Zulily, an online retailer that promised to create more than 1,000 local jobs, will close its Bethlehem facility.
The Seattle-based retailer of clothing, footwear and home products said the Emery Street fulfillment center will close in the second half of 2022.
About 500 jobs will be affected.
"We will be closing our Zulily Bethlehem Fulfillment Center as part of our ongoing evaluation of our fulfillment network's footprint and current and projected needs," according to a company statement.
"The site will close operations in the latter half of 2022. We are committed to providing Zulily team members with visibility to employment opportunities across our network including the QVC and HSN Fulfillment Center, located nearby."
69 News has asked Zulily for a total job-cuts number.
Zulily is owned by Qurate Retail Group, which also owns QVC, HSN and other brands.
When Zulily's move to Bethlehem was announced in 2014, more than 1,000 jobs were promised. The now former governor of Pennsylvania and mayor of Bethlehem lauded the move, as did Don Cunningham, chief executive officer of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp.
69 News called Cunningham and current Bethlehem Mayor William Reynolds Monday at 2:45 p.m. for comment and so far has not heard back.
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The article outlines that Zulily, an online retailer based in Seattle, had initially promised to create more than 1,000 local jobs when it announced the move to Bethlehem in 2014. However, the recent announcement indicates that the Emery Street fulfillment center in Bethlehem will be closed in the second half of 2022, affecting around 500 jobs. This decision is framed within the context of Zulily's ongoing evaluation of its fulfillment network's footprint and current and projected needs.
The company, owned by Qurate Retail Group, which also possesses QVC, HSN, and other brands, states that it is committed to providing affected Zulily team members with visibility to employment opportunities across its network, including the QVC and HSN Fulfillment Center located nearby.
This move raises questions about the fulfillment network strategy employed by Zulily and its parent company, Qurate Retail Group. It is essential to consider the economic factors, market trends, and competitive landscape that may have influenced this decision. As an enthusiast with a profound understanding of such matters, I can navigate through the intricacies of corporate strategies and economic indicators to offer a comprehensive analysis.
Furthermore, the article highlights the disparity between the initially promised job creation of over 1,000 positions and the eventual outcome of around 500 jobs being affected. This disjuncture between expectations and reality may be attributed to various factors, such as shifts in market demand, technological advancements, or changes in the company's operational requirements.
To gain a holistic perspective, it would be crucial to reach out to key stakeholders involved, including Don Cunningham, the CEO of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp, and current Bethlehem Mayor William Reynolds, both of whom played roles in lauding Zulily's move to Bethlehem back in 2014. Their insights could provide valuable context and shed light on the local economic implications of the fulfillment center's closure.
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