CRANBERRY, Pa. (EYT) – The J.C. Penney store located in the Cranberry Mall is one of seven stores expected to close on or around April 8, 2016, according to published online reports.

“As part of an annual review, JCPenney has decided to close seven total stores across the chain, a significant decrease from the number of closures reported in previous years,” said Carter English of JCPenney Corporate Communications to exploreVenango.com Wednesday afternoon. “These locations represent less than one percent of the Company’s total store base (1,020).”

“The JCPenney inside Cranberry Mall opened on April 2, 1986 and will close in early April,” said English about the local impact.  “Approximately 26 associates work at the store. Eligible associates who do not remain with the company will receive separation benefits, and, if possible, we will assist associates in identifying other job opportunities at nearby JCPenney stores. Additionally, we’re offering all associates an on-site career training class. The class will assist associates in writing resumes, filling out applications, answering interview questions and more.”

The seven stores include:

• Vallco Shopping Mall, Cupertino, Calif.
• Owings Mills Mall, Owings Mills, Md.
• Shopping Town Mall, DeWitt, N.Y.
• Cranberry Mall, Cranberry, Pa.
• College Square Mall, Morristown, Tenn.
• Price, Utah
• White Mountain Mall, Rock Springs Wyo.

“We continually evaluate our store portfolio to determine whether there’s a need to close locations that do not meet all required financial targets,” said English.  “It’s never easy taking actions that directly impact our valued associates and customers, however, we feel this is a necessary business decision.”

Last year, J.C. Penney closed 41 stores, and in 2014, it closed 33 stores.

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