Hallmark announces layoffs

Enfield (AP) - Hallmark Cards Inc. is cutting up to 750 jobs, or 8 percent, of its U.S. work force, as the nation's largest greeting cards maker struggles with falling sales.

The Kansas City-based company told employees Tuesday that it will cut from 6 percent to 8 percent of its workers over the next six months. That translates to between 550 and 750 jobs.

One of the facilities affected is in Enfield, Conn.

Hallmark's total U.S. work force, excluding subsidiaries such as Easton, Pa.-based Crayola, is around 9,200.

The bulk of the cuts are coming from manufacturing and distribution. Between 200 and 250 jobs will be cut from Hallmark's Kansas City headquarters.

The company reported last month that 2008 revenue fell 2 percent to $4.3 billion as the recession has cut into consumer spending.