DeRidder J.C. Penney store officially closes
Published 6:00 pm Wednesday, August 2, 2017
DERIDDER — The DeRidder J.C. Penney store closed on Monday, despite efforts made by the public and City Council.
Councilwoman Faith Scott said that watching construction workers remove the store’s name from the Park Terrace Shopping Center on North Pine Street triggered a wave of emotions.
“I’m still at a loss for words over it,” she said.
“It makes me sad for local customers to see it go, but it also makes me sad for our local economy that is struggling right now.”
The retail chain announced in March that it would shutter 138 stores nationwide due to a decrease in overall sales.
After the closure was announced, Scott encouraged residents to call J.C. Penney’s corporate office and ask that the store be spared.
The move increased foot traffic and delayed the closure by 30 days, but it ultimately couldn’t save the store.
“It’s disheartening,” Scott said. “For customers who don’t shop online or can’t make the trip out of town to other locations, it’s going to be a big inconvenience with a lack of options in our town now.”
Beauregard Parish Economic Development Director Avon Knowlton said that filling the void left by J.C. Penney is a focus for her, and that she continues to work to find a replacement.
“I, along with the chamber of commerce, have been actively meeting and talking with other suitable businesses to attempt to bring more options to DeRidder and to the parish,” Knowlton said.
A worker in a bucket truck removes the J.C. Penney name from the storefront Monday in De-Ridder. J.C. Penney announced in March that it would close 138 stores nationwide due to a decline in sales.
