JC Penney to reopen Wednesday

After a shutdown which extended 11 weeks because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Poplar Bluff’s J.C. Penney Co. store will reopen Wednesday.

“It’s been a long while,” said salon manager Christen Kinsey of the closure.

Poplar Bluff’s store is one of 16 in Missouri and 304 J.C. Penney Co. locations nationwide to reopen to this point, with more scheduled to open their doors soon.

The company filed for bankruptcy during its shutdown and is expected to permanently shutter 30% of its 846 stores, but there has been no word on the fate of Poplar Bluff’s store.

When the store opens Wednesday, Kinsey said, several safety protocols will be in place to protect customers and staff.

“Our associates will be wearing masks, and we’re going to do extra cleaning,” Kinsey stressed.

Because of the close nature of the work, salon clients, she said, will be asked to wear masks or face coverings.

Other precautions in place will include social distancing, sneeze guards and contactless payment options.

The store, Kinsey said, also will operate at a reduced capacity to help curb the potential for close contact.

Open hours at the store, Kinsey said, will be adjusted for the time being.

“We will be open Monday through Saturday from 12-7 p.m. and Sunday 12-6,” she said.

“On Wednesdays and Fridays, we do have an extra hour, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., for vulnerable clients,” Kinsey noted.

Such customers include the elderly, pregnant women and those with underlying health problems.

“We’re doing everything we can to make sure we keep our customers safe, and we’re excited to see them back,” Kinsey said.