I have to admit that the weakening dollar effects the quantities I would normally be able to buy (as an overseas customer) which is a shame because I’d love to be able to go nuts when shopping here.

Hang in there. Word of mouth is a great business asset and I’ll spread the word about your site where I can.

It appears that your decision while difficult is balanced as you have multiple stakeholders that you are accountable to -(employees, customers, investors)

What I find so refreshing is that the actions taken include the salary cuts for the executives and in fact you have taken the biggest cut- whereas others would have just slashed more jobs to protect their perks. In addition, you did not peanut butter spread the salary cuts but tiered it so that those with the smaller salaries had a smaller impact. Every day we hear about x company having XXXX job cuts – but few companies are impacting the executive perks. Saving 30 – 40 jobs is material and you have lived your values while at the same time acting responsively.

Also it feels as if you have a plan that is not based on the moon and stars aligning – that would not be responsible – you have to have some measured caution otherwise you could be at this again in a few months if the recession does not pick up – I know this first hand and it is painful.

I am sure some of the employees impacted might not agree with me but I can tell you this kind of balanced action where the leaders share disproportionately in the pain is unusual and you (BW employees) frankly are blessed to have leaders with integrity who truly balance their decision with what is best for the company, employee and customer and put themselves second.