JCPenney announced that it will close 33 underperforming stores in 20 states and eliminate 2,000 positions in a move expected to save the company $65 million beginning this year. It will reinstate commission pay for employees working in window coverings, furniture and fine jewelry departments in February and March. That move will affect more than 3,000 employees.

The store closings and employee cuts are part of the struggling department store chain's turnaround efforts as it focuses its resources its high potential growth opportunities.