Gourmet food company Harry & David cuts jobs

PORTLAND, Ore. — Harry & David Holdings Inc. said Friday that it has cut about 100 jobs, a month after announcing measures to address sluggish sales and falling profits.

The Medford, Ore.-based gourmet food seller said it made the reductions as part of an effort to cut costs and streamline its business.

The company would not disclose the exact number of positions affected. But a person close to the matter said 100 jobs were cut.

About 6,000 people work for Harry & David during its busiest season. The 75-year-old retailer ships fruit, nuts, baked goods and other snacks to customers around the world; it operates stores in 38 states and a website.

The company announced last month that it had hired a financial adviser to explore its recapitalization options following a weak holiday sales season.

Harry & David is working to secure new capital and restructure its debt obligations but is otherwise unable to fund its continuing operations.