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Shakeout Looms At Wal-Mart's Apparel

A mass reorganization of Wal-Mart's apparel division is expected to eliminate up to 200 jobs in its Bentonville, Ark., headquarters, while shifting others to the expanding New York office. Sources close to and within the retailer say product sourcing jobs and some positions in product development and design may be eliminated as the retailer explores deals with new labels and restructures buying positions.

Wal-Mart spokeswoman Linda Blakley says that no decisions have been made. She previously said buyers would remain in Bentonville, but product strategy, design and merchandising would be directed from the New York office under Dottie Mattison, who was promoted in July to vice president and general merchandise manager of women's apparel.

Following Mattison's move to New York, a small "pilot" office opened in 2003 and moved into a larger, 46,000-square-foot quarters in a Broadway building whose tenants include Ann Taylor and Ross Stores. The new office is in close proximity to Jordache and l.e.i.--labels that sources say the company is interested in buying.

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Read the whole story at The Morning News of Northwest Arkansas »

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