Tesla Begins Closing Dozens of Retail Stores in Shift to Online Sales
Tesla initiates the first wave of retail store closures as the automaker shifts its entire sales strategy online. Affected employees face uncertainty, compensation cuts, and sudden schedule changes.
Tesla begins closing its first wave of retail stores today as part of a major shift to online-only sales. CEO Elon Musk announces a comprehensive review of the company's sales and marketing efforts, prompting the immediate shutdown of dozens of locations primarily located in California and across the US.
Employees at the affected stores receive sudden notices to cancel test drives and redirect customers to other open locations. Some workers face immediate schedule disruptions and are told not to report to work on Monday, though Tesla states they will remain on the payroll until further notice.
The transition brings additional turmoil as Tesla simultaneously slashes compensation for its retail staff during this uncertain period. While some employees continue business as usual without clear information about their futures, others feel the company is intentionally pushing them out through these pay cuts.