Tracie Perkins/WyoRadio
On Friday, Rock Springs says goodbye to a store that has been a part of the community for over 100 years.
JCPenney in White Mountain Mall closes its doors for the last time at 7 p.m. on Friday.
Store employees say the closing has been an emotional time.
“We will miss our store. We’ll miss our customers the most because they’re the ones that brought us all together,” said HR Supervisor Kathleen Nicolet only one day before the store closes for good. “We’re losing a family, not just a store.”
Nicolet said the employees have had the chance to say their goodbyes, and many loyal customers have expressed their concerns over the closure.
Despite receiving notification of the closure in January, many of the store’s employees are still seeking employment in an uncertain economy.
For JCPenney’s final days, all items in the store are 75% off. Some items still available in the store include shoes, men’s big and tall clothing, junior’s swimsuits, and women’s tops.
In addition, fixtures and furniture previously used to display clothing and other items are for sale at reasonable prices.
The store is giving away clothing hangers for free.
While the question on many people’s minds is what store will be taking the space, White Mountain Mall owner Rouse Properties is still unable to reveal which business is currently under negotiations for the space.
A Rouse Properties spokesperson said the statement issued in January still applies today. He added that they hope to be able to announce which store will be moving in soon, but was unable to estimate when the announcement will be made.
The statement issued in January is as follows:
Recapturing the 34,300 square feet anchor box currently occupied by JCPenney provides us with another opportunity to further enhance White Mountain Mall’s merchandise mix and take advantage of retail demand in the market. We have already been in negotiations with a best in class retailer to take this prime endcap position at the mall. Tenant demand for this asset has been robust as proven by recent new deals with Ross, Star Stadium 10 Theaters and Joann’s. We look forward to sharing exciting news on this new tenant announcement in the near future.”