JCPenney, a longstanding name in American retail, is set to close seven of its stores nationwide on Sunday, May 25. This move comes as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to restructure and adapt to the shifting retail landscape. Notably, none of these stores are located in Florida, which still hosts 44 JCPenney outlets, ranking third in the US for the number of locations.
The stores slated for closure are in San Bruno, California; Denver, Colorado; Pocatello, Idaho; Topeka, Kansas; Newington, New Hampshire; Asheville, North Carolina; and Charleston, West Virginia. A Maryland store in Annapolis will remain open until August due to an extended lease.
The closures follow JCPenney’s announcement in February that it would shut eight stores this year. The chain has faced numerous challenges since filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2020, with over 200 locations closing during that period. The company was later acquired by Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management Inc., and in early 2025, it merged with Forever 21 to create Catalyst Brands.
Retail analysts highlight that store closures are often due to expiring leases or market changes. However, industry experts express concern about JCPenney’s ability to successfully reverse its decline amid rising online shopping and economic pressures such as inflation and high interest rates. These factors have taken a toll on its core customer base—budget-conscious families—whose median income ranges from $50,000 to $75,000.
Despite the closures, there are opportunities for savvy shoppers. The chain is offering discounts of up to 90% on items across categories such as apparel, homeware, makeup, and seasonal items. Customers can maximize savings through coupons and the store’s rewards program.
While these move may seem like minor adjustments, retail experts warn that the industry-wide challenges could lead to significant store closures nationwide. Predictions suggest that as many as 45,000 stores could shut in the next five years, impacting the retail landscape considerably.
In summary, as JCPenney continues its restructuring in an evolving retail environment, the focus remains on balancing operational costs with consumer demand. The coming months will be crucial for the company’s recovery and long-term viability.
