Closing of J.C. Penney stores in Iowa pushed back

Four J.C. Penney stores in Iowa scheduled to close are getting a slight reprieve.

The Plano, Texas-based chain announced in February it would close 138 stores, including locations in Decorah, Fort Dodge, Oskaloosa and Ottumwa. On Thursday, the company said it had rescheduled liquidation of the closing stores from April 17 to May 22.

In addition, closures would be pushed back from mid-June to July 31.

J.C. Penney spokesman Joey Thomas said the stores 'have seen better than expected sales and traffic,” which he said is typical for stores scheduled to close.

'Meanwhile, it's advantageous for the company to continue selling through spring and summer merchandise at current promotional levels by pushing liquidation back another month,” Thomas said in an emailed statement.

CNBC first reported on the change Thursday.

J.C. Penney's stores in Cedar Rapids and Coralville are not affected by the planned closures.

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