175 Layoffs In Kirkland As Lowe's Closes The Mine Online Store

KIRKLAND, WA - Home improvement giant Lowe's will cut 175 jobs at its Kirkland-based retail website The Mine, the company confirmed Thursday.

A Lowe's spokesperson said that the job cuts are part of a "wind down" of The Mine, which sold home furnishings, fixtures, and other items. In March 2018, Lowe's cut dozens of jobs at The Mine.

"All associates are offered a severance package, and outplacement services through this transition. In addition, associates are eligible and encouraged to apply for positions available at any Lowe’s location," spokeswoman Maureen Wallace said Thursday.

The Mine was founded in Kirkland in 1999 as ATG Stores with a single website, LightingUniverse.com. The company later expanded into other home furnishings, and operated showrooms in Puget Sound.

North Carolina-based Lowe's re-branded the company as The Mine in 2017 as a personal concierge service. The website had an estimated 400 employees at that point.

This week, Lowe's reported mixed fourth-quarter earnings. The company posted a net loss of $824 million with net income of $554 million. In-store sales grew 1.7 percent over the year, below the expected 2.1 percent.

The layoffs will be complete by the end of April. Wallace said jobs at Lowe's home improvement stores in Puget Sound will not be affected.