Cutbacks and Layoffs Slated at Martha Stewart

By Paul Pannone

35 people were reported fired at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia with upwards of 60 more to follow before the end of the year. Included in the layoffs was Courtney Kern that wrote the following to her friends on Face Book:

“After 4 amazing years at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia the company is continuing to downsize. I had been lucky enough to keep making the cut until now. Officially Monday morning I will be reporting to myself! Yup that’s right Events Beyond is off and running!! I will be continuing to do light business consulting for those we are in need of spicing up their marketing, PR or social media channels.  I will also continue to consult for those who are starting a business.”

Is Mommy Dearest Martha doing her best impersonation of Donald Trump? You’re Fired Martha! And please learn to close the bathroom door, this isn’t the lockup.

Sources familiar with the story say the downsizing dates back to the start of the economic collapse and recession when 100 employees were laid off in 2008 including Kiki Paris. According to a story in Fishbowl NY citing an annual performance evaluation from Body + Soul, written by Merritt;

“Kiki is a phenomenal sales person and a star on our team. Her efforts over the past year have completely changed the advertising make up of our publication and the way we are perceived by Madison Ave.”

Yet Paris lost her job after an accident prevented her from returning to work. A discussion with Gary Phelan, attorney for the case, indicated the matter was resolved but could not provide any further details.

News of the layoffs come despite postings on the company’s website seeking employees that could be interpreted as a healthy business atmosphere.

eWedNewz is investigating reports that say Martha Stewart and other wedding publications are looking to get out of the wedding business, as the industry suffers a decline in the number of weddings and associated advertising revenue by vendors. Included in the retreat are Get Married, reported to be up for sale and the Knot that shifted focus away from dependency on the wedding business.