After shutting down several underperforming stores in May, JCPenney is planning to close a warehouse and lay off nearly 300 workers this year, USA TODAY reports.
“While this decision was difficult, it was necessary to build a stronger, more competitive company,” a JCPenney spokesperson told USA TODAY. “We appreciate the contributions of all affected associates, who had been previously notified of our decision, and are committed to supporting them with transition resources, including severance and benefits.”
JCPenney has joined other retailers like Joann Fabrics, Macy’s and Kohl’s in closing stores this year.
Is Ohio affected in this latest move? Here’s what to know.
JCPenney closing Alliance Supply Chain warehouse in Texas
JCPenney announced in May it will permanently close its Alliance Supply Chain facility in Haslet, Texas around Nov. 1, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act Notice. As a result, as many as 296 employees could be laid off, though “a few” workers may be offered positions at other JCPenney locations.
The facility is one of JCPenney’s major retail distribution centers. The company gave no reason as to why the warehouse was closing.
Which JCPenney stores closed, and when?
JCPenney previously announced it was closing stores in eight states. Most of those stores shut down in May, per USA TODAY, while one has been spared until August.
These are JCPenney stores that permanently closed in May, a spokesperson told USA TODAY:
An eighth store in Annapolis, Maryland, was also slated to close in May. However, that location will remain open through August thanks to a lease extension agreement.
How many JCPenney stores are in Ohio?
JCPenney has 25 stores in Ohio, according to its website. They are:
JCPenney merges with Forever 21’s parent company Sparc Group to create Catalyst Brands
The parent company of fashion retailer Forever 21 has merged with JCPenney to form Catalyst Brands, according to USA TODAY.
Sparc Group, which owns Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand, and Nautica, announced the merger with JCPenney in January. The merger includes the department store chain’s exclusive private brands, including Stafford, Arizona and Liz Claiborne.
Catalyst Brands launched with more than $9 billion of revenue, 1,800 store locations, 60,000 employees and $1 billion of liquidity, the company said in a news release. Other shareholders in the venture include shopping mall owner Simon Property Group; global investment firm Brookfield Corporation; brand management company Authentic Brands Group; and clothing retail company Shein.
JCPenney filed for bankruptcy in 2020
In May 2020, JCPenney filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, per Axios, and closed around 200 locations. The company emerged from bankruptcy after it was acquired by Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management Inc.
JCPenney joins Joann Fabrics, Big Lots, Kohl’s in closing stores
Macy’s joins several other national retailers in filing bankruptcy and closing stores in 2025. They include:
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: After closing stores, JCPenney to shut down warehouse, lay off hundreds. Is Ohio affected?
Reporting by Chad Murphy, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
