J.C. Penney to close 3 Atlanta-area stores (Duluth, Kennesaw: sales, coupons)

[ericsonga]

J.C. Penney to close 3 Atlanta-area stores *| ajc.com

I just read this a moment ago. It's sad anytime people lose their jobs, however, not terribly surprising. I haven't shopped at JC Penney in years. I don't think they have done a good job shifting with trends. I'm not sure about the store at Southlake, but the one in Duluth never really had very much selection, or anything I would call current. I think the closings have less to do with the area, and much more to do with the store and its offerings.

[lookup138]

The Penney's at Gwinnett Place mall is way too small to begin with. I can't understand how they lasted this long. I wonder what the sales are going to look like? I hope they get to 70-80% off. That would be good but not so great for those who will become unemployed as a result of the store closing.

[ericsonga]

Originally Posted by lookup138

The Penney's at Gwinnett Place mall is way too small to begin with. I can't understand how they lasted this long. I wonder what the sales are going to look like? I hope they get to 70-80% off. That would be good but not so great for those who will become unemployed as a result of the store closing.

I think you misread the article. The anchor at Gwinnett Place Mall is staying open. The separate home store further down Pleasant Hill is closing.

[lookup138]

oh! my bad. You're right. But the Gwinnett Mall store is way small though.

[neil0311]

Another vote of economic confidence in Clayton Co.

[MathmanMathman]

Cumberland Mall used to have a Penney's. It seemed to be a perfect location so I don't understand why they left.

[atlantagreg30127]

There's a standalone JCP in Hiram off of Highway 278 and the place stays packed. But it's a large store and there aren't a ton of options in that immediate area compared to some, too. That and they send weekly coupons out to people for $$ off stuff. It's a slower recovery than people think - I feel we'll see more bigger-box closings by others before this is over.

[RandyWatson13]

JC Penny continues to spiral down. Has nothing to do with the area in GA but rather the struggling company.

[atlantagreg30127]

Originally Posted by RandyWatson13

JC Penny continues to spiral down. Has nothing to do with the area in GA but rather the struggling company.

The problem with JPC as with a lot of the major chains now is that they don't cater to the community in the immediate area around their stores, and just put up generic stock of the same type regardless of where they are.

Example: In Hiram, it's more of a blue collar "meat and potatoes" type of community. People tend to be larger. The local JCP store does have a Big and Tall shop but it has few choices and omits a lof of items. The local Kohls has no Big and Tall shop at all. Neither store carries men's shoes in sizes above 13, regardless of the fact that many men (and a number of teen boys) do indeed need sizes larger than that in that area. The same stock and sizes you can find in Buckhead where everyone goes to L.A. Fitness and jogs, are the same stock and sizes you find in Hiram.

So more and more people are going to specialized shops or ordering things online. Stores that refuse to actually study the demographics of the area they're in are going to suffer more and more.

[Big L]

Originally Posted by MathmanMathman

Cumberland Mall used to have a Penney's. It seemed to be a perfect location so I don't understand why they left.

I remember when the old JCPenney was torn down. I can understand the rationale overall since Costco and its parking lot are where the old Penney's used to be. In addition, I think they didn't look to replace it since there is a JCPenney at Town Center in Kennesaw.