• J.C. Penny at Meridian Mall

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - J.C. Penney announced that 13 more stores would be closing permanently in addition to the 242 planned closures. Seven of those locations are in Michigan including the Meridian Mall location.

J.C. Penney filed for bankruptcy in May as a result of sales declines only made worse due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The company hopes to begin liquidation sales in July and use that process as a way to lower debt and remain in business.

It’s been a challenging time for malls and stores around the country because of the pandemic.

“It’s unfortunate to lose another big box store,” Meridian Township Economic Development Director Ken Lane said. “It’s not just Meridian Mall it’s all malls that have to adapt to changing times.”

Other locations that will close include the stores in Alma, Bay City, Big Rapids, Greenville, Mount Pleasant and Owosso.

Representatives from the Meridian Mall were not available for comment.