Page "Circuit City Stores" Paragraph 34

In 2003, Circuit City converted to a single hourly pay structure in all stores, eliminating commissioned sales.

Many previously commissioned sales associates were offered new positions as hourly " product specialists ," while 3, 900 salespeople were laid off, saving the company about $ 130 million per year.

The day of the announcement, Wednesday, February 5, 2003, also known as " Bloody Wednesday ", all stores remained closed until noon, to give the current associates the news and to prepare stores for the adjustment.