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JCPenney is set to close its long-standing Westminster Mall location in Orange County this November, marking the end of more than five decades of operation.

The store, one of the mall's original anchor tenants, will remain open through Nov. 16, with a final closure date scheduled for Nov. 21, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice filed on Aug. 18.

According to TimesNow, the closure affects 76 employees, including sales associates, cashiers, and management staff.

The company has stated that some employees may be offered positions at other JCPenney locations, depending on business needs and associate interests.

"Closing the store was a difficult decision. We thank you for the time and effort you have dedicated to JCPenney," reads a letter sent to staff at the Westminster Mall location.

Opened in August 1974 alongside the grand opening of Westminster Mall, the JCPenney store has been a shopping staple for the local community.

Residents have expressed surprise and sadness over the announcement. For many, the store has provided back-to-school clothing, home goods, and everyday essentials for generations.

JCPenney to Close Westminster Mall Store Amid Lease Challenges

JCPenney cited challenges with lease agreements and difficulties in finding a new location in the area as reasons for the closure.

The store's departure follows a pattern of recent downsizing for the retailer.

In May, JCPenney closed seven other locations nationwide and announced plans to shut its Alliance Supply Chain facility in Haslet, Texas, affecting up to 296 employees.

The Westminster Mall closure also comes after JCPenney sold 119 stores to Boston-based private equity firm Onyx Partners for $947 million in July, USA Today reported.

The deal, expected to close by Sept. 8, will see the proceeds distributed to JCPenney's creditors, helping the company continue its post-bankruptcy reorganization.

Following its Chapter 11 filing in 2020, JCPenney has steadily worked to restructure its operations, with Copper Property and other property management firms managing the sale and reorganization of its locations.

The department store chain currently operates around 650 stores across the United States and Puerto Rico, making it one of the country's largest retail chains.