In January 2025, JCPenney announced a partnership with SPARC Group, the owner of Forever 21, Brooks Brothers, and multiple other brands, to create Catalyst Bands. The partnership seemed promising, but in the months since the merger, Forever 21 has shuttered all its stores. JCPenney will also close locations by the end of May. The former retail powerhouse confirmed to USA Today that the following locations are set to close.
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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
JCPenney Saved One Store From Closing
JCPenney initially announced eight closings set for the end of the month, but one location in Maryland was saved. The store at Westfield Annapolis Mall will remain open at least through August 31.
Mark Rosen, former CEP of JCPenney and now CEO of Catalyst Brands, has hope for the future of the company.
“Catalyst Brands brings together the rich heritage of six unique brands with modern energy and a new vision for success. The word ‘catalyst’ reflects our drive to accelerate innovation and energy and amplify the impact of this powerhouse portfolio. Together, we bring scale, expertise, and broad appeal to customers across America,” Rosen said in a statement announcing the new brand. “For us, customers are at the heart of what we do. We have a shared belief that customers deserve fashion and style of great quality for any and every moment in life. We will leverage our resources and best-in-class industry talent to grow our brands further.”
At its peak in the 1970s, JCPenney boasted more than 2,000 locations, but closings have cut that number tremendously. Today, the company has more than 50,000 employees in 650 stores nationwide.
This story’s featured image is by Sundry Photography via Shutterstock.
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