JCPenney delays Sumter Mall closing. How much longer can you shop at the store?

The Sumter JCPenney is safe for a few more months.

In December, JCPenney announced it would close 15 stores nationwide in March 2021. The Sumter Mall JCPenney was on the list, but the company postponed the closure.

JCPenney will close at 1057 Broad St. in Sumter on May 16, instead of this month.

The company did not say why the stores would stay open longer, but they are offering liquidation sales. Some services like buy online, pickup in-store; same-day pickup or ship to store orders are no longer available at the Sumter store.

JCPenney filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy during the pandemic and closed 156 stores since May 2020, according to a report by USA Today.

The company emerged from bankruptcy in December after being acquired by mall owners Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management Inc. By May, 18 more stores will close around the country.

JCPenney, founded in 1902, has been a staple in the Sumter Mall since 1980, along with its top competitor Belk, The Sumter Item reported.

Belk also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February, but announced it would not close stores or layoff employees. Instead, the Southeastern retail giant announced a restructuring plan to eliminate $450 million in debt and raise more money. The company exited bankruptcy 24 hours after filing.

JCPenney stores in Beaufort, Florence, Myrtle Beach, Orangeburg and Rock Hill have already closed in the past year due to low profits.