The Retail Landscape in 2025 Another Biden Harrys Legacy: JCPenney and Joann Store Closures
As the retail sector continues to grapple with changing consumer behaviors and economic pressures, two well-known chains, JCPenney and Joann, have announced major store closures in 2025. This article explores the implications of these closures, the reasons behind them, and what they mean for the future of retail.
JCPenney Store Closures
JCPenney, a staple of American retail, is set to close several locations across the country. The company has confirmed that it will close eight stores in several states, including California, Colorado, and Maryland, citing “expired leases” and “changes in the market” as the primary reasons for these closures. This decision comes at a time when JCPenney is struggling to adapt to a rapidly changing retail environment, exacerbated by competition from online retailers such as Shein and Temu, which have significantly altered consumer shopping habits.
Despite these closures, JCPenney management insists that they do not plan to drastically reduce their store count. The company is focusing on revamping its product offering and improving its store portfolio with a $1 billion investment aimed at attracting more customers, particularly working families.
List of JCPenney locations that will close
Specific locations that will close include:
California: The Shops at Tanforan
Colorado: The Shops at Northfield
Idaho: Pine Ridge Mall
Kansas: West Ridge Mall
Maryland: Annapolis Mall
North Carolina: Asheville Mall
New Hampshire: Mall at Fox Run
West Virginia: Charleston Town Center
These closures are part of a broader trend in the retail industry, where many traditional brands are struggling to maintain profitability in the face of fierce competition and changing consumer preferences. Joann’s Downsizing
In parallel, Joann, the fabric and crafts retailer, has announced plans to close approximately 500 of its remaining 800 stores. This decision comes after the company’s second bankruptcy filing in less than a year, highlighting the severe challenges it faces in the current retail climate. Joann’s closures will affect stores in 49 states, with significant impacts expected in California, Florida and Illinois.
The company has stated that the closures are part of a strategy to “right-size” its store network, a move that reflects careful analysis of store performance and future viability. Joann’s management acknowledged the difficult nature of this decision, emphasizing the impact on employees and communities.
List of Joann locations closing
While a full list of closures has not been released, court documents indicate that the following states will see the most significant reductions:
California: 61 stores
Florida: 36 stores
Michigan: 33 stores
Ohio: 33 stores
Pennsylvania: 33 stores
Illinois: 26 stores
New York: 24 stores
Indiana: 20 stores
Joann’s closures are indicative of a broader trend in the retail sector, where many companies are re-evaluating their physical presence in response to declining foot traffic and increasing online shopping.
The announcements from JCPenney and Joann reflect a challenging retail environment in 2025, characterized by economic pressures and changing consumer behaviors. As these companies navigate their respective challenges, the closures serve as a reminder of the ongoing transformation within the retail landscape. For consumers, this may mean fewer options for in-person shopping, while for employees, it could lead to job losses and community impacts. The future of retail is likely to continue to evolve, and businesses will need to adapt quickly to survive in an increasingly digital world.
