JCPenney to Close 7 U.S. Stores on May 25 Amid Ongoing Restructuring

JCPenney to Shutter 7 Store Locations Nationwide on May 25

Retail chain continues strategic downsizing four years after bankruptcy filing

JCPenney will permanently close seven of its stores across the United States on Sunday, May 25, continuing a multi-year process of consolidation and restructuring. The company confirmed the closures this week, stating they reflect local lease expirations and broader market considerations.

These latest shutdowns come four years after the retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2020. At that time, over 200 locations were permanently shuttered. Since its acquisition by Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management Inc. in December 2020, JCPenney has worked to stabilize operations through selective partnerships and internal restructuring.

New brand ventures not linked to closures, says company

In January, JCPenney entered into a joint venture with Forever 21, resulting in the formation of Catalyst Brands — a retail group that also includes Brooks Brothers, Aéropostale, Lucky Brand, Nautica, and Eddie Bauer. Catalyst Brands had announced plans to open 1,800 stores and create up to 60,000 jobs across the U.S.

Despite this expansion strategy, JCPenney emphasized that the May store closures are unrelated to Catalyst Brands. According to a company spokesperson, these decisions are not connected to the merger but instead reflect location-specific factors such as lease expirations and evolving market demands.

Meanwhile, Catalyst Brands itself is undergoing internal adjustments, having recently reduced approximately 9% of its corporate workforce in an effort to optimize operations.

Full list of JCPenney locations closing May 25

The following seven stores are scheduled to close their doors permanently on May 25, 2025:

• 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

Previously, the company had announced the closure of its Westfield Annapolis Mall location in Maryland. However, JCPenney confirmed on May 19 that the store will remain open until at least August 31 due to an extended lease agreement.

Company points to leases and local market conditions

Though JCPenney has not disclosed detailed reasoning for each specific closure, a company representative cited factors such as expiring lease agreements and shifting local market dynamics. The move reflects a broader trend in the retail sector, where legacy brands are re-evaluating physical footprints in favor of more agile, digitally integrated strategies.

As JCPenney reshapes its national presence and aligns with new brand strategies, the focus remains on operational efficiency and long-term viability in a competitive retail environment.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for more updates on retail trends and corporate developments.