J.C. Penney in Grand Forks is not among the 154 stores slated to be closed, as the retailer negotiates the bankruptcy protection process.
J.C. Penney filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in mid-May, citing the coronavirus pandemic and struggles in the retail industry in general. The 154 permanent store closings were announced by the company on Thursday, June 4, and represent the first phase of the closures. Previously, J.C. Penney said it would close up to 242 locations, leaving it with 600 remaining stores.
“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, CEO of J.C. Penney.
None of the locations of the retail giant in North Dakota will be closed. J.C. Penney has branches in Fargo and Minot, in addition to Grand Forks. Neighboring states aren’t so fortunate, with South Dakota set to lose a store in Brookings, which sits to the north of Sioux Falls along Interstate 29. Minnesota will lose four stores located in Coon Rapids, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove and Willmar.
