JCPenney is planning to close a "handful" of stores over the coming months as it struggles to keep pace with rapidly changing market conditions. "While we do not have plans to significantly reduce our store count, we expect a handful of JCPenney stores to close by mid-year," a spokesperson for the company told FOX Business. Eight locations across as many states are closing, with the company citing reasons such as "expiring lease agreements" and "market changes." According to SB360 Capital Partners, which handles liquidation sales, one store in each of the following states is shutting down: California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Maryland, North Carolina, New Hampshire and West Virginia. JCPENNEY CEO SAYS COMPANY FOCUSED ON AMERICAN WORKING FAMILIES AS ECONOMY WEIGHS ON CONSUMERS' WALLETS The company said the closures weren't related to its merger with SPARC Group, the parent of Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand and Nautica, that was announced last month.

Click to read the full article