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In 2012, there were 1,104 JCPenney stores in America, but since then, it has been a rough road for the retailer. They've been closing stores steadily every year and in 2020, had to declare bankruptcy. They were able to make it through the bankruptcy with 846 locations, but have continued to close stores and this week, shuttered another couple, leaving the number of JCPenney stores in the country at just over 660.
The latest closures are in Mobile, Alabama and Wichita Falls, Texas. While the Texas store doesn't have a closing date, according to AL.com, the Alabama location will shutter by September 22. The company said in a statement about that closure, "Regretfully, we are unable to continue our current lease terms for this store location and have been unable to find another suitable location in the market. We are grateful to our dedicated associates and the loyal customers who have shopped at our Mobile location throughout the year."
Even though the chain has been closing stores, they are looking at the future. CEO Marc Rosen recently stated, "We're very clear and focused on our direction, who our customer is, and what are their needs and wants." They are also opening stores, with their first new opening in eight years taking place in April in New Jersey. No word on if they plan to close more locations this year.