It's final--JC Penney's says its Decorah store will close July 31st

JC Penney's legal team has given its final word--the downtown Decorah JC Penney's store WILL close July 31st.

The Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kristina Wiltgen and Decorah City Administrator Chad Bird have been working to arrange a visit with the JCPenney leadership team in Plano, Texas. Feedback from JC Penney was the decision to close the store was very difficult to make and the decision is final.

"An offer to assist JC Penney in relocating within Decorah to a more conducive store was not successful," according to Bird.  "Although not what we had hoped for, I did appreciate their candor and that they did not give any false hopes," added Bird

"The support from the Decorah and surrounding communities has been amazing," said Wiltgen.  "The passion for our local economy has shone through in every comment and conversation," added Wiltgen.

An on-line petition to JC Penney's to keep the Decorah store open gathered over 4,200 signatures.