVERSATIONS!!
NatureLover11 writes:
Jewelry Television is currently being run by a bunch of bumbling idiots. They have let seasoned industry professionals go in the last several months (names that people in the industry would recognize)...only to retain the original, uneducated "country bumpkins" as their on-air personalities. It looks as if they WANT to fail! Vendors BEWARE! After JTV files for bankruptcy and re-opens as America's Collectibles Network again, you're going to be left with your accounts receivables unpaid! Maybe ACN will be able to get a good deal on some Beanie Babies...HA!
chaoticstubbs writes:
They sold the building in nashville for a lose!!
JTV is going under a new name in March!!
This is posted in a Meeting room in Parkside, They are gonna rehire more security once they change names.
But employess will start at low pay again.
The plan is to restart JTV like it was in 1999!
They Can't even pay the Heating BILLS!! it was so cold last night even the SUPS said no Comment when asked to turn up the heat!!
I Love when Turn tables run from 19.99-49.99
everynight oh ya Sell MORE Gift BOXES!!!
THEY WILL SAVE JTV At .99 cents a box
They will be Our Savior!!
BIG RAISE TO WHOEVER SELLS 500 LOL!!!
DO IT OR MANAGMENT WILL EAT YOUR FAMILY!!
potterplant writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
SpinFire writes:
NOBODY is making money on Real Estate now.
I didn't hear about the heating issue but much of what you wrote sounds accurate.
I heard the call center took a 96 person hit. It was all based on attendance, they were all mostly 1 or 2 occurrences from the axe and they took them out anyway.
1/4 of my team.
I wonder how many "Supervisors" got "it" this morning?
I hadn't heard the rumor about ACN 'returning'.
Someone must have a stake in those "gift boxs". They are pushing them pretty hard.
Yea, they're pulling out ALL the cheap stuff lately.
Generated many calls but not many buck$. Maybe they have a higher margin? NOTHING lights up the lines like a Bella Luce Show or tray!
I also noticed they took several Show People off their Web Site "Meet the Host" page this morning.
I'll continue to try for them but it doesn't look good.
Cubsgirl55 writes:
I've seen so much stuff written on here in the last couple of days. Does anyone care that people just lost their jobs? Everyone has someone to blame...mgmt, CEO's, the fouders, etc., but I just heard on the news that 11 million people throughout the US are out of jobs. Everyone that has just lost their job just had the rug pulled out from under them. These people have families that they have to take care of, kids to feed, bills to pay. Their lives just changed!!
I should know, it happened to me too! I am truly saddened by what is happening. I (apparently unlike most people here) absolutely loved my job at JTV. I worked with the best group of people I have ever worked with...anywhere! They are my family and I am going to miss going to work and spending time with them day after day. I was finally in a position that fit me, where I felt like I could make a difference, and I did. Luckily, most of my teammates still have their jobs today and I am thrilled for them!
In this econimic time, it's a sad day when people are losing their jobs by the hundreds day after day. Everyone can blame who they want but it's not going to change anything.
I hope that everyone that has lost a job recently is able to find something that will help them support themselves and their families!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and I'll see you all in the unemployment line!!
laidoff writes:
Cobra...seriously? Are you s**tting me? $850 a month for insurance doesnt help one darn bit. And the benefits really werent THAT great. They werent the worst in the world, but they certainly werent something I would choose JTV for over another place.
Dee78 writes:
I've been reading the comments for a few days now and wanted to give some advice.
For those with kids, CoverKids and Tenncare are there for a reason. I was laid off in November, I worked for insurance and that's about it. My son qualifies for CoverKids and my daughters for TennCare. Also, for adults, look into CoverTN. It's a WHOLE lot cheaper than Cobra if you qualify.
Don't be ashamed to ask for help, that's why government assistance programs were developed. It's there to help in these circumstances. So go apply for it. Take advantage of all of the programs out there (especially financial aid).
My best advice to those that lost their jobs...I know it seems like the end of the world but it isn't. Obviously if you are online then you have the internet. There are so many resources out there. www.simplyhired.com is an excellent website for job hunting.
Consider going back to school. Even if it is just for a certificate program, it's still a certificate that can get you a job anywhere for decent pay. Roane State's semester starts in a few days. Tennessee Tech has different start dates. I'm starting a CNA class on the 30th, it's full but there's another one on Feb 24th. It isn't the best job in the world but it will guarantee making more than minimum wage and there's a shortage so you'll always have a job.
To those still at JTV, I hope that the rumors aren't true. I hope that you all get to keep your jobs. I worked there for 5 years, there were good times and bad times but overall it was a great place to work. I made so many friends that I will keep for life. I don't believe any ONE (or 4) persons are to blame for the layoffs, I hope that someday you will be able to see that it's the economy that caused this and not the people at the top. I don't see how people can read the website every day and see company after company laying off and still blame the founders for this. But some people have to have someone to blame and they are the easiest target.
Hi to all my friends out there that know who I am based on this info!!!
struggling_mom writes:
Well, let me tell you... I went to work this morning to find out that I had been laid off, and was not even given the courtesy of it being done in private. I was told in the middle of the call center when I went to ask for my check. Then when I went to HR to finally get my check I was informed that all my paperwork was MAILED out to me on Thursday before I was even informed that I no longer had a job. I understand that times are tough and money is tight, but these are still people that you are dealing with. I still have alot of family and friends at JTV and I hope that things can turn around before everyone shows up one morning and the doors are locked. I will keep all of you in my prayers, past and present JTV workers.
potterplant writes:
Kelly Fletcher says" We are not filing for bankruptcy"...Correction: JTV has ALREADY filed, not filing
potterplant writes:
I'll try again...unbelievable...show host Scott is still there with all his "history"...'nuff said
potterplant writes:
The parcels you pay for are nothing but left over from the larger stones Jewelry Televison has had cut...they want to sell you every chip that is left over of the stone. Don't you customers get it...and they have said before customers will buy anything if you show it on the air long enough
SpinFire writes:
I heard that too but that's public record.
If it's true and hasn't been published, the paper is neglect in their duty and should be punished.
potterplant writes:
Time to spread the word to other newspapers throughout the country...more than Tennesseeans need to know the truth
SpinFire writes:
I always took offense when the Show Person said to use th automated order process or the Web Site.
suepoo1956 writes:
I got laid off this past week and I just want to say that I have peace with this companys decision to tap me on the shoulder and send me packing. I feel blessed that I was given two week serverance pay, and an opportunity to receive unemployment while I am looking for a new job. God is walking beside me and I look at this as a season ending and a new one beginning to even better things in my life. I did get tired of listening to customers complaining to the point of even cusing me over a piece of jewelry, which in my thoughts is not one of the most important thing in the world. God, family and friends are. I feel blessed to have met a lot of nice people who are continuing to be a part of my life in a positive way. If you are still employed with JTV and for those who have been laid off. May God bless each and everyone of you. And bless you to the point of looking at what is important in life. Its just a job.
OhSuds writes:
Nice that your wife has a job just for the benefits and not the money. Let's see JTV pays about less than $10 an hour? I don't know how they manage to stay in business and doubt they will be much longer. I used to be a watcher and would laugh at the way the host to host talk would go, soooo scripted, huge waste of money to have two on same show and same thing(s) shown over and over and over. We did NOT have any more of these, but back in the warehouse (which is HUGE) they found some more and have cut prices on everything, big time .. I wound up buying a few things LONG ago and now they sell same thing for half or more of what I paid for it. Looks like the gem world is in the ditch as is the rest of the globe.
Cobra is VERY expensive, I know, unemployment for someone making ten bucks or less an hour or even fifteen is NOTHING, I wish you luck and hope your wife keeps her job.
As for work ethics, I worked in many companies as an executive and always enjoyed letting my employees have a good time, as long as the work was done - they appreciated being there and benefits were always THE BEST, bonuses huge, per hour usually was starting at $18 an hour - that was LONG ago but MOST enjoyable times for my employees and made it nice for me to see all enjoying their free time as well as their work.
Seems like a nice company about to go out of business the way they are laying people off. Hosts should go, the people who get the bigger money, at least just one per show, but I cannot believe anything they say anymore and perhaps Tim Mathews should be looking for a new job as well?
By the way, how many employees or ex employees have gotten cancer of some sort? I think it is time for someone to check into what is in the building there other than gems. Something I watch around the country and seems to be quite a large amount of people who have gotten cancer in that area, perhaps time to clean up the mold or area around the buildings there?
dude writes:
I can't wait to see JTV go bankrupt because of the poor management. Managers don't listen to employees ideas. I nearly got fired for mine and it would have saved them a lot of money. Start by getting rid of those managers that make you work over time on a Saturday when there's no work to do. Retarded. But that's who they put in those positions.
CornNuts writes:
Jtv's website is horrible. The jewelry all is over airbrushed so bright as if someone that was color blind posted them up.
potterplant writes:
There is one position in the call center that has at least five people working there, and at least one of them is out of the department taking 20 minutes breaks at least every 30 minutes...correction...make that two...why can't this section be cut?
billbob writes:
they will keep shipping 12 hours they need to go to 8 hour shift mon to fri
fujtv writes:
I would be happy to get laid off from JTV. Of course it sucks not to have a job, but JTV was a shitty place to work for. At first it was ok... we just had to deal with dumb customers but eventually we had to deal with dumb customers plus dumb team leaders and managers and even higher up people who have never even stepped in the call center making rules in which they know nothing about. I'd like to see those higher ups sit in a call center for 8-12 hours a day and take phone calls from the most stupid people on earth and see how they feel after even a day. There is only so much a person can take of getting questions like "can you find me an 6x8 square stone?" To those of you who got laid off.. I'm guessing you didn't like your job that much because I HATED it! So, hopefully this will be something positive instead of negative. Getting laid off from a crappy company just forces you to do something you should have otherwise done on your own but didnt have the balls to do.
CCPAT writes:
I too have been on COBRA for 16 months. It was very expensive, I quit smoking,drinking, going out to eat, drove less, gave up cable, and got a pay as you go cell phone, BUT I kept the insurance for my family. That was my job. I also am an executive. Employees should be paid well to work. Have a good time off the clock. Don't play games and read books at work. IF you can do that you are not needed. I could not believe what I witnessed at JTV when my wife went to work there, SHE could not believe it. It was like geting paid to play.
All good things must come to an end.
You lost me on the mold stuff.
I hope you and your family end up well, and I'm sure you will.
Bamboo writes:
I have been with JTV going on almost two years now and have survived two lay-offs.The first time, I conveyed to my supervisors (one of the really good ones and had the sense to leave before she got canned) my fears about being laid off. She said she's not worried about me. I have then moved on to a different department in JTV and was subjected to the trauma of sitting there for weeks, worrying if I was going to get that tap on the shoulder, but I was passed over. Considering that I was just new to this department.When Steve Walsh finally came to give his rah-rah speech...he said, and I quote, "You are the A-listers. Because you do such a great job."...and y'all know what? That is exactly what it is. BECAUSE WE DO SUCH A GREAT JOB. We don't abuse our breaks. We go the extra mile.We show up when we are expected to show up. We have exceptionally good work ethics...and it does show up in our files. What I'm saying is this...our performances speaks for ourselves. Would a company let go of a really good employee? ...cont,d
Bamboo writes:
Think about this for a minute...Or was it because they moan and gripe all the time. Or because they hate what they do. Here's a really popular one,because they don't really want to be here today or because "I'm talking to stupid customer.", or because I'm selling crappy stuff." (I do have to agree with you on that one cuz it was one thing seeing it on tv, but to actually see our stuff in person? God Almighty!)
Try this-because I'd rather finish my game instead of taking this person's order. or finish this one page before I log back in, Or because I can just hang up on this customer..just because I can. or because my supervisor sucks, or because I'd rather be out with my friends than be here or because I have FMLA, I can just get up and leave and tell them that I have migraine or sinus or asthma or pms or gas.
I have heard every excuse in the book. Sure, I gripe too.I've seen how the company operates. I've seen how wasteful they've been to the point of ridiculous. MISMANAGEMENT. It was just unfortunate that the owners decided too late that the company needs saving. Let the new guy be the fall guy. We can't really blame the new CEO, he's just doing his job. He knows people will hate him for it but he needs to do his job. He needs to get this company back up on its feet. Unfortunately, he had to take drastic measure in doing it. Really, if there was anybody that we need to blame, it's the owners. They were throwin there money around like it was going out of style....cont'd
Bamboo writes:
Hey, i'd be upset if I got laid off too.It's human nature. I'd be embarrassed and humiliated if I was escorted out like a common criminal. I could rant and rave. But after the first cut,we all knew that they weren't done yet. Let's not kid ourselves about it. WE ALL KNEW.and we should have just prepared for it...
And PLEASE, do not start blaming other people's misfortunes on the company too...people having cancer? heart attacks? I'm sorry...I empathize with my colleagues, but don't you think we brought this upon ourselves? A friend of mine died becasue he was just so angry at everything, day in and day out,until his poor heart couldn't take it anymore - forgetting that fact that he had so much to live for...
Molds? Okay...but hear me out here...How hard is it to flush after you use the toilet. Somebody got sick because of the food in the fridge...was that even YOUR food that you ate? How hard is it to clean up after your own mess?
I have made many good friends...and I felt bad that they lost their jobs. SOme,felt a sense of relief and some, as expected were boiling mad. But then, they move on. I would do the same. I wouldn't sit and wallow in my misfortune. I'd go out there and find another job. It's easier said than done,especially in the crisis that we are in, But always remember,everything needs to start with you.
apollo2kent writes:
commenting to Bamboo:
i too was a jtv employee and was layed off on wednesday of last week, i would like to correct you on a few things, i worked for that comp almost 7 years, very good attendance and yes i had fmla for a child i have with a severe health issue, which i didnt take advantage of, so them laying off people with attendance issues or abused fmla, is not true, i dont care what they say or who you talked to, they layed off people who have been there a lonf time and who make the most money. i made more than most people in that call center, and everyone else who got layed off, were there almost as long as me if not longer.that comp WAS good to work for when bill, bob and jerry ran things but when they handed it over it all went down hill, which is exactly how they wanted i think. the lord will take of all, and if we were done dirty, it will all come back to the person who was dishing out the dirty stuff. im not worried a bit, i know the lord will take care of it all
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