Honestly, if you've walked into a mall lately, things feel different. You know the vibe—fewer neon signs, more empty storefronts, and a lot of talk about the "death of the department store." But then you see it. That familiar red logo. JCPenney in Westfield Mall locations (and former Westfield sites) have become a sort of litmus test for whether the classic American shopping experience can actually survive the 2020s.
It's not just about buying a pair of Arizona jeans anymore. It’s about whether these massive anchor spaces can stay relevant when everyone has a shopping mall in their pocket.
The Survival of the Anchor Store
Let’s look at the facts. JCPenney has had a rocky decade, to put it lightly. Between the 2020 bankruptcy and the weird lease drama we've seen recently, it's a miracle they're still the heavy hitters in places like Westfield Culver City or Westfield Galleria at Roseville.
Take the Annapolis situation. That was a roller coaster. For months in 2025, people didn't know if the JCPenney at the Annapolis mall (formerly a Westfield property) was staying or going. One week the liquidation signs were up; the next, they were hiring. Eventually, the doors shut for good in August 2025. It sucks for the 65 people who worked there, but it shows how brutal the negotiations are between retailers and mall owners like Centennial or Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield.
When a JCPenney leaves, the mall doesn't just lose a store. It loses an "anchor." These spaces are huge. We’re talking 100,000 square feet or more. In Annapolis, they're literally talking about turning that space into housing or a gym. Imagine living in the old shoe department. Kinda wild, right?
Why Do People Still Go?
You might wonder who is still shopping here. It’s a fair question. But JCPenney has leaned hard into services that you just can't get on Amazon.
- The Salon and Portrait Studio: This is huge. People still need haircuts and family photos. You'd be surprised how many parents still flock to the JCPenney Portraits by Lifetouch for those holiday cards.
- The "Beauty" Pivot: After the messy breakup with Sephora, JCPenney launched its own beauty department. It's actually pretty decent. They carry brands that focus on inclusivity, which has brought in a younger crowd that wouldn't normally be caught dead in a "grandma" store.
- Home Goods and Custom Windows: If you've ever tried to measure your own windows for custom drapes, you know it’s a nightmare. Their in-home design service is one of those "old school" perks that keeps them afloat.
The Real Deal with the 2026 Landscape
We’re currently seeing a massive shift in who actually owns these buildings. You’ve probably noticed that a lot of malls aren't called "Westfield" anymore. Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield has been offloading their U.S. properties faster than a clearance rack in July.
This matters because the new owners often have different plans. While Westfield was all about high-end luxury, the new owners (like the groups that took over the Santa Anita or Brandon locations) are often more willing to work with JCPenney to keep those lights on.
But it’s not all sunshine. There was a nearly $1 billion property deal involving 119 JCPenney stores that fell through right at the end of 2025. That left a lot of locations in "limbo." If you’re shopping at your local JCPenney today, there’s a non-zero chance the land underneath it is currently being fought over by private equity firms and trusts.
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How to Shop Smart in 2026
If you’re heading to JCPenney in a Westfield or any major mall, don't just walk in and pay full price. That’s rookie stuff.
Basically, the JCPenney app is your best friend. They do this thing called "JCPenney Cash" which is sort of like Kohls Cash but... well, for Penneys. Also, the curbside pickup is surprisingly fast. Usually, if you order something, it's ready in two hours. It’s way better than wandering through three floors of clothes trying to find one specific shirt.
Check the "Store Ads" online before you go. The physical circulars are basically extinct, but the digital ones are still loaded with those "extra 30% off" coupons that actually make the prices competitive with Target or Walmart.
What’s Next for These Stores?
Look, the "dying mall" narrative is a bit of an exaggeration, but it’s not entirely wrong either. The JCPenney locations that survive are the ones that adapt. We're seeing more "store-within-a-store" concepts and a focus on "value" that isn't just "cheap."
The reality is that JCPenney in Westfield Mall settings is a bellwether for the middle class. If these stores thrive, it means there's still a place for the traditional American shopping day. If they keep closing, well, expect to see a lot more Pickleball courts and luxury apartments where the men's suit department used to be.
Actionable Next Steps for Shoppers:
- Check the Status: Before you drive out, use the JCPenney store locator. With all the lease changes happening in 2026, hours and locations are shifting faster than usual.
- Stack the Rewards: Sign up for the rewards program. It’s free, and the $10 certificates actually add up if you buy basics like towels or kids' clothes.
- Support Local Services: If you want your local store to stay open, use the Salon or Optical department. These high-margin services are what keep the lights on when clothing sales dip.
- Watch the News: Keep an eye on local redevelopment plans for your mall. If you see "mixed-use" or "residential" proposals, that’s usually a sign that the big department stores might be on their way out.