Best Buy Co. Inc. said it will close an Indiana distribution center next year, cutting 301 employees.
The facility, in Franklin, Ind., will close by the end of March 2012, according to notice sent to local and state officials there. The layoffs will happen in phases, with the first 34 workers cut on July 16, Best Buy said in the notice.
The facility's director, John Gentzkow, told the Indianapolis Star that the decline in employment in recent years at the Franklin location was a result of a weaker CD and DVD market.
Best Buy said CD and DVD distribution would be moved to a third-party provider. A spokeswoman said no other distribution center closings are planned.
Best Buy said in its notice the facility's work will be integrated into the corporation's other operations. Workers will be able to apply for other positions within the Richfield-based company, Best Buy said.
Best Buy reported in its fourth quarter a 1.3 percent decline in U.S. stores open at least 14 months. Factored into that amount were entertainment hardware and software sales at those U.S. stores, which declined 14.3 percent.
WENDY LEE
