Playboy Enterprises closing NYC offices

(Getty Images) NEW YORK (AP) - Playboy Enterprises Inc. is closing its Manhattan office and laying off employees as it struggles with falling advertising revenue and a gloomy economic climate. Company spokeswoman Martha Lindeman says Chicago-based Playboy employed about 100 people at the Fifth Avenue office in midtown. A majority of those jobs will be lost when the office is expected to close May 1. Lindeman says some employees received letters notifying them that their jobs were eliminated. Others were given the chance to transfer to Chicago. The Manhattan office is primarily involved in publishing and licensing work. Playboy announced in February on a conference call that it would save $5 million annually by closing the office. ©2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.