Williams-Sonoma to Cut Jobs Across All Areas of Company

San Francisco-based home furnishings retailer Williams-Sonoma will cut jobs across all areas of the company.

The staff reductions were disclosed today in an e-mail to employees from CEO Howard Lester. The message didn’t say how many jobs would be eliminated.

The company may report a drop in sales of as much as 17% for fiscal 2008, Lester said.

Williams-Sonoma sells kitchenwares, furniture and linens, as well as other housewares and home furnishings, along with a variety of specialty foods and gift items. It was founded in 1956 by Chuck Williams in Sonoma, California, selling professional and restaurant-quality kitchenwares for home use.