No J.C. Penney stores to close in Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – J.C. Penney is closing 138 stores across the country, but none in Kentucky, according to a list released Friday by the company.

There are 21 stores in Kentucky, including one in Fayette Mall in Lexington.

The company is closing stores in an effort to improve long-term profitability and sustain growth in an era of online shopping, according to the company.

The company says about 5,000 jobs will be impacted by the closures, most of which will happen in June.

Most affected stores will begin the liquidation process on April 17, 2017, according to the company.