JCPenney will close hundreds of stores over the next few weeks, as part of a planned reduction in retail footprint. The iconic discount chain has just announced that eight U.S. states will have stores shut permanently, and that all of its remaining 656 stores will have a 24-hour “shopping blackout” on Easter, closing on April 20.
The action follows a larger industry trend: over a dozen major retailers have said they’ll shut down for the day to give employees time with their families. While local store hours will be different, large chains such as Aldi, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Costco, and JCPenney won’t open on Easter Sunday.
JCPenney’s announcement to close certain stores in 2025 surprised most loyal shoppers. The company announced the closures will occur throughout the year. Below is a list of stores that will close:
- California – The Shops at Tanforan, 112 El Camino Real, San Bruno
- Colorado – The Shops at Northfield, 8568 E 49th Avenue, Denver
- Idaho – Pine Ridge Mall, 4201 Yellowstone Avenue, Pocatello
- Kansas – West Ridge Mall, 1821 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka
- Maryland – Annapolis Mall, 1695 Annapolis Mall Road, Annapolis
- North Carolina – Asheville Mall, 3 S Tunnel Road, Asheville
- New Hampshire – Mall at Fox Run, 50 Fox Run Road, Newington
- West Virginia – Charleston Town Center, 401 Lee Street E, Charleston
The firm’s spokesperson indicated to USA Today and KTTV-TV that, “The decision to close a store is never an easy one,” because of reasons including “expiring lease agreements, market changes, or other factors” for closing the stores. They further noted, “We are grateful to our dedicated associates and the loyal customers who have shopped at these locations.
“We remain committed to making every dollar count for America’s working, diverse families and invite them to shop at our other JCPenney stores in the community and at JCPenney.com,” the statement went on.
Established in 1902, JCPenney has long been a prominent player in the U.S. retail industry. On its website, it is still one of the ‘largest retailers of apparel, home, jewelry, and beauty merchandise’ in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The company claims to aim to ‘deliver style and value for all hard-working American families’.
Simultaneously, various companies among them CVS, Dollar General, Whole Foods, Home Depot, Trader Joe’s, and Walgreens opt to remain operational on Easter with the aim to draw last-minute shoppers, writes The Mirror US.