Plano-based J.C. Penney Co. is planning to close 130 to 140 stores and two distribution centers as the company increasingly focused on online retail and aims to invest capital in fewer storefronts, according to a Feb. 24 statement. In all, 13 percent to 14 percent of the company’s stores are slated to close in the second quarter of 2017, resulting in an undisclosed number of layoffs and the initiation of a voluntary early retirement plan for 6,000 employees. The company plans to release a list of closures in mid-March after it notifies all affected personnel. J.C. Penney said it would close relatively low-performing stores or those that would require substantial capital investments to conform to the company’s new branding standards. The company has two Northwest Austin-area stores located in Tech Ridge at 12351 N. I-35, Austin, and at Lakeline Mall, 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Cedar Park. Tech Ridge: 512-873-7438. Lakeline: 512-257-1177. www.jcpenney.com