JCPenney store closures: 7 locations shuttering in coming weeks, 1 store now staying open
Closing dates are approaching for seven JCPenney stores that were put on the chopping block earlier this year, while an eighth location that was set to close will now stay open through at least August.
The latest JCPenney closures, which were initially announced in February, come after more than 200 U.S. locations shuttered when the retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2020. The chain was later acquired by Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management Inc. in December 2020.
In January, JCPenney announced it had partnered with Forever 21 to create a new company called Catalyst Brands. The merger also includes Brooks Brothers, Aéropostale, Lucky Brand, Nautica and Eddie Bauer. Catalyst Brands was expected to open 1,800 store locations and hire 60,000 employees. A JCPenney spokesperson previously told Paste BN that the store closures are not related to the Catalyst Brand merger.
A Catalyst Brands spokesperson told Paste BN on Wednesday that the umbrella company is "optimizing" its structure, resulting in the cut of about 9% of its corporate roles.
Here's which JCPenney stores are closing this year and when.
Which JCPenney stores are closing and when?
Each of the following stores are set to close on or by May 25, a JCPenney told Paste BN on Wednesday:
- The Shops at Tanforan in San Bruno, California
- The Shops At Northfield in Denver, Colorado
- Pine Ridge Mall in Pocatello, Idaho
- West Ridge Mall in Topeka, Kansas
- Fox Run Mall in Newington, New Hampshire
- Asheville Mall in Asheville, North Carolina
- Charleston Town Center in Charleston, West Virginia
Annapolis, Maryland location to remain open through at least August
Earlier this year, JCPenney had announced it would be closing its location in the Westfield Annapolis Mall in Annapolis, Maryland by the end of May, too. However, plans have changed.
Through a lease extension agreement, the retailer will remain open at least through Aug. 31, a JCPenney spokesperson told Paste BN on Wednesday.
As of Wednesday, the store's liquidation event had been stopped.
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Why are the JCPenney stores closing?
While specifics were not provided, a JCPenney spokesperson previously told Paste BN that individual store closures may occur due to "expiring lease agreements, market changes or other factors."
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at Paste BN. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.