April 14, 1902, J.C. Penney opened his first store, The Golden Rule Store, in Kemmerer, Wyoming. 115 years later, in 2017, the J.C. Penney chain is struggling with the new model of business and the trend to online shopping.

J.C. Penney grew to some 2,053 stores, but in February, the retailer announced that they “must take aggressive action to better align our retail operations for sustainable growth.” Bottom line, they are closing 140 stores nationwide, including one of three J.C. Penney stores in Wyoming.

Sheridan, Wyoming’s store takes the hit here, beginning with company relocation efforts early retirement incentives for employees. The Cheyenne and Casper stores will remain open.

J.C. Penny is not alone in this new dynamic. We have seen many businesses closing their doors as more and more shoppers spend their money online. I like Amazon as much as the next person, but I will spend more money locally  for a product so some of the profit goes to our neighbors as wages and taxes that light our streets. Something to think about for the next time you get your credit card out.

Vote with your dollars for who you want to succeed. Support local

Most of the affected stores will begin liquidation April 17th. Happy Birthday

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