8 JCPenney Stores Closing By Mid-2025: The Full List And Why Your Local Mall Could Be Next

The retail landscape continues its dramatic transformation, and JCPenney remains at the forefront of this shift. As of December 13, 2025, the iconic department store chain has confirmed plans to shutter an additional eight store locations across the United States, with these closures expected to be finalized by mid-2025. This move is not an isolated incident but a calculated step in the company's long-term strategy to optimize its brick-and-mortar footprint and advance toward sustainable growth and profitability.

The decision to close these stores comes several years after the company’s 2020 bankruptcy filing, which initially saw hundreds of locations closed. These new, targeted closures are a response to a combination of factors, including unfavorable market conditions and the inability to renew current lease terms at certain locations, signaling a continued focus on trimming underperforming assets.

The Confirmed List of JCPenney Store Closures by Mid-2025

JCPenney is strategically reducing its physical presence in specific markets to concentrate resources on its most profitable locations and expanding its e-commerce capabilities. The eight stores slated for closure represent a small, yet significant, reduction in the company's overall footprint, which currently stands at approximately 650 locations nationwide.

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The closures are spread across eight states, impacting communities from the East Coast to the Mountain West. Shoppers in these areas will see liquidation sales begin in the coming months, with the final closing dates staggered throughout the first half of 2025.

Here is the full list of JCPenney locations confirmed to be closing by mid-2025:

• Westfield Annapolis Mall in Annapolis, Maryland (MD)
• The Shops at Tanforan in San Bruno, California (CA)
• The Shops at Northfield in Denver, Colorado (CO)
• Pine Ridge Mall in Pocatello, Idaho (ID)
• West Ridge Mall in Topeka, Kansas (KS)
• Fox Run Mall in Newington, New Hampshire (NH)
• Asheville Mall in Asheville, North Carolina (NC)
• Charleston Town Center in Charleston, West Virginia (WV)

These closures highlight the ongoing struggle for traditional department stores, particularly those located in aging or less-trafficked regional malls. The company's focus is clearly shifting away from locations where profitability is consistently challenged by high operational costs and declining foot traffic.

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Strategic Rationale: Why JCPenney is Closing These Specific Locations

The latest round of store closures is not a sign of imminent company failure, but rather a calculated move toward financial stability and a healthier long-term business model. The primary drivers behind this strategic decision are multifaceted, reflecting the broader challenges facing the entire department store sector.

Expiring Leases and Real Estate Optimization

A major factor in the 2025 closures is the expiration of current store leases. In several cases, JCPenney was unable to negotiate favorable new lease terms with the mall operators. Rather than commit to high-cost rent agreements in underperforming malls, the company has chosen to exit these locations. This allows the retailer to free up capital and redirect investment toward stores with stronger sales performance and better long-term prospects. This real estate optimization strategy is critical for a post-bankruptcy retailer focused on maximizing shareholder value.

The Unstoppable Tide of E-commerce and Digital Shift

Consumer behavior has permanently shifted, with shoppers increasingly gravitating toward online retail for convenience and competitive pricing. JCPenney is responding by enhancing its digital presence and omnichannel capabilities. Closing physical stores that no longer serve as effective hubs for online order fulfillment or in-store pickup allows the company to streamline its operations. The capital saved from these closures can be reinvested into technology, supply chain efficiency, and digital marketing to compete with retail giants like Amazon and Target.

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The Future of JCPenney and the Evolving Retail Landscape

Despite the continuous store closures, JCPenney is not giving up on its physical presence. The company is actively pursuing a strategy of "right-sizing" its operation. This involves maintaining a smaller, more profitable network of stores while focusing on core categories where it remains competitive, such as apparel, home goods, and its popular in-store salon and portrait studios.

The company is investing in store remodels and technology upgrades in its remaining locations to create a more modern and engaging shopping experience. This includes integrating digital tools to enhance the customer journey and improve inventory management. The goal is to make the remaining stores destinations that complement the robust e-commerce platform.

The Mall Anchor Exodus and Market Consolidation

JCPenney's closures are part of a larger trend known as the "retail apocalypse," where traditional mall anchors, including Macy's and Sears, are significantly reducing their footprints. The departure of a major anchor like JCPenney often has a cascading effect on the surrounding mall, leading to decreased foot traffic for smaller, adjacent retailers. This market consolidation is forcing mall owners to rethink their properties, often converting them into mixed-use developments that include residential, office, and entertainment spaces.

For the communities affected by the closures, the loss of a major retailer means job losses and a significant void in the local shopping center. However, it also creates opportunities for new, more agile retailers or non-traditional tenants to occupy the large retail spaces, potentially revitalizing the area with a fresh concept. The long-term profitability of the JCPenney brand hinges on its ability to successfully adapt to these dynamic market conditions and prove that a smaller, more focused physical presence can still thrive in the digital age.