Apple said to let go some corporate retail employees, first job cuts since last year
ymgerman

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has reportedly let go some members of its corporate retail staff as the company embarks on what it is believed to be the first job cuts since the economic malaise began last year.
The tech giant is culling jobs in the development and preservation teams. This group is responsible for the construction and upkeep of Apple retail stores and some of its other global facilities.
Bloomberg first reported the news, citing people with knowledge of the matter.
Cupertino, California-based Apple (AAPL) did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Apple (AAPL) shares were fractionally higher in premarket trading on Tuesday.
In August, Apple (AAPL) reportedly laid off some of its contract-based recruiters responsible for finding new applicants.
On Apple's (AAPL) earnings call this past July, Chief Executive Tim Cook acknowledged the economic slowdown and said the company would be more conscious in how it spends its dollars.
"We believe in investing through the downturn," Cook said at the time. "And so we'll continue to hire people and invest in areas, but we are being more deliberate in doing so in recognition of the realities of the environment."
Last month, it was reported that Apple (AAPL) was delaying bonuses for some of its divisions and could look to freeze hiring in certain parts of the company to streamline costs.