MOUNT VERNON — Signs were already taken down at one Mount Vernon business this week and another has set a target date in May for closure. Representatives from United Dairy Farmers and JCPenney cited logistics and profitability, respectively, as the reason for closures.
“We actually have sold that store to a new buyer and operator for the convenience store,” said Mark Wilson, corporate head of human resources at United Dairy Farmers.
The sale of the gas station, located at 10 N. Sandusky St., closed on Monday.
“It’s just a part of a normal course of our business,” Wilson explained. “We always look at kind of our overall store network.”
Though the Mount Vernon UDF store remained in good condition, Wilson said it was also a bit further outside their network of stores to work logistically. “Sometimes the Mount Vernon store made it a little bit challenging in terms of getting merchandise, fuel, and other things to the store. That was the real driver of the decision,” Wilson said.
The former UDF gas station was under new management and selling gas by Tuesday.
The JCPenney store in the Knox Village Square will remain open for a few more months, but the corporation has targeted May 12 as a potential close date. Store liquidation will begin March 5.
“As part of the Company’s ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable growth and long-term profitability, we continually evaluate our store portfolio to ensure our locations offer the best expression of the JCPenney brand and can function as a seamless extension of our omnichannel experience,” said Joey Thomas, a corporate communications and public relations representation for the J.C. Penney Company, Inc.
It was during that review that the decision was made to close the JCPenney store in Mount Vernon.
“Taking actions that directly impact our valued associates and loyal customers is always difficult,” Thomas said in an email. “We will go to great lengths to relocate esteemed leaders and, if possible, assist associates in identifying other job opportunities at nearby JCPenney stores.”
Thomas said store employees who are eligible and who do not remain with the company will receive separation benefits, which include outplacement support and on-site career training classes.
Mount Vernon councilman Jeff Gottke said during Monday night’s council meeting that community members are encouraged to call 972-431-8200 to express what the store means to the community.
