Federated Warns of Layoffs

Cincinnati, Federated Department Stores has started warning employees that thousands of layoffs are likely this spring because of store closings, according to a report in Wednesday’s The Enquirer. The company already has indicated to shareholders and employees that up to 6,200 workers might be laid off as the result of a $17 billion takeover of May Department Stores Co. last year.

The retailer, which operates 950 stores, plans to close 78 duplicative stores in 19 states.