EBay laying off about 800 roles, or 6% of its workforce

In a significant move to realign its operations, eBay announced on Thursday that it will be laying off approximately 800 employees, accounting for 6% of its total workforce. A spokesperson for the e-commerce giant stated, "We are taking steps to reinvest across our business and align our structure with our strategic priorities, which will affect certain roles across our workforce." The layoffs are not concentrated in any single area but are spread throughout various departments. Decisions regarding these cuts were based on the company's operational needs, duplication of roles, and future strategic goals. As of the end of 2025, eBay employed around 12,300 individuals globally. This announcement follows a recent settlement with a Massachusetts couple, David and Ina Steiner, who had filed a lawsuit against eBay after being harassed by former employees. The couple's ordeal, which began in 2021 due to negative coverage on their blog, EcommerceBytes, resulted in prison sentences for two former eBay executives in 2022. The details of the settlement remain confidential. Amid these changes, eBay has been investing heavily in artificial intelligence, implementing AI tools to enhance internal processes and improve user experiences for both buyers and sellers. The company has also partnered with OpenAI to innovate its agentic web browser. These technological investments are part of eBay's strategy to better compete with larger rivals like Amazon and Walmart, as well as emerging online marketplaces such as Etsy and TikTok Shop. In a bid to expand its market presence, eBay recently announced its intention to acquire the secondhand clothing platform Depop for approximately $1.2 billion. This acquisition is expected to attract a younger consumer demographic, as nearly 90% of Depop's users are under 34 years old. According to CEO Jamie Iannone, this move will enhance eBay's footprint in the fashion sector, one of its fastest-growing categories. The company has also reported a remarkable year-over-year growth of over 16% in gross merchandise volume from its key focus categories, which include collectibles, automotive parts, and refurbished goods.