As part of an effort to shore up its finances, the J.C. Penney Company has announced it will close 138 stores nationwide, including five stores in Kansas. The affected locations include Lawrence, Hutchinson, Great Bend, Chanute and Winfield. Approximately 5,000 positions nationwide will be impacted by the store closures, most of which will occur in June. The company is also closing one supply chain facility in Lakeland, Florida, and relocating one supply chain facility in Buena Park, California, to align the company’s physical store footprint. The company is in the process of identifying relocation opportunities within the company for store leaders. Additionally, J.C. Penney will provide outplacement support services for those eligible associates who will be leaving the company. Most affected stores will begin the liquidation process on April 17.