JCK laid off seven employees Tuesday due to the economic downturn.

The layoffs were part of larger cutbacks at parent company Reed Business Information, which cut 7% of its workforce Tuesday “in response to economic conditions that continue to be unfavorable.”

JCK publisher Mark Smelzer released the following statement:

“Economic challenges that were unimaginable a few months ago dictate the necessity of reductions at the JCK Publishing Group, at both the executive and staff levels. These changes are part of a larger reduction-in-force across Reed Business Information-US.

“Editor-in-chief Hedda Schupak — whose personality, talent, energy and insight have been an essential part of the publication — will transition to the role of editor-at-large. Hedda’s twenty-three-year career at JCK has taken her from assistant editor to fashion editor, to editor-in-chief in 2000 Over that period, Hedda has led the publications and website in new and exciting directions and growth. Hedda also steadfastly helped defend the publication in 1997, when nearly every staff member left en masse to create a rival publication. For this alone, JCK will forever be in her debt. Hedda will continue to contribute her monthly letter for the opinions section of the magazine, and will frequently contribute to the publication on a variety of issues.

“In addition, three industry expert editors are also leaving. Bill Shuster, senior editor and member of the JCK team for 29 years, and to whom we also owe a debt of gratitude for his role in rebuilding JCK after the 1997 staff exodus; Anthony DeMarco, senior editor and a member of the JCK team for nine years; and Carrie Soucy, fashion editor and team member for nine years. We thank Bill, Tony and Carrie for their dedication and amazing contributions. We look forward to using their insights and expertise in a contributor role as frequently as possible.

“Moving forward, day-to-day editorial operations will be overseen by managing editor Rich Dalglish. Please direct any and all editorial queries to his attention at rdalglish@reedbusiness.com.

“On the business side of the publications, advertising director Mitch Horowitz is also leaving the magazine. Mitch is a seasoned executive, with over 30 years experience in the jewelry advertising sector.

“As sad as it is to say goodbye to dear friends, change also equals opportunity, and our continuing editorial team (Rich Dalglish, Rob Bates, Jennifer Heebner and our host of contributors) look forward to creating an even more vital, useful and dynamic magazine and website.”

JCK