JCPenney announces more store closures with major discounts for shoppers
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For decades, JCPenney has been more than just a department store—it’s been part of the rhythm of American life.
From school shopping trips to holiday gift hunting, its aisles have carried not just merchandise but memories.
Now, the company is facing another round of store closures, reminding many of the changing landscape of retail.
The upside, for bargain hunters at least, is that these closures come with steep discounts across clothing, home goods, and even store fixtures.
While the sales may be tempting, the closures also mark another chapter in the story of a brand that once stood as a pillar of the American mall experience.
Deep discounts as stores close
As JCPenney prepares to shut down select stores, customers will find markdowns of 50% to 70% off across nearly all categories.
Signs at the Beaver Valley Mall in Monaca, Pennsylvania, announce “Nothing held back!”—a reflection of how far the discounts go.
Shoppers can even purchase display racks, counters, and other store equipment, a chance to own a piece of retail nostalgia.
The Monaca location, which had previously avoided closure, is now scheduled to close in fall 2025, with company representatives thanking both associates and loyal customers for their support over the years.
Also read: 15 retail rewards programs that could help you save more on everyday purchases
Why closures keep happening
Experts say store shutdowns are part of a much larger retail shift.
Rising inflation, changing consumer habits, and the surge of online shopping—accelerated during the pandemic—are key reasons behind the decline.
Analysts estimate that as many as 45,000 brick-and-mortar stores could close in the next five years.
Even once-dominant retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond have shuttered their physical locations, and others such as Foot Locker have announced hundreds of closures by 2026.
Clothing, electronics, and home goods retailers have been hit particularly hard.
Also read: Is your favorite store next? Iconic retail giant closing down in one of America’s top malls – find out why!
JCPenney’s ongoing adjustments
The chain has been downsizing steadily since filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020.
By mid-2025, JCPenney will have closed at least eight more stores in states including California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Maryland, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and West Virginia.
The Beaver Valley Mall location in Pennsylvania and Westminster Mall in California are among the latest confirmed closures.
Still, the company emphasizes that it is not disappearing—roughly 650 JCPenney stores remain open across the US, with no immediate plans for sweeping reductions.
Also read: Is your local Walgreens closing? Find out which stores are shutting down and why over 1,000 locations are vanishing!
The broader “retail apocalypse” explained
The phrase “retail apocalypse” captures a convergence of several challenges:
Despite these pressures, some chains—including Walmart, Costco, Target, and Home Depot—have adapted successfully and continue to thrive by offering both in-store and online convenience.
Also read: Popular plus-size chain to close 180 stores—Here’s how shoppers are reacting
What it means for shoppers
For longtime customers, these closures may feel like the end of an era.
But the clearance events also provide an opportunity to find affordable items, whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe or shopping for your home.
And while physical stores are shrinking, JCPenney’s online store remains open, giving shoppers a way to continue supporting the brand.
While the closures may be difficult to see, they also remind us how much retail—and the way we shop—has changed over the years.
Whether you’re heading out to a clearance sale for one last visit or browsing JCPenney online from home, it’s clear the brand still holds a place in American shopping culture.
The deals may come and go, but the memories connected to those familiar aisles will remain.
Read next: These six At Home stores are closing—and shoppers can score up to 30% off before they go
As some locations close their doors, those memories feel more precious. At The GrayVine, we’d love to hear your reflections: Do you have a favorite JCPenney memory? Have you picked up any bargains during the sales?
Share your stories with us in the comments and join in remembering a store that has been part of everyday life for more than a century.
From school shopping trips to holiday gift hunting, its aisles have carried not just merchandise but memories.
Now, the company is facing another round of store closures, reminding many of the changing landscape of retail.
The upside, for bargain hunters at least, is that these closures come with steep discounts across clothing, home goods, and even store fixtures.
While the sales may be tempting, the closures also mark another chapter in the story of a brand that once stood as a pillar of the American mall experience.
JCPenney is closing more stores in 2025, offering up to 70% off clearance sales. Image Source: YouTube / KCRA 3.
Deep discounts as stores close
As JCPenney prepares to shut down select stores, customers will find markdowns of 50% to 70% off across nearly all categories.
Signs at the Beaver Valley Mall in Monaca, Pennsylvania, announce “Nothing held back!”—a reflection of how far the discounts go.
Shoppers can even purchase display racks, counters, and other store equipment, a chance to own a piece of retail nostalgia.
The Monaca location, which had previously avoided closure, is now scheduled to close in fall 2025, with company representatives thanking both associates and loyal customers for their support over the years.
Also read: 15 retail rewards programs that could help you save more on everyday purchases
Why closures keep happening
Experts say store shutdowns are part of a much larger retail shift.
Rising inflation, changing consumer habits, and the surge of online shopping—accelerated during the pandemic—are key reasons behind the decline.
Analysts estimate that as many as 45,000 brick-and-mortar stores could close in the next five years.
Even once-dominant retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond have shuttered their physical locations, and others such as Foot Locker have announced hundreds of closures by 2026.
Clothing, electronics, and home goods retailers have been hit particularly hard.
Also read: Is your favorite store next? Iconic retail giant closing down in one of America’s top malls – find out why!
JCPenney’s ongoing adjustments
The chain has been downsizing steadily since filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020.
By mid-2025, JCPenney will have closed at least eight more stores in states including California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Maryland, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and West Virginia.
The Beaver Valley Mall location in Pennsylvania and Westminster Mall in California are among the latest confirmed closures.
Still, the company emphasizes that it is not disappearing—roughly 650 JCPenney stores remain open across the US, with no immediate plans for sweeping reductions.
Also read: Is your local Walgreens closing? Find out which stores are shutting down and why over 1,000 locations are vanishing!
The broader “retail apocalypse” explained
The phrase “retail apocalypse” captures a convergence of several challenges:
- Growth of online shopping — Amazon and other platforms have shifted consumer expectations.
- Higher costs — Inflation and rising interest rates strain retailers and shoppers alike.
- Generational shifts — Younger consumers often prefer specialty shops or online marketplaces over traditional department stores.
- Declining malls — When anchor stores like JCPenney close, smaller retailers lose foot traffic, creating a domino effect.
Despite these pressures, some chains—including Walmart, Costco, Target, and Home Depot—have adapted successfully and continue to thrive by offering both in-store and online convenience.
Also read: Popular plus-size chain to close 180 stores—Here’s how shoppers are reacting
What it means for shoppers
For longtime customers, these closures may feel like the end of an era.
But the clearance events also provide an opportunity to find affordable items, whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe or shopping for your home.
And while physical stores are shrinking, JCPenney’s online store remains open, giving shoppers a way to continue supporting the brand.
While the closures may be difficult to see, they also remind us how much retail—and the way we shop—has changed over the years.
Whether you’re heading out to a clearance sale for one last visit or browsing JCPenney online from home, it’s clear the brand still holds a place in American shopping culture.
The deals may come and go, but the memories connected to those familiar aisles will remain.
Read next: These six At Home stores are closing—and shoppers can score up to 30% off before they go
As some locations close their doors, those memories feel more precious. At The GrayVine, we’d love to hear your reflections: Do you have a favorite JCPenney memory? Have you picked up any bargains during the sales?
Share your stories with us in the comments and join in remembering a store that has been part of everyday life for more than a century.
