J.C. Penney Co. Inc. is expected to file for bankruptcy as early as next week, becoming the latest U.S. retailer to crumble under the financial weight of the novel coronavirus pandemic, Reuters reported.
JC Penny: First Victim of Corona
— NEERAJ BAJPAI (@NeerajCNBC) May 8, 2020
-118 years old retail chain J.C. Penney to file for bankruptcy next week
-Company will close 25% stores out of 850
-Company has $4 billion debt
-Total Employee 85000@CNBC_Awaaz
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Despite its iconic 118-year legacy, Plano, Texas-based J.C. Penney was already struggling with a roughly $4 billion debt load and increased competition from online retailers before the virus forced widespread stay-at-home orders, crippling what remained of foot traffic.
By seeking reorganization protection, however, company officials are hopeful they can shutter roughly one-quarter of the department store chain’s 850 stores and move forward with a leaner model, Reuters reported.
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It was not immediately clear how many of J.C. Penney’s estimated 85,000 employees will be affected by bankruptcy proceedings should plans to close 200 stores proceed. The U.S. Department of Labor confirmed Friday that 20.5 million jobs were shed nationwide in the month of April alone.
According to CNBC, J.C. Penney reported $10.7 billion in net sales in 2019, down 8.1% from the year prior.
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