JCPenney has announced plans to close eight of its stores across the country by 2025, but the University Town Plaza location in Pensacola, Florida, will not be affected. Staff at that location confirmed to the News Journal that they are not included in the closure plan, and JCPenney anticipates continuing operations in the Pensacola area.
According to the retailer, “JCPenney has no plans to close stores in the area at this time, and we look forward to continuing to serve our customers in the Pensacola area.” The affected states where stores will close include California, Colorado, and North Carolina, but notably, Florida is not on that list.
Since filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2020, JCPenney has closed around 200 stores but is not currently planning widespread shutdowns. Despite the closures, the retailer maintains more than 650 locations nationwide.
In a positive development, JCPenney has recently partnered with SPARC Group to launch Catalyst Brands, aiming to unify several well-known retail brands under one umbrella, which suggests a strategic move toward revitalizing its presence in the retail market.
For those concerned about the future of JCPenney, it remains stable and has expressed commitment to both its existing stores and customers, particularly in the Pensacola area.