Update (Sept. 16, 2020): The three Arizona locations will close on Sunday, Oct. 18, according to a spokesperson for JCPenney's corporate communications department. All three stores are currently holding final liquidation sales.
Original story:
JCPenney announced Thursday that it would close 154 stores as part of its restructuring, including three in Arizona. The retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May, citing the economic downfall from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The three stores are located in Cottonwood, Phoenix, and Tucson:
Little Creek Center
1100-B Hwy 260 Cottonwood, AZ 86326
Christown Spectrum
1727 W Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85015
El Con Shopping Center
3501 E Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716
“While closing stores is always an extremely difficult decision, our store optimization strategy is vital to ensuring we emerge from both Chapter 11 and the COVID-19 pandemic as a stronger retailer with greater financial flexibility to allow us to continue serving our loyal customers for decades to come,” said Jill Soltau, chief executive officer of JCPenney, in a statement. “I am incredibly grateful to our talented associates for their ongoing dedication and their passion for meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations during this difficult and uncertain time. All impacted associates will be treated with the utmost consideration and respect.”
You can view a list of the stores closing in other states, here.
According to the news release, JCPenney is scheduled to meet with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas on June 11. If the proposal is accepted, store closing sales will begin at the 154 locations listed on the company's website, though it did not specify how long after that would take place.
Soltau said nearly 500 stores have reopened since states began easing their restrictions.
According to JCPenney's website, aside from the Christown store, all of the other locations in the Phoenix metro have reopened with limited hours. Find your nearest store.
A number of large retail stores have filed for bankruptcy protection in recent months citing the economic impacts of COVID-19: Tuesday Morning, Pier 1 Imports, J Crew, and Neiman Marcus. Forbes reports that True Religion has also filed for bankruptcy.
In Arizona, small businesses and restaurants have closed entirely, including Deluxe Burger, Sierra Bonita Grill, Fajitas, Caveman Burgers, Lilac Bakery, Barrio Cafe Gran Reserva, El Zocalo Mexican Grille, and Mark's Cafe.
