Another national retailer is going to close some stores, but the list does not include any in the Quad Cities. On Friday, J C Penney announced it will close 138 stores in the next few months due to slowing traffic and sales.
The company says they represent about 14 per cent of its locations, but account for just 5 per cent of sales. About 5,000 employees will lose their jobs as a result of the closures.
Penney will close 4 stores in Iowa - in Decorah, Fort Dodge, Oskaloosa, and Ottumwa. In Illinois, 7 will be closed - in Macomb, Sterling, Peru, Canton, Bloomington, Effingham, and Woodridge.
J CPenney says it will offer "separation benefits," including assistance getting other jobs, to the employees affected by the closings.
Most of the stores will begin liquidation sales April 17 and shut down by June.