Blue Nile, the direct-to-consumer diamond retailer owned by Signet Jewelers, is laying off 119 employees in Seattle as it permanently closes its local fulfillment center. The layoffs, effective from July 14, 2023, are part of the post-acquisition integration process to centralize fulfillment services at Signet's existing center in New York City, eliminating duplicate operations. While the exact percentage of Blue Nile's workforce affected isn't specified, the company is offering outplacement support and relocation packages to some impacted employees. This restructuring occurs as Signet navigates a challenging retail environment, with recent quarterly sales declines, aiming to streamline operations and leverage economies of scale within the jewelry industry.
