NEW YORK, May 1 (Reuters) - Abercrombie & Fitch Co (ANF.N) is laying off 170 workers at its Ohio headquarters, a company official said on Friday 1 May, as the clothing retailer seeks to cut costs in a recession.

Abercrombie & Fitch publicity, Spring-Summer 2009 (Photo: www.abercrombie.com)

"The company is committed to improving its efficiency," said Eric Cerny, an official in Abercrombie's investor relations division. "As a result it has implemented significant initiatives at its home office where it is in the process of eliminating approximately 170 positions."

Cerny said there were just under 2,000 employees at the New Albany, Ohio, headquarters.

Sales at the teen apparel retailer have been battered in recent months as the company has avoided discounting its merchandise.

It laid off about 50 employees in January. (Reporting by Martinne Geller; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)