Company Overview - Ashley is preparing to cut 266 jobs in Texas as it consolidates its manufacturing operations, specifically discontinuing operations at its facility in Mesquite effective May 7, 2026 [1][2] - The company currently employs over 35,000 team members globally and is recognized as the world's largest furniture manufacturer [3] Job Impact - The layoffs will affect various positions, with the largest group being 109 upholstery training workers, followed by 31 machine operators and 24 packing employees [6] - Employees have been notified of the decision and some have been offered the option to transfer to other facilities or positions within the company [4][5] Industry Context - The furniture and home retail industry is experiencing year-over-year declines in sales, with continuous downturns since a brief surge during the pandemic [7] - The sluggish housing market is impacting the furniture industry, as slow housing sales directly affect related goods [8] - Additional pressures include a 10% tariff on timber and lumber and a 25% duty on upholstered furniture implemented in October 2025 [8]