JCPenney Store Closures in 2025: What’s Happening and What It Means for Shoppers

Big news hit the retail world recently: JCPenney is closing several stores across the U.S. by May 25, 2025. If you’re a fan of their affordable clothing, home goods, or classic department store vibe, you might be wondering what’s going on. Reports from KTVU, The Columbus Dispatch, and TODAY.com have shed light on these closures, including a full list of the affected locations. As a longtime JCPenney shopper myself, I wanted to dig into the details, figure out why this is happening, and answer the big question for Ohio folks: are any stores in the Buckeye State closing? Let’s dive in!

The Latest on JCPenney’s Store Closures

JCPenney, a go-to department store for over a century, is shutting down seven stores nationwide by this weekend, May 25, 2025. Originally, the company planned to close eight locations, but a lease extension saved the Annapolis, Maryland, store, keeping it open until at least August 31, 2025. According to a JCPenney spokesperson, these closures are “isolated” and not a sign of a massive shutdown. With over 650 stores still operating across the country, JCPenney is trying to stay strong in a tough retail environment.

Here’s the full list of the seven stores closing this weekend, as reported by TODAY.com and other sources:

California: The Shops at Tanforan, 1122 El Camino Real, San Bruno
Colorado: The Shops at Northfield, 8568 E. 49th Ave., Denver
Idaho: Pine Ridge Mall, 4201 Yellowstone Ave., Pocatello
Kansas: West Ridge Mall, 1821 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka
New Hampshire: Fox Run Mall, Newington
North Carolina: Asheville Mall, 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville
West Virginia: Charleston Town Center, 401 Lee St. E, Charleston

These stores are mostly in shopping malls, which makes sense given how malls are struggling these days (more on that later). For example, KTVU highlighted the San Bruno, California, closure as a big deal for Bay Area shoppers, while TODAY.com gave a clear rundown of all the affected locations.

Are Ohio Stores on the Chopping Block?

If you’re in Ohio, you’re probably wondering whether your local JCPenney is safe. Good news: according to The Columbus Dispatch, none of Ohio’s 25 JCPenney stores are closing in this round. That means locations like Canton (4300 Tuscarawas St. W.), Cincinnati (4621 Eastgate Blvd.), Columbus (1450 Polaris Pkwy.), Dayton (2727 Fairfield Commons Blvd.), and Chillicothe (1075 N. Bridge St.) are staying put for now.

That said, Ohio hasn’t always dodged the bullet. Back in 2020, when JCPenney filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy during the pandemic, the company closed 154 stores nationwide, including a few in Ohio. So, while Ohio shoppers can breathe easy this time, it’s understandable if folks are a little nervous about the future.

Why Is JCPenney Closing Stores?

So, what’s behind these closures? As someone who’s watched retail evolve over the years, I can tell you it’s a mix of things. Here are the main reasons JCPenney is pulling the plug on these seven stores:

Malls Are Struggling: Most of these closing stores are in malls, and let’s be real—malls aren’t what they used to be. Fewer people are hitting up shopping centers as online shopping takes over. I remember spending hours at the mall as a kid, but now? I’m more likely to browse online. JCPenney’s mall-based stores are feeling that pinch.
Lease Agreements Ending: JCPenney has said some of these closures are due to expiring leases. For example, the San Bruno and Charleston stores couldn’t secure new lease terms that made sense for the company. It’s a practical business decision, but it’s tough for the communities losing these stores.
Online Shopping Boom: Let’s face it—more of us are shopping online than ever before. JCPenney is pouring money into its website to keep up, but that means some underperforming physical stores are getting left behind. Their Q4 2024 net sales dropped to $2.3 billion, down 5.9% from the previous year, according to Newsweek. That’s a sign of the times.
Economic Pressures: Retail is a brutal industry right now. Rising rents, higher labor costs, and inflation are hitting stores hard. As Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor, told Newsweek, retailers are facing a “perfect storm” of challenges. JCPenney is no exception.
Post-Bankruptcy Adjustments: JCPenney’s 2020 bankruptcy shook things up. After being bought by Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management, the company closed nearly 200 stores. These 2025 closures are part of that ongoing effort to streamline and focus on what’s working.

Despite all this, JCPenney isn’t throwing in the towel. They’re working on modernizing stores and boosting their online presence, which I’ll get into more later.

The Catalyst Brands Merger: A New Direction

One big piece of JCPenney news is its recent merger with SPARC Group, which owns brands like Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, and Eddie Bauer. Together, they’ve formed Catalyst Brands, a retail powerhouse with over $9 billion in revenue, 1,800 stores, and 60,000 employees. This merger, announced in January 2025, also involves big players like Simon Property Group, Brookfield, Authentic Brands Group, and even Shein.

Catalyst Brands is a bold move to keep JCPenney relevant. The company’s private labels—like Stafford, Arizona, and Liz Claiborne—are part of this new venture, and there’s talk of opening more stores under the Catalyst umbrella. But here’s the catch: Catalyst is also “optimizing” its structure, which means cutting about 9% of corporate jobs and closing these seven JCPenney stores, according to USA TODAY.

JCPenney insists the closures aren’t directly tied to the merger, but it’s hard not to see the connection. The company is reshaping itself to stay competitive, and sometimes that means tough choices like closing stores.

How Will This Affect Shoppers and Employees?

For shoppers like me, these closures might mean a longer drive to the nearest JCPenney or more online shopping. The company is encouraging customers to visit JCPenney.com or check out nearby stores that are staying open. I’ve always loved JCPenney for its affordable jeans and home decor, so I’m glad most stores are sticking around. But for folks in places like San Bruno or Asheville, losing a local store is a bummer.

For employees, it’s a tougher story. JCPenney hasn’t shared how many jobs are affected, but retail closures often hit workers hard. I saw this with Party City’s closures in 2024, where employees were left without severance. JCPenney has thanked its “dedicated associates,” but it’s unclear what kind of support they’ll get. I’m hoping the company steps up for them.

The Bigger Retail Picture

JCPenney’s closures aren’t happening in a vacuum. The retail world is in rough shape, with Coresight Research predicting 15,000 store closures in 2025—more than double the 7,325 from 2024. Other chains like Joann Fabrics (closing all 850 stores), Big Lots (600 stores), and Macy’s and Kohl’s are also scaling back. It’s a tough time to be a brick-and-mortar retailer, and JCPenney’s seven closures are just a small piece of this bigger trend.

What’s Next for JCPenney?

Here’s the silver lining: JCPenney isn’t going anywhere. The company is investing over $1 billion to refresh its stores and product offerings, aiming to be a budget-friendly alternative to pricier department stores. They’re also doubling down on their website to compete in the e-commerce space. Plus, the Catalyst Brands merger could open new doors for growth.

For now, Ohio shoppers and others outside the seven affected states can keep shopping at their local JCPenney stores or online. I’m rooting for the company to pull through—I’ve got too many good memories of finding deals there!

Wrapping It Up

JCPenney’s decision to close seven stores by May 25, 2025, is a sign of the times for retail. From declining mall traffic to the rise of online shopping, the challenges are real. But with no Ohio stores on the closure list and big plans through Catalyst Brands, JCPenney is fighting to stay relevant. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious, keep an eye on how this iconic retailer evolves. Have you been affected by these closures?

Drop a comment below and let me know your thoughts!