Mayor to work with city, chamber in aftermath of JCPenney’s notice

McCook Mayor Mike Gonzales during a June 2014 Coffee with a Cop meeting.

Bruce Baker/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. — McCook Mayor Mike Gonzales told NTV News this weekend he plans to work with the Chamber of Commerce and explore options related to last week’s announced closing of the McCook JCPenney’s. According to a report on the station’s website, “The mayor of McCook said he will work alongside the chamber of commerce to figure out what they will do.”

During the NTV interview, Mayor Gonzales pointed out the city had nothing to do with the store closing. “The city really had no say on whether it stayed open or closed. This was a decision from the corporate office I had assumed JCPenney,” said Gonzales.

NTV is reporting the McCook store’s last day will be June 18 and corporate offices are attributing the decision to low sales.

One McCook resident told NTV the closing of the store would greatly impact the downtown area.

“I don't think it's a good idea. I think they should keep it because now we are going to have to travel to go shopping for, you know, they get a pretty good business there,” said Georgia Sheperd. She added the downtown area is already losing business and too many buildings sit empty.

“The mayor of McCook wants to work with the city and make this issue a bit easier. When he gets more details, he will notify the city,” according to the report. View the full report online at: Nebraska.tv

Number for JCPenney feedback

The McCook Area Chamber of Commerce is redirecting calls from area residents looking to express their opinion on the announced closing of McCook's JCPenney store. The chamber is advising residents with feedback to call the JCPenney Customer Care Center at 1-972-431-1000. The McCook store number is 0104.

Three Nebraska JCPenney outlets are among 138 stores nationally scheduled to begin the liquidation process in mid-April, including McCook, North Platte and Fremont.