engage in the craftsy projects of previous decades. The younger generation doesn’t seem all that interested in quilting or embroidery or knitting or even sewing their own curtains.”
Van sat forward, her wavy blond-dyed bangs flopping forward and partially shielding her blue eyes. “I’m confused. If you’re losing revenue, then you need to reduce expenses. Are you sure one of us isn’t getting the boot? I’ll volunteer to go if you need to cut a position.”
Ruby held up both hands like a crossing guard. “Give me a minute, okay? When I’m done telling you everything, we’ll discuss options.”
Van flicked her bangs to the side and flopped against the sofa’s backrest.
“Today’s shoppers do more online than in person.” Ruby went on as if no one had interrupted, leaving Kenzie wondering if she’d practiced her speech. “As you know, I’ve had an Etsy shop for a couple years already, and the majority of the ready-made quilted wall hangings and quilt kits sell there. It makes sense to increase my online presence and boost those revenues. Of course, that means giving the online shop more attention. Consequently, someone’s position here will need to shift from floor work to online work.” She raised one dark eyebrow. “Any takers on that?”
Kenzie inwardly shrank back. She didn’t know enough about computers to do an adequate job. She glanced at the other employees. Lori was examining her fingernails, Van seemed interested in the ceiling tiles, and Barbara was squinting in Ruby’s direction.
Suddenly Barbara humphed. “Well, if no one else is gonna speak up, my college-age grandkids have been pestering me to get more proficient on the computer so they can connect with me on Instant-book or Face-gram, or whatever those crazy things are. If learning to manage the online store will help me get better, I’m game. But you’ll have to train me. I’m an old dog, and new tricks don’t come easy.”
Ruby laughed. “It isn’t rocket science. I’m sure you can learn it. Thank you.”
Barbara sighed. “Whatever I can do to help. I love this store. I’d hate to see it close after all these years.”
“I don’t want to close, either.” Ruby lowered her head slightly. “I really think upping the online sales will help a lot, but there is another change I need to make. As Van said, I need to reduce expenses. Obviously rent, utilities, and keeping the shelves stocked are requirements. So the reduction will have to come through paid positions.”
Lori flung her hands outward. “I knew it! I just knew it. Someone is getting fired.”
Ruby’s chin rose sharply, and she scowled at Lori. “I told you I’m not firing anyone, and I meant it.” She grimaced. “But I do need to cut back employees’ hours. Either take a few hours a week from each of you or cut someone to pretty much part time.”
Lori’s frantic expression didn’t clear. “But which one of us can survive on a part-time salary? I know I can’t. I’m barely making my rent and car payment now. If my hours get cut even a little, I’ll have to look for another job to make up the difference. Do you know how hard it is to find a job with flexible hours? If I can’t find one, I might have to move in with my dad.” Tears swam in her eyes. “If he’d even let me.”
Ruby patted Lori’s hand. “That’s a lot of ifs, Lori. Let’s talk things all the way through before panicking, hmm?”
Van crinkled her face. “I’ll be honest, Ruby. I’m the one who does the books, and if you take hours away from each of us, all of your employees will drop below thirty hours a week, which the government defines as part-time status. You could be charged with trying to avoid paying benefits, even though we know that’s not the case. I think the wiser thing is for one of us to drop to part time and leave the other employees’ hours as is.”
Barbara nodded. “I have to agree. The last thing you want is to open yourself up to litigation from the IRS.”
“Well…” Ruby angled a slow gaze across each attentive face. “If we go the route of one person cutting hours here, there is a flexible part-time job opportunity I know about. I happen to be on a first-name basis with the people in charge, and they’ve promised to give one of my employees first dibs at it, if any of you are interested.”