Dog-treat subscription company Bark to cut 12% of its workforce in cost-cutting move

Mark Williams, The Columbus Dispatch
2 min read
0
Bark, best known for its monthly treat and toy service called BarkBox, said Thursday it has eliminated 126 jobs.
Bark, best known for its monthly treat and toy service called BarkBox, said Thursday it has eliminated 126 jobs.

The company behind the dog-toy-and-treat subscription service called BarkBox is cutting 12% of its workforce, the latest batch of layoffs by one of the young, fast-growing companies either based in Columbus or with significant operations here.

Bark said Thursday it eliminated 126 jobs and that it will curtail use of certain third-party vendors, consultants and other contractors as part of a move to save money.

“Decisions like this are never easy because they impact people — our colleagues and friends — who have worked hard to support Bark and its customers," the company's cofounder and CEO, Matt Meeker, said as part of a release detailing the company's financial results for the quarter that ended Dec. 31. "To the employees affected, I am truly grateful for your contributions and dedication. With that said, we do believe that today’s announcement is the right decision for the business and will better enable us to navigate the challenging macroeconomic environment and focus on our highest priorities.”

Bark's headquarters are in New York City, but it has local offices in the Gravity building on West Broad Street in Franklinton where it has its customer-service operations, along with engineering and software development positions.

The company had been growing rapidly since it set up operations in Columbus in 2015.

In 2021, Bark promised to create 500 jobs over four years in Columbus in return for state tax incentives. The incentives are contingent on the jobs being created.

The company's report didn't detail how many jobs were cut in Columbus. The affected workers were told Thursday.

The cuts are part of an effort by Bark to save $12 million a year.

The company has capitalized on growing spending on pets. It's signature product, BarkBox, delivers a box of company-designed toys, all-natural treats and a chew to subscribers each month.

Among other companies that have cut jobs recently are auto insurer Root and lender Upstart have gone through two rounds of layoffs and Olive and Lower.com also have cut jobs.

mawilliams@dispatch.com

@BizMarkWilliams

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Dog treat company Bark cutting 12% of its workforce, or 126 jobs

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