MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Mooresville-based home improvement retailer Lowe’s announced Tuesday that it has laid off 525 employees, including approximately 430 from the corporate office in Mooresville.
In addition to the corporate office, the company said 70 support positions in Wilkesboro and approximately 25 corporate-support positions in other facilities were eliminated.
The moves are part of the company's effort to create a more efficient operating structure for corporate-based positions.
The Mooresville Police Department confirmed to Channel 9 that a half-dozen officers were sent to Lowe's for the latest round of layoffs.
Former workers broke the news to Alberto Ruiz, who owns a restaurant in Mooresville.
"A couple of the guys who come here told me they lost their jobs,” Ruiz said.
He bought the business six months ago, betting on the growth south of town from Lowe's corporate headquarters and a nearby hospital.
His thoughts are with the employees out of work.
"They have families, rents and bills. Of course I feel bad for the employees, for sure,” Ruiz said.
Earlier this week, the company announced plans to hire hundreds of people in Wilkes County.
Mooresville Mayor Miles Atkins released the following statement:
"I have spoken with Lowe’s about today’s announcement and am confident the company remains committed to being a long-time corporate partner providing jobs in Mooresville, Iredell County and across the state. It is my understanding the company is adjusting their staffing model but plan to continue employing nearly 4,000 people in their Mooresville headquarters. I know the Town of Mooresville, Iredell County, our local Economic Development Commission, Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations will assist those affected by today’s layoffs in any way possible."
The news comes a month after 2,400 full-time workers were told that they would be laid off from the company.
[PAST COVERAGE: Lowe's announces nearly 2,400 layoffs for full-time workers]
Lowe’s said the majority of those cuts were at the store level, with other cuts occurring at distribution centers, customer-support centers and vice presidents at the company’s corporate office in Mooresville.
A company spokeswoman told Channel 9 last month that the layoffs were part of a new store-staffing model.
The layoffs at Lowe’s are weighing on the Mooresville community.
“It's huge if you think about it. This is a nationwide company, so this is the main headquarters," resident Jenny McClary said.
John Maddox and his wife own Big Tiny's Barbeque and their proximity to the corporate headquarters is no coincidence.
"Lowes is eight minutes from our doorstep at lunchtime," Maddox said.
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