Niwot, Colo. (AP) Footwear manufacturer Crocs is eliminating about 4 percent of its Boulder-area work force, and consolidating other positions as part of a restructuring.

Company spokeswoman Tia Mattson said Wednesday the 27 jobs that were cut weren't in any specific department, and declined to be more specific about the reasons behind the move.

Crocs has 625 workers in the area.

Amid sluggish sales, Crocs lowered its first-quarter forecast to a range of a 5-cent-a-share loss to break-even earnings per share. That compares with previous guidance of 46 cents a share.

Niwot-based Crocs manufactures using a proprietary resin material.

Its stock rose 28 cents to $10.49 a share in early Thursday trading.