About 120 G.C. Murphy stores have been closed as the result of the purchase last year of the Murphy chain by Ames Department Stores Inc., Rocky Hill, Connecticut.

Corporation officials said there are no plans, though, to close the Murphy store in downtown Lehighton, according to Clair A. McElhinny, vice president of sales for Murphy stores, who said the local store “has operated profitably and there are no present plans to close it.”

The store, located at First Street and Main Lane, has been in existence since 1923. Arthur Serfass, current store manager, said he is optimistic the store will become even better under the Ames leadership.