J.C. Penney will close Boulevard Mall location in Las Vegas

J.C. Penney Co. said Friday it will close its store at Boulevard Mall — the only Nevada location the department chain will close.

The Plano, Texas-based retailer released a list of closing stores Friday after announcing in February as many as 140 store closures.

Some 75 people work at the location, near the intersection of Maryland Parkway and Desert Inn Road. The company will help some relocate to the other three stores in the Las Vegas Valley, company spokesman Joey Thomas said.

Employees who leave the company will receive an on-site career-training class to help with writing resumes, filling applications and answering interview questions.

Most stores will start shedding inventories on April 17, according to the company statement. Some employees may be relocated. Penney also promises “outplacement support services” for outgoing employees, but does not elaborate on what those services include.

In January, Macy’s also announced it would close its Boulevard Mall location.

The mall’s leadership has taken in stride the recent downbeat news for brick-and-mortar retailers that have struggled against online competitors such as Amazon.

General manager Timo Kuusela and owner Sansone Cos. of Henderson have said they want to anchor the mall with businesses and unusual, entertainment-focused tenants to draw in shoppers. Examples of those new tenants at the mall have included an aquarium, an upcoming call center and a planned mini-golf course.

Kuusela also said Galaxy Theatres will break ground soon on a movie theater at the mall. Galaxy runs Green Valley Luxury+ in Henderson, Cannery Luxury+ in North Las Vegas, and other movie theaters throughought the state and in California.

JCPenney’s announcement didn’t surprise Kuusela, he said. The mall has a new opportunity to fill the space with a new type of business.

The department store chains at the mall have made construction around the building and in the parking lot logistically difficult. Unlike the still-occupied Macy’s space, Penney’s space is owned by Boulevard Mall, which will speed the process for a new tenant.

“People are going to see construction and development happen quickly,” he said. “Things are only going to get better.”

Contact Wade Tyler Millward at wmillward@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4602. Follow @wademillward on Twitter.