Apple has cut the number of full-time retail staff it employs from 15,600 to 14,000 as sales growth slowed in the second quarter of 2009.

According to an SEC filing Apple's retail sales grew by $20m, or one per cent, in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to the same period of 2008. iPhone and Macbook sales made up most of the increase. Year on year growth in sales was less than that of stores - Apple ended the period with 252 stores compared to 208 at the end of the second quarter of 2008.

Average revenue per store was down to $5.9m compared to $7.1m in the same quarter of last year.

Apple's filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission also warned that it had outstanding lease committments for retail space of $1.3bn, and it "would incur substantial costs if it were to close multiple retail stores". ®