Amid declining mail volumes and a slow economy, the US Postal Service is eliminating between 220 and 250 jobs at its headquarters. The positions cut are in the agency's Washington, DC, headquarters and "headquarters-related units" such as an engineering center in Virginia, an address management center in Memphis, and various data processing centers, said USPS spokesman Greg Frey.

On the heels of its annual conference, the Direct Marketing Association has reportedly laid off up to two dozen people, including several senior level staff. In talks with several direct marketers, it was clear that the news was not a surprise.

Amazon.com, Inc. today announced its third quarter financial results. Net sales increased 31% to $4.26 billion in the third quarter, compared with $3.26 billion in third quarter 2007.

DMNews speaks with Seung Bak, VP of marketing at Capital IQ, about the company's first integrated marketing campaign.

While 2007 was a record year for M&A in most business sectors, including direct marketing services, a different picture has emerged in 2008. The collapse of financial institutions, commodity price volatility and economic uncertainty across the globe have made it challenging to complete transactions in industries, including direct marketing.

For the first time in more than 20 years, list prices have declined across the board, accord­ing to Worldata's Fall 2008 List Price Index. "It's unprecedented," said Worl­data SVP Ray Tesi. "There is no doubt that the direct marketing industry as a whole is taking a hit, mirroring the economy as a whole. I also have no doubt the industry is going to rebound."

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Web site supports fundraising for annual gala; Bacardi uses social twist to promote mix; and American Century Investments uses direct mail with an international flair.

Following its recent launch of an e-commerce site and catalog, sporting and outdoor goods retailer Gander Mountain has signed a private label credit card agreement with Alliance Data Systems Corp.

The Wall Street meltdown destroyed the trust customers had in financial institu­tions. The disaster requires almost complete re-positioning and messaging to consumers by the surviving banks, brokerages and insurance companies.

Ann Taylor Stores Corp. has signed a multi-year agreement with Alliance Data Systems Corp. to launch a co-branded credit card program. Alliance was already providing private label credit card services to the clothing chain and will continue to do so.