New Jersey Retail Scene Faces Major Changes in 2025

MAYS LANDING, N.J. — The retail landscape across New Jersey is expected to witness significant upheaval as we progress through 2025, marking another challenging year for traditional brick-and-mortar stores. This trend has accelerated since Thanksgiving, with several iconic outlets announcing closures that could reshape local shopping habits.

JoAnn Stores, an 82-year-old chain known for fabrics and craft supplies, recently declared plans to close hundreds of locations nationwide. However, reports indicate that stores initially set for closure will now stay open through May, leaving customers uncertain about the future of JoAnn in New Jersey.

Another notable closure occurred at the Menlo Park Mall in Edison, where a restaurant with a jungle theme shuttered after 27 years of operation. This leaves only one remaining location in New Jersey, found on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

Macy’s is also feeling the pressure, having announced that they will close underperforming stores as part of efforts to recover from sluggish sales. Fortunately for New Jersey shoppers, only one location will close: the Macy’s Backstage store in the Essex Green Shopping Center in East Orange.

New Jersey has seen significant retail turmoil in recent weeks, with a former John Wanamaker’s store also shuttering its doors. Fortunately, other Macy’s stores in the state are continuing operations. In total, Macy's plans to close 66 underperforming locations across the country.

Kohl’s will only shut down a single outlet in East Windsor, with 37 other locations in New Jersey, including Mays Landing and Millville, remaining open. Nearby, a Kohl’s in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, will also close its doors.

Party City, a once-popular retail chain for party supplies, has confirmed that it will close all locations in New Jersey. Prior to Christmas, employees were notified that they would not receive severance pay and that their benefits would discontinue, signaling a difficult end for the brand. Previously, Party City operated 26 stores across the state.

Big Lots is another retailer in turmoil. After announcing the closure of many underperforming locations, Big Lots also saw a failed company sale, leading to news that an asset liquidation firm purchased the chain and that some 400 stores would remain operational. The fate of New Jersey locations remains uncertain as economists await further developments.

This wave of closures follows a tumultuous 2024, which already saw significant retail changes, including the closure of multiple Stop & Shop supermarkets and BuyBuy Baby stores in New Jersey. Retail analysts expect those trends to continue with many chains planning further closures later in 2025.