Guitar Center Furloughs 9,000

Guitar Center has announced that it will furlough 9,000 employees in response to the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Today we made the difficult decision to furlough over 9,000 of our associates in both Guitar Center and Music & Arts stores,” said a statement from the company. “Furloughed employees have been provided benefits through the end of April. We will reevaluate extending benefits into May as we get closer to that time. Associates have been offered extended pay and may take their paid time off during this time as well. It is our fervent hope that we can bring these employees back to work once this crisis has passed.”

In addition to furloughs, Ron Japinga, Guitar Center CEO, has forgone pay and company management at the vice president level and higher have taken pay reductions.

“Given the ongoing Covid-19 impact, we have taken actions to respond to the crisis, protect our people and position our company for the future,” the statement read. “Our top priority is protecting the health of our people, as well as preserving our long-term ability to provide employment and benefits to our associates.

“As the coronavirus impacts our way of life and presents unprecedented challenges, the Guitar Center Company will continue to work closely with government officials to ensure our business practices serve the community and our associates as best as we can under these trying circumstances.”

guitarcenter.com