Target bought the Colorado Springs-based CHEFS catalog in 2013. But last week the retailer, which had $73 billion in sales in 2014, announced it was shuttering the kitchen organization in the next few months, along with sister Cooking.com, because “the results of these businesses did not meet our expectations” a company spokeswoman said in a press release.
It’s a tough blow for the 160 locals facing unemployment, some who found out about the closure via local reporting. “News to me,” April Gibbons wrote on a KKTV post. “I work there.” Another employee who wished to remain anonymous said he found out in the Gazette. Others the Report spoke with were surprised at the closure, with CHEFS even posting new jobs for seasonal warehouse staff.
“All positions will be phased out, but no one’s last day is today,” president Tim Littleton wrote to staff in an email obtained by the Report. “Timing will vary based on our wind down efforts. During the coming weeks, we will share personalized information about your specific position, including your anticipated last day and an estimate of your pay and benefits that will be part of your transition package.
“All employees, excluding seasonal/temporary staff, will be eligible for severance based on company tenure, as well as benefits support and outplacement assistance. Seasonal/temporary staff will continue to work with us for a temporary duration based on volume and needs of the business. All employees will also receive a payout of all accrued, unused vacation time and personal holidays.”
“Between now and then, please do what you need to do to support each other and work with your leaders to understand immediate priorities in light of today’s announcement,” Littleton wrote, closing with: “I truly appreciate all of your hard work and dedication.”
Here’s how the Gazette described the catalog’s history: “Chefs was started in 1979 and sells upscale cookware, cutlery, kitchen electronics and tools through a catalog, website and the outlet store. Longtime Colorado Springs direct marketing executive Jon Medved led a team of former executives from Walter Drake Inc., where he was president, that bought Chefs in 2004 for $14.4 million from The Neiman Marcus Group Inc. They moved it six months later from Dallas to a former Hewlett-Packard Co. plant at 5070 Centennial Blvd. in northwest Colorado Springs.”
I liked chefs catalog but everything was so expensive https://t.co/StBFFLc2kH
— carmenb (@carmenb) October 30, 2015
Too bad it’s shutting down. Was a totally cool place! Plus, I never will be able to use my cooking class certificat…https://t.co/hAQL30WUOQ — Vicki Gramm (@vickigramm) November 4, 2015
