J.C. Penney ends nearly a century in the SW MI community

BENTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) – A J.C. Penney store has closed after more than 90 years at two sites in Berrien County, southwestern Michigan.

Displays and shelves were sold on Friday to mark the last day at the Orchards Mall near Benton Harbor. The palladium herald reports that the retailer was at the mall for 40 years after about 55 years in downtown Benton Harbor.

Rose Thomas, a longtime client, said that she "wanted to cry" when she saw the sign of closure. She says, "It's really sad to see him go."

J.C. Penney and Sears were once the main anchor stores at the Orchards Mall in Benton Township. Sears closed in 2009.