Big bargains are here — but they come with a bittersweet twist. JCPenney is closing two of its stores this year, marking yet another chapter in the iconic retailer’s long struggle to stay afloat. Shoppers in California and Pennsylvania are scoring deep discounts as the company liquidates inventory, fixtures, and even store equipment.
Where are the closing sales happening?
The two affected locations are Beaver Valley Mall in Monaca, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, and Westminster Mall in Westminster, California.
- Pennsylvania shoppers are seeing markdowns of 50% to 70% off throughout the store. Signs proclaim that “nothing is held back,” and eager customers are scooping up deals on everything from apparel to furniture.
- California shoppers can expect up to 20% off as the sale ramps up. This store, which has been open for 32 years, will officially close its doors to the public on November 16, 2025.
If you’re anywhere near these malls, now’s the time to stock up. Regular merchandise, store fixtures, and even display cases are up for grabs—and when it’s gone, it’s gone.
Why are these JCPenney stores closing?
JCPenney has been battling financial challenges for years. Like many brick-and-mortar retailers, the company was severely impacted by online shopping trends and then suffered another major blow during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The chain filed for bankruptcy in May 2020, carrying nearly $4 billion in debt. While restructuring saved the company from shutting down completely, it led to 200 store closures between 2020 and 2021. Even after new ownership took over, sales have continued to decline.
In the most recent earnings report, JCPenney’s Q4 net sales dropped to $2.3 billion — down nearly 6% year over year — while net income slid by 8.9% to $41 million. According to the company, these closures are mainly due to expiring leases and difficulty finding alternative locations.
The human impact
While shoppers may celebrate the savings, the closures come at a real cost for employees. The Westminster Mall location employs 76 people, all of whom will be affected once the store shuts down this fall.
In a statement to The U.S. Sun, JCPenney said:
“Regretfully, we are unable to continue our current lease terms for this store location and have been unable to identify another suitable location in the market. We thank our dedicated associates for their hard work and encourage customers to visit nearby JCPenney stores.”
How JCPenney is changing its strategy
These closures aren’t part of another massive downsizing wave — at least not yet. The company says no further closures are planned beyond these two locations in 2025. Instead, JCPenney is focusing on reconsolidating its footprint and investing in select stores that still show strong performance.
It’s also leaning into omnichannel retailing, where online and in-store shopping experiences are integrated. But for many long-time fans, these closing sales feel like the end of an era. The Westminster store has been an anchor at the 51-year-old mall for over three decades — a staple for generations of shoppers.
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Huge discounts, limited time
If you’re in Monaca, PA, or Westminster, CA, don’t wait to shop these deals. Clearance items are moving fast, and once the doors close, there won’t be a restock.
For bargain hunters, these liquidation sales offer a rare chance to score big. For JCPenney, it’s yet another sign that the fight to stay competitive in the retail world is far from over.
So grab your shopping bags — and maybe a little nostalgia — because when a department store with this much history calls it quits, it’s not just a sale. It’s the end of a chapter.
