J.C Penney
J.C. Penney to Shutter 40 Stores Around USSam Howzit / Flickr Creative Commons

Retailing chain J.C. Penney announced on Thursday that it would shut down 40 stores, or about 4 percent of its outlets, across the US this year in its bid to improve profitability.

It also said that about 2,250 employees will be affected by the decision and vowed to find suitable jobs for the affected employees in its other stores. Pennsylvania will be the hardest hit, with more than five stores closing down.

"We continually evaluate our store portfolio to determine whether there's a need to close or relocate under-performing stores. Reviews such as these are essential in meeting our long-term goals for future company growth," J.C. Penney said in a statement.

The decision to shut down the stores is a strategic one as the company works on improving sales and profitability.

Below is the list of stores and its locations that will be shut this year.

Georgia

  • Walnut Square Mall in Dalton
  • LaGrange Mall in LaGrange
  • Gwinnett Place Mall in DuluthLagrange Mall in Lagrange

Iowa

  • Southbridge Mall in Mason City
  • Westland Mall in West Burlington
  • Crossroads Shopping Center in Waterloo

Illinois

  • Northland Plaza in DeKalb
  • Quincy Mall in Quincy

Indiana

  • Marquette Mall in Michigan City

Massachusetts

  • Hanover Mall in Hanover
  • Silver City Galleria in Taunton

Michigan

  • Adrian South Mall in Adrian

New Jersey

  • Cumberland Mall in Vineland

New York

  • Hudson Valley Mall in Kingston

North Carolina

  • Randolph Mall in Asheboro
  • Southgate Mall in Elizabeth City
  • Signal Hill Mall in Statesville
  • Parkwood Mall in Wilson

Ohio

  • Eastland Mall in Columbus
  • North Towne Plaza in Greenville
  • Upper Valley Mall in Springfield

Oregon

  • Pony Village Mall in North Bend

Pennsylvania

  • Chambersburg Mall in Chambersburg
  • Susquehanna Valley Mall in Hummels Wharf
  • Granite Run Mall in Media
  • Nittany Mall in State College
  • York Galleria in York

Rhode Island

  • Providence Place Mall in Providence

South Carolina

  • Aiken Mall in Aiken
  • Inlet Square Mall in Murrells Inlet

South Dakota

  • Lakewood Mall in Aberdeen

Texas

  • Market Square Mall in Brenham

Virginia

  • Manassas Mall in Manassas
  • The Marquis in Williamsburg

Vermont

  • Diamond Run Mall in Rutland
  • St. Albans Shopping Center in St. Albans

Wisconsin

  • Aviation Plaza in Oshkosh
  • Regency Mall in Racine
  • Shawano Plaza in Shawano