Wayfair CEO says demand for home goods are at ‘great financial crisis' levels

Core Insights - Wayfair's shares have dropped over 11% following the CEO's statement that demand for household goods has reached levels comparable to the "financial crisis" of 2008 [1] - The company reported second quarter earnings that fell short of Wall Street expectations, indicating ongoing struggles since the pandemic [1] - High interest rates and inflation have contributed to a slowdown in new home purchases, further impacting demand for home furnishings [1] Company Actions - Wayfair has implemented significant workforce reductions, cutting 5% of its staff (approximately 870 jobs) last year and an additional 1,650 jobs in January [1] - The company acknowledges over-hiring during the pandemic and is working to return to its core principles [1] - To attract customers, Wayfair is offering substantial discounts, including 60% off bedding and bath linens, which is atypical for this time of year [3] Industry Context - The home furnishings sector is experiencing a significant correction, with demand declines similar to those observed during the 2008-2010 recession [3] - The finance chief of Wayfair noted that the current category correction resembles a GDP recession, highlighting the severity of the situation [3]