Auburn, Enumclaw In Downtown Dilemma

The imminent departure of two J.C. Penney stores has Auburn and Enumclaw leaders plotting how to attract specialty shops to their downtowns, carrying items people can’t get in malls.

Enumclaw’s 70-year-old J.C. Penney store will close Dec. 30. The Auburn store shuts down Jan. 13 after 73 years in the same spot.

It’s hardly a surprise. Penney’s had told Auburn and Enumclaw officials the company likely would pull out when leases came up for renewal.

Penney’s has closed 12 smaller downtown stores in the last 14 years in the Puget Sound region, said Bob Davis, manager of the Auburn store. Penney’s opted instead for larger, newer retail space in regional malls like Tacoma and Southcenter.

Wayne Johnson, manager of the Enumclaw store, said he had expected the store to close within the next year or two. The home office just decided to do it sooner, rather then later, he said.