JCPenney to Close Eight Stores Amid Retail Restructuring

CRANBURY, N.J. — JCPenney is set to scale back its operations across the United States, announcing the closure of eight stores by mid-2025. This decision reflects ongoing challenges the retailer faces in a rapidly evolving market.

The affected stores are primarily situated in shopping malls, with locations including the Westfield Annapolis Mall in Annapolis, Maryland; Pine Ridge Mall in Pocatello, Idaho; and West Ridge Mall in Topeka, Kansas. Additional closures will occur at Fox Run Mall in Newington, New Hampshire; Asheville Mall in Asheville, North Carolina; Charleston Town Center in Charleston, West Virginia; the Shops at Tanforan in San Bruno, California; and the Shops at Northfield in Denver.

A JCPenney spokesperson provided a statement to KTTV and USA Today, asserting, “the decision to close a store is never an easy one.” They emphasized that closures may result from various factors, including expiring lease agreements and frequent market fluctuations. “We are grateful to our dedicated associates and the loyal customers who have shopped at these locations,” the statement continued, encouraging customers to visit nearby JCPenney stores or shop online.

Founded in 1902, JCPenney is recognized as one of the nation’s largest retailers of apparel, home, jewelry, and beauty merchandise. The company has faced significant operational shifts in recent years, including filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early 2020 due to the financial strains inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

After restructuring, JCPenney emerged in December 2020 under new ownership, including Brookfield Asset Management and Simon Property Group. Their revised business model seeks to focus on delivering style and value to American families. In January 2025, JCPenney announced a partnership with Sparc Group to form a new venture known as Catalyst Brands, which aims to streamline operations and enhance competitiveness.

This recent announcement regarding store closures adds to their previous plan to shutter over 200 locations following the 2020 bankruptcy. Despite these closures, Catalyst Brands intends to expand, planning to open approximately 2,000 stores and create over 65,000 jobs.

The changing landscape in retail can also be linked to intensifying competition from fast-fashion retailers like Shein, posing a genuine challenge to traditional department stores. Consumer behavior has significantly shifted, prompting JCPenney and others to adapt swiftly to maintain relevance.

The closures represent not just a downturn for JCPenney but a broader trend impacting retailers across the country, as many struggle to meet new consumer expectations and navigate economic pressures.