JC Penney to Close Tucumcari Store

Retailer cites lack of store size and selection as reasons for closure

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

JC Penney has announced that it will be closing its store in Tucumcari, New Mexico on or around May 15. District Manager John Stickney cited the "economies of the situation" and the inability to offer a full selection of merchandise in the smaller Tucumcari location as the reasons for the closure. Tucumcari store manager Frank Springer will be transferred to oversee the Penney's store in Dalhart, Texas.

Why it matters

The closure of the JC Penney store in Tucumcari is another blow to the local economy, as the retailer has been a fixture in the community for decades. The loss of jobs and shopping options will impact residents, especially those who relied on the store. It also reflects the broader challenges facing traditional brick-and-mortar retailers as they compete with e-commerce.

The details

JC Penney District Manager John Stickney announced that the Tucumcari store will be closing on or around May 15. Stickney cited the "economies of the situation" and the inability of the smaller Tucumcari location to offer a full selection of merchandise as the reasons for the closure. Tucumcari store manager Frank Springer will be transferred to oversee the Penney's store in Dalhart, Texas.

  • The Tucumcari JC Penney store will close on or around May 15, 2026.

The players

John Stickney

The district manager of JC Penney who announced the closure of the Tucumcari store.

Frank Springer

The manager of the Tucumcari JC Penney store, who will be transferred to oversee the Penney's store in Dalhart, Texas.

JC Penney

A major American department store chain that is closing its Tucumcari, New Mexico location.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The economies of the situation just do not permit us to continue.”

— John Stickney, District Manager, JC Penney (The Eastern New Mexico News)

“Shoppers expected to find complete stock of merchandise in every Penney's store. This is not possible in the case of our store here because it is not large enough to offer the selection of merchandise needed to properly serve the market.”

— John Stickney, District Manager, JC Penney (The Eastern New Mexico News)

The takeaway

The closure of the JC Penney store in Tucumcari is a sign of the challenges facing traditional brick-and-mortar retailers as they struggle to compete with e-commerce and maintain a full selection of merchandise in smaller locations. This loss will impact the local economy and residents who relied on the store, highlighting the need for communities to diversify their retail options and support local businesses.