Tech & Biz

Playboy to Close New York Office

by Jordan Yerman | March 23, 2009 at 01:55 pm

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I thought Playboy would be recession-proof, but that is not the case. The magazine that everyone only reads for the articles is closing its New York office, citing the need to cut costs, even beyond last year's layoffs.

NYC staff will either be moved to the Chicago office (where the company was born) or find themselves without a gig.

'We are closing our New York offices to integrate our online and printed publishing,' Martha Lindeman said.

She added that about 100 jobs were affected and that although some employees would transfer to offices in Chicago, or be given other options, the 'majority' would leave the company.

Only a 'small editorial and sales presence' will remain in New York where the racy magazine has leased 5th Avenue premises since the early 1990s. The move will take place May 1.

Playboy's primary product is the brand itself, via licensing, as opposed to the actual magazine, hence the retention of marketing staff.

Hugh Hefner is also selling his family home (not the Playboy Mansion- that's different).