Amazon cut 18,000 employees (6% of corporate workforce) — largest layoff in company history at the time. CEO Andy Jassy memo cited 'macroeconomic uncertainty' and prior rapid hiring. Cuts concentrated in retail, devices (Alexa), and recruiting teams. Alexa team cuts foreshadow eventual AI assistant competition that would reduce its strategic priority.

18,000 roles cut — largest layoff in Amazon history at the time. Majority from retail, HR, and devices/services teams; accelerated AI infrastructure pivot.