UPDATE: Sony Layoffs: First Sony Santa Monica, Now Sony Stores

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UPDATE: The canceled project was a new IP that Stig Asmussen was working on.




Sony is enacting quite a huge overhaul these days. First they downsized their First-Party studio, Sony Santa Monica, by laying off 50 employees which resulted in a canceled project for the studio. No word on what project was cancelled but those who were affected by layoffs were granted severance packages and outplacement sources to help with an easy transition out of Sony Santa Monica.

Now there are reports of 20 Sony retail store across the US being shut down, which affects roughly 1,000 employees. After the shut down of these 20 stores, only 11 Sony retail stores will remain functional in the country, including the stores in New York City (which is their flagship store for the US) alongside its store in Culver City, California. Stores in the following locations will be closing:

  • Tysons, VA
  • Pentagon, VA
  • University Village, WA
  • Galleria Dallas, TX
  • San Marcos, TX
  • Forum Shops, NV
  • Boca Raton, FL
  • Dolphin, FL
  • Menlo Park, NJ
  • Las Americas, CA
  • Camarillo, CA
  • Gilroy, CA
  • Century City, CA
  • Valley Fair, CA
  • Aurora, IL
  • Central Valley, NY
  • Wrentham, MA
  • Pleasant Prairie, WI
  • Cherry Creek, CO
  • Comcast, PA



Our hearts and best wishes go out to those affected by these layoffs. Sony stated that the reason for these changes is due to “a cycle of resource re-alignment against priority growth areas within SCE WWS.” Here’s hoping all of those affected can bounce back post-haste and find something soon.

(Sources: IGN, Twice)