JCPenney To Close 154 Stores, 4 In The Tampa Bay Area

JCPenney filed for bankruptcy on May 15 citing the coronavirus pandemic for doing so and now they are closing almost 250 stores. “The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our families, our loved ones, our communities and our country,” CEO Jill Soltau said in a written statement to the Securities an Exchange Commission. “As a result, the American retail industry has experienced a profoundly different new reality, requiring JCPenney to make difficult decisions in running our business to protect the safety of our associates and customers and the future of our company.”

Here are the local stores that are closing:

Desoto Square Mall
303 301 Blvd W, Ste 701
Bradenton, FL 34205
941-747-6411

Eagle Ridge Mall
501 Eagle Ridge Dr
Lake Wales, FL 33859
863-679-9611

Lakeshore Mall
901 US 27 N, Ste 150
Sebring, FL 33870
863-382-1134

Westshore Plaza
201 Westshore Plaza
Tampa, FL 33609
813-286-7111

Some Florida businesses are reopening as the number of COVID-19 cases begin to go down. Many have limited hours and capacity so it's a good idea to call ahead.