News Summary
JCPenney’s store in Westminster Mall will close by November 21, affecting around 76 employees. The closure follows a trend of retail downsizing and is part of a broader shift in the mall’s dynamics, which has experienced declining sales. While employees were informed about potential job opportunities elsewhere, this move raises concerns about the future of retail in the area amidst ongoing economic pressures.
Westminster, CA – The JCPenney store located in Westminster Mall is set to close its doors by November 21, impacting approximately 76 employees. The store will continue to operate until November 16, providing a short window for last-minute holiday shopping before its permanent closure.
This closure will affect a range of positions within the store, including 19 cashiers, 16 sales floor associates, and the general manager. The employees were informed about the impending closure and potential job openings at other JCPenney locations on August 18. It is hoped that the company will be able to offer some employment opportunities at nearby locations to mitigate the impact of the closure.
The decision to shut down the JCPenney at Westminster Mall comes as part of a broader trend of retail downsizing. The mall itself has recently experienced a downturn, with taxable sales recorded at $120 million for the 12 months ending June 2024, which marks a 15.6% decrease from the previous year.
Westminster Mall, once bustling with shoppers, is home to major tenants including Macy’s and Target. However, with decreasing sales and other economic pressures, the mall has seen a shift in retail dynamics. In April, the mall’s landlord, Washington Prime Group, disclosed plans to restructure its portfolio following a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2021. This situation raises concerns about the future of retail operations in the area.
JCPenney’s closure is not an isolated incident; it reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to resize its operations following a significant retail crisis. Since filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020, JCPenney has closed over 200 stores nationwide. After its bankruptcy handling, the company was acquired by Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management Inc. This acquisition has led to the formation of Catalyst Brands through a merger with SPARC Group, which encompasses several other retail brands.
The new entity aims to revitalize the brand and plans to open 1,800 store locations while hiring up to 60,000 employees. However, while these growth objectives are underway, the current closures—such as the JCPenney at Westminster Mall—are expected to continue, influenced by expired lease agreements and changing market conditions.
According to reports, the specific store closures throughout this year are part of operational realignment and are not directly tied to the recent merger with Catalyst Brands. The closure in Westminster adds to the ongoing transformation of retail spaces in Orange County, where traditional anchor stores are increasingly being supplanted by residential developments.
The remaining JCPenney locations in Orange County include stores in Santa Ana and Brea, which will continue to serve shoppers in the region after the Westminster location ceases operations.
The planned closure of the Westminster Mall JCPenney highlights the challenges facing brick-and-mortar retail stores in an evolving shopping landscape, where consumer behaviors and economic conditions are driving significant changes.
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Business Journal: JCPenney at Westminster Mall to Close
- KKTV: Reports JCPenney to Close Stores Nationwide
- NBC Los Angeles: Vacant Malls Repurposed for Housing in Orange County
- USA Today: JCPenney Store Closings
- Orange County Business Journal: Condos Proposed for Shuttered JCPenney in Orange
- Wikipedia: Shopping Mall
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mall
- Google Search: JCPenney closures
- Google News: JCPenney Westminster Mall closure
- Google Scholar: Retail Downturn
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
