It’s a weird time for the American mall. You walk into one and it’s half-empty, echoing, and frankly a little spooky. Then you hear the news about jcpenney stores closing in seven states and it starts to feel like the end of an era. Honestly, it kind of is.
People have been predicting the "retail apocalypse" for a decade. Usually, it feels like hyperbole. But when a titan like JCPenney, a brand that has survived everything from the Great Depression to a 2020 bankruptcy, starts pulling out of major markets, you have to pay attention. This isn't just another corporate "restructuring" buzzword. It's a calculated retreat.
The seven-state shutdown isn't a random dart-throw at a map.
The Hit List: Where the Doors are Locking
Early in 2025, the rumors started swirling about an eight-state closure plan. However, a last-minute lease extension at the Westfield Annapolis Mall in Maryland saved that specific spot—at least through the end of last year. That left seven states on the chopping block.
If you live in these areas, your local anchor store is likely gone or in the final stages of liquidation:
- California: The Shops at Tanforan in San Bruno. This one is a big blow. The mall itself is being reimagined into a massive biotech hub and housing complex.
- Colorado: The Shops at Northfield in Denver.
- Idaho: Pine Ridge Mall in Pocatello.
- Kansas: West Ridge Mall in Topeka.
- North Carolina: Asheville Mall in Asheville.
- New Hampshire: Mall at Fox Run in Newington.
- West Virginia: Charleston Town Center in Charleston.
I’ve seen some people online asking why these specific ones. Most of these shutdowns happened right around May 25th. They weren't just underperforming; they were often caught in the middle of mall-wide redevelopment or expiring leases that simply didn't make sense to renew.
Why jcpenney stores closing in seven states is a sign of 2026 reality
Basically, JCPenney is trying to stop the bleeding. They aren't in the same position they were in five years ago. Since emerging from bankruptcy in late 2020—bought out by mall owners Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management—the strategy has been "quality over quantity."
It’s a survival tactic.
The numbers are pretty stark. In the most recent financial reports from late 2025 and early 2026, JCPenney’s net sales have continued a slow slide, dropping about 3.8% year-over-year. A $100 million loss in a single quarter sounds like a disaster, but retail analysts like Neil Saunders from GlobalData have actually noted that the brand is stabilizing compared to the "freefall" years of the past.
🔗 Read more: TNT Tony and Ray Today Live: What Most People Get Wrong
They’re focusing on "diverse, working families." That means they’re ditching the expensive, high-rent mall spaces that no longer pull in the foot traffic. If a store isn't profitable by a certain margin, the owners are pulling the plug. No sentimentality. Just math.
The Failed Billion-Dollar Property Deal
There’s a detail most people missed. A massive $947 million deal with Onyx Partners was supposed to sell off 119 JCPenney properties. It was meant to be a huge cash injection to shore up the balance sheet.
It fell through.
In late December 2025, it was revealed the deal was terminated. This leaves over 100 locations in a state of "what now?" limbo. While the company says they don’t plan on mass closures, the collapse of this deal means we might see more "isolated" shutdowns throughout 2026 as they look for other ways to offload real estate.
What this means for your wallet
If you’re a regular JCPenney shopper, don't panic yet. They still have over 600 stores. But the experience is changing. You've probably noticed more focus on their "Beauty" sections (replacing the old Sephora partnerships) and a push toward private labels like St. John's Bay.
If your local store is on the list, the liquidation sales are usually the time to grab home goods and basics at 50-70% off. Just remember: all sales are final.
Next Steps for Savvy Shoppers:
Check the JCPenney store locator on their official site to confirm if your nearest location has been affected by the recent 2025-2026 updates. If your store is closing, keep an eye out for "everything must go" signage—typically, the best discounts hit about 2-3 weeks before the final lock is turned. If you have a JCPenney credit card, make sure to check your balance; store closures don't erase your debt, and you’ll still need to manage that account through their online portal or app even if the physical building in your town is gone.