JCPenney will permanently close seven of its retail locations on Sunday, May 25, as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts. The closures span California to West Virginia, reflecting continued challenges in the mall-based retail sector.
Full list of JCPenney closures
The following stores will close their doors for good:
- The Shops at Tanforan – San Bruno, California
- The Shops at Northfield – Denver, Colorado
- Pine Ridge Mall – Pocatello, Idaho
- West Ridge Mall – Topeka, Kansas
- Fox Run Mall – Newington, New Hampshire
- Asheville Mall – Asheville, North Carolina
- Charleston Town Center – Charleston, West Virginia
A previously announced closure at the Westfield Annapolis Mall in Maryland has been delayed until August 31 following a lease extension.
RELATED: Store closures across the U.S. in May
Why is JCPenney closing more stores?
The closures are part of JCPenney’s strategy to streamline operations following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2020. At that time, the retailer shuttered over 200 stores. The company was later acquired by Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management.
A spokesperson told USA TODAY that closures may be due to expiring leases, market shifts, or underperformance. All stores affected in this round are located in shopping malls—an environment that has struggled with declining foot traffic in recent years.
The retail context
The shutdowns coincide with other closures in the same malls. For example, the Shops at Northfield in Denver also lost a Macy’s and Del Taco earlier this year. These changes underscore a broader shift in consumer behavior and the growing dominance of e-commerce.
What’s next for JCPenney?
Despite the closures, JCPenney still operates nearly 650 stores nationwide. The retailer is focusing on partnerships and brand diversification under the Catalyst Brands group, which includes Forever 21, Brooks Brothers, Aéropostale, and Lucky Brand.
JCPenney continues to promote online shopping and is offering sales through May 25 at the affected locations. Shoppers can still access the full product range online or visit nearby stores in unaffected regions.
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