Malls just don't feel the same lately. You walk into a place that used to be the heartbeat of a Saturday afternoon, and instead of a bustling crowd, you're met with the eerie hum of an escalator running for nobody. It’s a vibe. And for JCPenney, that vibe is turning into a reality check. While they aren't exactly disappearing off the face of the earth, the news that JCPenney is closing eight stores in the United States by mid-2025 has a lot of people wondering if the "retail apocalypse" is finally coming for the 124-year-old giant.
Honestly, eight stores sounds like a drop in the bucket when you realize they still have over 600 locations. But for the folks in places like Annapolis or Charleston, it’s a big deal. These aren't just buildings. They’re where people bought their first prom dresses or that specific brand of towels their mom swears by.
The List: Where the Lights are Going Out
If you’re wondering if your local spot made the list, here is the breakdown of the eight locations slated for closure. The company has been pretty quiet about specific dates for every single one, but most are expected to wrap up by the middle of 2025.
- California: The Shops at Tanforan in San Bruno. This one is especially tough because the whole mall is basically being reimagined and likely demolished.
- Colorado: The Shops at Northfield in Denver.
- Idaho: Pine Ridge Mall in Pocatello.
- Kansas: West Ridge Mall in Topeka.
- Maryland: Westfield Annapolis Mall in Annapolis.
- North Carolina: Asheville Mall in Asheville.
- New Hampshire: Mall at Fox Run in Newington.
- West Virginia: Charleston Town Center in Charleston.
It’s interesting to look at the map. They aren't just targeting one region. It’s a scattershot across the country, from the foggy Bay Area in California to the mountains of West Virginia. Most of these are "mall-based" locations, which tells you everything you need to know about where the trouble is.
💡 You might also like: Class A Berkshire Hathaway Stock Price: Why $740,000 Is Only Half the Story
Why This is Happening (And No, It's Not Just Amazon)
Everyone loves to blame Jeff Bezos for everything, but the truth is way more boring and complicated. JCPenney basically says these closures are "isolated" and driven by things like expiring leases or "market changes."
Basically, the lease is up, and the math doesn't work anymore.
The Real Estate Chess Match
There’s a massive real estate drama happening behind the scenes. A huge chunk of JCPenney’s properties—119 of them, to be exact—were supposed to be sold in a nearly $1 billion deal. But right at the end of 2025, that deal with Onyx Partners basically fell through. It’s a mess. While the company says this doesn't mean those 119 stores are closing, it puts a lot of pressure on the books.
📖 Related: Getting a music business degree online: What most people get wrong about the industry
The Working Family Squeeze
JCPenney’s CEO, Marc Rosen, has talked a lot about focusing on "America’s working families." These are the folks making between $50,000 and $75,000. Right now, that demographic is getting hammered by inflation. When eggs and gas cost more, that new Stafford suit or a set of Arizona jeans starts to feel like a luxury you can skip.
Is JCPenney Actually Dying?
Not yet.
They recently merged with SPARC Group (the people who own Brooks Brothers and Forever 21) to form something called Catalyst Brands. They’re trying to modernize. They’re putting money into their app. They’re trying to make the in-store experience less like a time capsule from 1994 and more like a functional place to shop.
👉 See also: We Are Legal Revolution: Why the Status Quo is Finally Breaking
But they’re also fighting a war on two fronts. On one side, you’ve got Macy’s, which is currently in the middle of closing about 150 stores. On the other side, you’ve got Shein and Temu eating up the budget fashion market. It’s a tight spot.
What This Means for You
If your store is on the list, you’ve probably already seen the "Store Closing" signs. These usually mean liquidation sales. If you need a new slow cooker or some decent socks, that’s the time to go. But once the doors lock, that’s it.
For everyone else, it’s a reminder that retail is changing. The days of the massive, three-story department store anchor might be numbered. JCPenney is trying to survive by getting smaller and smarter, but they’re definitely not out of the woods.
What to do if your local JCPenney is closing:
- Use those gift cards. Don’t sit on them. If a store closes, you can still use them online, but it’s better to clear them out now while you can see the merchandise in person.
- Check for liquidations. SB360 Capital Partners usually handles the sales. You can often find 40% to 70% off toward the end, though the selection gets pretty picked over.
- Find your new "Return Spot." If you shop online, check where the next closest JCPenney is. Returning things by mail is a hassle compared to just dropping them off at the counter.
The reality is that JCPenney is closing eight stores in the United States as a surgical move to stay alive. It’s not a total collapse, but it is a signal. The retailers that survive 2026 are going to be the ones that can convince people to actually leave their houses. For eight communities, that argument just ended.
Keep an eye on your local mall's occupancy rates and the status of your JCPenney Rewards points; if your local anchor store is struggling, the mall's redevelopment or closure is often not far behind. Shopping at your remaining local locations is the most direct way to signal to corporate that your specific market is still viable for their long-term footprint.