The retail landscape is shifting, and the latest news about JCPenney stores closing is making waves across the U.S. As of May 2025, the iconic department store chain, a staple in American malls for over a century, is shutting down seven locations by May 25, a move that’s stirring emotions and sparking conversations among shoppers and retail analysts alike. While these closures mark the end of an era for some communities, they also signal a strategic pivot for JCPenney as it navigates a challenging retail environment. Let’s dive into what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what it means for loyal customers and employees.
Why Are JCPenney Stores Closing?
The decision to close these seven stores isn’t tied to financial distress, according to JCPenney’s leadership, but rather to “expiring lease agreements, market changes, or other factors.” This follows a broader trend in retail, where department stores are rethinking their physical footprints to stay competitive. Since filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020, JCPenney has already closed over 200 stores, streamlining operations to focus on profitability. The latest closures, announced in February 2025, affect locations in California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and West Virginia. Notably, an eighth store in Annapolis, Maryland, originally slated for closure, secured a lease extension and will remain open through at least August 31, 2025, pausing its liquidation sale.
These closures are part of JCPenney’s efforts to optimize its operations under Catalyst Brands, a new entity formed in 2025 through a merger with SPARC Group, which includes brands like Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, and Eddie Bauer. Led by former JCPenney CEO Marc Rosen, Catalyst Brands aims to leverage shared resources to drive growth, with plans to open 1,800 stores and hire 60,000 employees in the future. However, the immediate focus is on trimming underperforming locations, particularly in struggling malls.
The Impact of JCPenney Stores Closing on Communities
The shuttering of these stores is more than a business decision—it’s a blow to local communities. For instance, in Pocatello, Idaho, the Pine Ridge Mall’s JCPenney, set to close on May 25, 2025, has forced businesses like the JCPenney Salon to relocate. The salon’s seven stylists, with over 100 years of combined experience, have moved to a new location called Purdy in Pink, showcasing resilience amid disruption. Shoppers, too, are feeling the pinch, rushing to clearance sales offering discounts of over 50% to snag final deals before doors close for good.
Here’s a snapshot of the affected locations:
| State | Location | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|
| California | San Bruno | May 25, 2025 |
| Colorado | Denver | May 25, 2025 |
| Idaho | Pocatello (Pine Ridge Mall) | May 25, 2025 |
| Kansas | Topeka | May 25, 2025 |
| New Hampshire | Newington (Mall at Fox Run) | May 25, 2025 |
| North Carolina | Asheville | May 25, 2025 |
| West Virginia | Charleston | May 25, 2025 |
These closures, primarily in malls, reflect a broader decline in traditional retail hubs as consumer habits shift toward online shopping and smaller-format stores. Yet, JCPenney insists it’s not planning a massive reduction, with over 650 stores still operating nationwide.
What’s Next for JCPenney and Its Shoppers?
While JCPenney stores closing may feel like a loss, the company is doubling down on its online platform, JCPenney.com, to keep serving customers. Retail analysts remain cautiously optimistic, noting that the Catalyst Brands merger could breathe new life into the brand by pooling resources with other retailers. However, challenges persist—Forever 21, part of the same group, recently filed for bankruptcy, raising questions about the merger’s long-term success.
For shoppers, the immediate opportunity lies in the clearance sales running through May 25, offering steep discounts on clothing, home goods, and more. Employees, meanwhile, face uncertainty, with layoffs affecting dozens, like the 74 workers at the Annapolis store originally set to close. JCPenney has expressed gratitude to its associates and encouraged customers to shop at nearby locations or online.
As the retail giant navigates these changes, the story isn’t just about closures—it’s about adaptation. JCPenney is reimagining its role in a digital-first world, balancing nostalgia with necessity. For loyal customers, it’s a chance to cherish final visits to these stores while embracing new ways to shop. Will JCPenney’s reinvention pay off, or will more closures follow? Only time will tell, but for now, the clearance racks are calling, and the clock is ticking.
Don’t miss out on JCPenney’s massive clearance sales ending May 25! Visit your local store or shop online at JCPenney.com to grab deals and support this iconic retailer’s next chapter.