TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Eastern Group (東森集團) confirmed on Monday (Dec. 2) that its shopping brand, ETMall (東森購物) will reduce its workforce by about 200 employees by the end of the year, including voluntary departures, to halt losses in underperforming sectors. Rising operational costs, which increased by over NT$130 million this year, primarily drove the layoffs, according to ETMall's statement.
ETMall cited an NT$50 million increase in electricity expenses and an NT$15 million rise in minimum wage as significant contributors to the cost surge. Since 2021, ETMall's e-commerce revenue has plummeted by 58%, from NT$10.6 billion to NT$4.5 billion in 2024, prompting strategic organizational changes.
Cable TV subscribers fell from 5.2 million to under 4.4 million, and TV shopping revenue declined by approximately 20%, from NT$8 billion in 2021 to NT$6.5 billion in 2024. Starting in 2024 with 2,300 employees, ETMall plans to reduce its workforce to 2,100 by year-end, offering counseling for those transitioning to offline services. To strengthen morale, the company also plans a 5% salary increase for outstanding employees after the Lunar New Year.