So we've made the call to sell off our main store fixtures and some back-of-house equipment. Lease is ending, we're pivoting to online + pop-ups. The tricky part is telling the team without them thinking it's a mass layoff. They've been through a lot of rumors already. How would you approach the conversation? Do you do it in one big huddle or one-on-ones first?
team comms
How to inform your team that you're selling off core store equipment
Honestly, one-on-ones first for the key folks you need to retain. If they hear it in a group with everyone else they might feel ambushed. Then do the big huddle with a clear message: 'we're selling equipment, here's what it means for you.'
lol good luck. every time i've seeen this done the rumor mill beats you to the punch by like three days.
Agree with mossy but also: be explicit about what is NOT changing. People will fill the silence with worst-case scenarios. If you know most roles are staying, say that out loud. If some aren't, don't lie — but don't leave a vacuum either.
Are you selling to a liquidator or a reseller? Makes a difference. If it's a liquidator, people might worry the whole place is going under. If it's just the fixtures, frame it as an asset swap, not a fire sale.
Also worth considering: timing. Don't announce on a Friday. People will stew all weekend. Monday morning, early, so they have the day to ask questions.
It's not a liquidator — we're selling to a couple of small businesses that want the the shelving and the fridges. So it's more of a wind-down of the physical space. I like the Monday morning idea, and being explicit about what's not changing.
if it's not a fire sale, lead with that. 'we're not going under, we're changing shape.' people hear 'selling equipment' and immediately think bankruptcy.
This might be overkill but script the first two sentences. You'll be nervous, and a nervous opener makes everyone panic. Keep it boring and factual.