One of America’s most iconic retail chains is shrinking again. JC Penney closures are continuing in 2025, with the retailer confirming seven mall locations will permanently shut down by the end of May .
Once a symbol of department store dominance, JC Penney has faced years of financial turbulence — and its latest wave of store closures highlights the ongoing challenges traditional retailers face in the digital age.
Which JC Penney stores are closing in May 2025?
As of now, the following seven JC Penney stores are scheduled to close by the end of May:
- San Bruno, CA – The Shops at Tanforan
- Denver, CO – The Shops at Northfield
- Pocatello, ID – Pine Ridge Mall
- Topeka, KS – West Ridge Mall
- Newington, NH – Fox Run Mall
- Asheville, NC – Asheville Mall
- Charleston, WV – Charleston Town Center
An eighth closure at Westfield Annapolis Mall in Maryland was initially planned but has been postponed. The store will now remain open through at least August 31, 2025 , following a lease extension.
Why JC Penney is still closing stores
JC Penney, which once operated over 2,000 stores nationwide , filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020 , struggling under the weight of declining mall traffic, rising operating costs, and shifting consumer preferences. While it has since emerged under new ownership, the chain has reduced its footprint dramatically — and more closures are expected as it restructures operations to remain viable in today’s retail environment.
Key pressures facing JC Penney:
- E-commerce competition
- Declining mall foot traffic
- High leasing costs in underperforming locations
- Legacy operational inefficiencies
The company’s current store count sits just above 600 locations , a far cry from its early 2000s peak.
Is this tied to the Catalyst Brands merger?
While JC Penney is now part of Catalyst Brands , a new venture formed by SPARC Group, these closures are not directly related to the merger . The decision appears to be part of the company’s broader strategy to streamline operations and shed underperforming sites.
What this means for mall-based retail
JC Penney’s retreat underscores the ongoing decline of traditional malls across the U.S. Once the cornerstone of American shopping, many malls now struggle to attract foot traffic, leading to widespread vacancies and increasing financial pressure on anchor tenants…