JCPenney has added a pair of stores to its list of permanent store closures.
The retailer confirmed to USA TODAY that the Greenwood, Mississippi and Baytown, Texas stores will soon close and are holding liquidation sales. The Mississippi store is scheduled to close Oct. 24 and the Texas location on Dec. 5.
The department store chain was one of the largest retailers to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection during the coronavirus pandemic. Officials said in May 2020 that they planned to close about 29% of its 846 stores or 242 locations in bankruptcy and hoped to use the process to shed debt and remain in business.
►Starbucks freebie:Starbucks has a deal for the first day of fall. Here's how to earn a free drink Wednesday
►Save better, spend better: Money tips and advice delivered right to your inbox. Sign up here
Since then 174 stores have permanently closed and last December emerged from bankruptcy after being acquired by mall owners Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management Inc. Eighteen stores shuttered in May.
JCPenney told USA TODAY that the two closings are unrelated to last year’s “store optimization” strategy.
“The current go-forward store count is 670 stores after these two liquidations,” the company said in a statement. “We have no other store closures to announce at this time.”
JCPenney store closings 2021
Liquidation sales are underway at the two closing stores.
Mississippi JCPenney closing Oct. 24
- Greenwood: Greenwood Mall, 810 W. Park Ave.
Texas JCPenney to close Dec. 5
- Baytown: San Jacinto Mall, 2000 San Jacinto Mall
►Disney Store closings 2021:Disney Store closings: More locations are closing but here’s the list of stores staying open — for now
►Sears and Kmart closing more stores:Is your location holding a liquidation sale? See the list.
Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko. For shopping news, tips and deals, join us on our Shopping Ninjas Facebook group.
