Rumors of Verizon store closures and layoffs are making the rounds, adding to fears that the abysmal state of employment seen in October is set to continue into November as well. The October layoffs were reportedly the worst in 22 years, according to firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Their data suggests that US employers announced 153,074 job cuts in October, up 175% from the 55,597 cuts we witnessed in October 2025, and 183% up from the 54,064 job cuts announced just a month ago.
The Verizon layoffs this month could continue to heighten tech industry woes, leaving many to fend for themselves in an unstable job market. So far, Verizon hasn’t confirmed major job cuts for the rest of 2025, but employees continue to speculate about the possibilities.
Verizon’s rumored store closures and layoffs may take shape by Nov. 20, but the uncertainty among employees continues to mount as they clamor for updates. (Image: Pexels)
Verizon Store Closures and Layoffs Expected: Rumors Have Employees on the Edge of Their Seats
Verizon is reportedly planning store closures around November 20, cutting down on the number of its operations. Less profitable outlets are expected to be affected, indicating a direct effect on its employees, but workers could also be laid off at the remaining open locations. The details remain unconfirmed, with no updates on just how many stores and employees could be affected by the change.
The rumors also suggest that, in addition to Verizon’s store closures and layoffs, the company may expand its AI automation services to address gaps in its business resulting from the planned store closures. Rumors of Verizon’s cost-cutting store closures and reorganizations of jobs have primarily emerged from platforms like Reddit and TheLayoffs, where employees have begun to consider the potential impact on their roles. Reports from platforms like The Street and Phone Arena have also begun discussing the strategy.
An email from the new CEO, Dan Schulman, last month also hinted at the possibility of change, speaking of “bold actions to make the company leaner.” Such changes often include staff cuts, as we’ve seen from companies across the board this year.
Is AI to Blame for the Verizon Job Cuts Rumored in 2025?
Like most businesses, Verizon has also invested heavily in AI over the last two years; however, it hasn’t yet made explicit changes to its headcount as a result of this investment. A Verizon spokesperson reportedly told TheStreet that its AI efforts were not part of a plan to reduce its workforce numbers or linked to any layoff plans, but the rumors continue to mount.
Many suggest that the company could use AI to bridge any gaps in its workforce following the Verizon store closures and layoffs, and this could specifically affect customer service roles. There has been considerable back-and-forth between businesses attempting to automate customer service with the technology, and customers biting back, restating their preference for human interactions over unempathetic AI services.
Verizon’s AI initiatives already include a business AI assistant and a similar AI shopping assistant, with its Project 624 services promising an improvement in quality across services. These innocuous uses of AI showcase the myriad ways in which the technology has been employed across businesses, but most have come at the cost of some human labor.
The Lack of Information Has Employees Turning to Leaks on Verizon’s Workforce Reductions
Over the last few days, internal concerns and reports suggesting a November 20 announcement date have employees looking online for information on what’s to come. Unfortunately for them, most of the chatter online is mere speculation, leaving them with very little concrete information to go on. From questions about who is likely to get laid off first to others about the validity of employee benefits once employees are laid off, the stress and concern among workers are apparent.
While layoffs are difficult to conduct regardless of how well they are planned, such uncertainty is rarely healthy for an organization to allow. All business decisions are rarely made after consulting and informing each employee, but the lack of any communication or intimation leaves workers stressed, anxious, and unable to perform. Resentment towards supposed DEI hires and anger about overseas operations have escalated, and this rise of negative feelings is hard to undo, even months after the layoffs are well and truly done.
Communication Is Vital When Planning Layoffs
When the possibility of layoffs is first broached by an organization, it’s important to move quickly rather than prolong the anxiety of what’s to come. Immediate firings are not the ideal suggestion either, but consistent communication as the details are finalized can address some of the speculation. Verizon’s store closures and layoffs appear to be a certainty as the company hasn’t explicitly denied the rumors, but matters might be more complex than these initial reports will have us believe.
The delays have left workers critical of everything from the company’s business model to the new CEO’s ability to lead, and such chaos is rarely ideal for operations. Whether Verizon confirms the major job cuts for 2025 or denies the strategy remains to be seen, but for a business to be productive, communication and transparency remain paramount.
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