So long, JC Penny

I just read in the Chronicle that J.C. Penney at the Crystal River Mall will close this year on August 3rd.

So there goes some more jobs and seriously, how much longer can the mall hang on? I have a feeling that it won’t be long before the mall closes down. Some people say it’s because they built it on the outskirts of town but I don’t think that’s the problem.

The mall seemed to do pretty good for many years, considering the very low population of the area. The economy is anemic and has been for a few years now. People can’t afford as many luxuries as they once did. Add in the fact that more Walmarts are going up all around Citrus County and there you have it. The writing’s on the wall.

I say too bad because Penny’s is a good store and so was Sears. I suspect things will look quite different around here after the economy has taken it’s toll and the lost revenues from Progress begins to take root. Let’s just hope that our elected leaders will be leaders and make the difficult yet correct choices that will only improve the opportunities for our young citizens.

In the meantime, let’s not abandon our mall… If you need a new set of bed sheets, I still like JC Penny’s! And they’ll still be here through June.

-David