Amazon Tightens Belt with New Round of Book Department Layoffs Amid Broader Cost-Cutting Strategy

Amazon recently announced further job cuts within its book department, affecting roles tied to the Goodreads review site and the Kindle division. The Seattle-based company stated that fewer than 100 employees were impacted by this decision, which is part of an ongoing strategy to enhance efficiency and streamline operations. According to an Amazon spokesperson, the move aligns with the company's business roadmap and addresses the need to optimize team and project productivity.

This latest round of layoffs is consistent with Amazon's broader cost-cutting efforts that have been unfolding across various segments. In previous months, the company also reduced headcount in its Devices & Services department, the Wondery podcast unit, as well as store and communications teams. The initiatives undertaken by CEO Andy Jassy reflect his objectives to curtail the company's bureaucratic excesses, including reducing the number of managerial roles.

While the company makes these difficult choices, it is noteworthy that Amazon added approximately 4,000 jobs in the first quarter this year compared to the fourth quarter of last year, signaling strategic workforce adjustments. Amidst these changes, Amazon also saw its shares close with a slight increase of 0.3% on Thursday, despite a year-to-date decline of 5.6%.