Dillard's to lay off 500 associates

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Dillard’s announced a strategic staff reduction of approximately 500 associates as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce operating expenses.

The work force reduction includes approximately 60 associates in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dillard’s employs approximately 60,000 associates nationwide and approximately 2,400 in the Little Rock area.

Dillard's third-quarter sales for the 13 weeks ended Nov. 1, were $1.48, a 10% decrease from $1.63 billion in 2007. Comparable-store sales decreased 9%.