News Summary
JCPenney, the long-standing anchor store at Westminster Mall, will close by November 21, 2025, impacting 76 employees. While customers have until November 16, 2025, for last-minute purchases, many staff may be offered positions at other locations. This closure reflects ongoing retail challenges in the area, with JCPenney’s history in Westminster ending an era that began in 1993. The economic landscape of Westminster Mall also faces uncertainties amid declining sales and potential management changes.
Westminster, CA – JCPenney, the oldest anchor store at Westminster Mall, is set to close its doors by November 21, 2025, impacting approximately 76 employees. The store will remain open to the public until November 16, 2025, providing a short window for customers to make last-minute purchases before its closure.
The company has formally notified the state’s Employment Development Department about the upcoming closure, which has raised concerns for the workers affected. Among the 76 employees facing job loss are 19 cashiers, 16 sales floor associates, and the store’s general manager. Although the closure is a significant blow to the workforce, JCPenney has indicated that some employees may be offered positions at various other locations within Orange County, specifically in Santa Ana and Brea, depending on business needs and employee interest.
Management has described the decision to close the Westminster store as a difficult one, expressing gratitude for the dedication and hard work demonstrated by the employees over the years.
The Westminster JCPenney store has a long history, having opened in 1993 as a replacement for a Robinson-May store. Its closure marks a continuing trend of retail challenges in the area. Once it shuts down, only two JCPenney locations will remain in Orange County, one at Brea Mall and another at MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana. This reduction in presence follows the demolition of a former JCPenney location at the Village at Orange shopping mall, which was bulldozed in April 2025.
JCPenney currently operates a total of 62 stores throughout California, but like many retailers, it has faced considerable hardship in recent years. The company filed for bankruptcy protection in 2020, and in 2025, it merged with Sparc Group to form Catalyst Brands. This merger represents an effort to stabilize and breathe new life into the brand that has existed since its founding by John Cash Penney in 1898.
The economic landscape of Westminster Mall further complicates the situation. In the fiscal year ending June 2024, the mall recorded taxable sales of $120 million, which reflects a decrease of 15.6% compared to the previous fiscal year. The mall’s primary owners, Washington Prime Group, have put their stake in the 51-year-old property up for sale, indicating a potential shift in management and strategy for the shopping center.
Additionally, while renovation plans have been approved for the mall as part of a mixed-use project known as Bolsa Pacific, construction has yet to commence, leaving questions about the future of the shopping environment in Westminster. The economic challenges faced by JCPenney and Westminster Mall highlight broader retail trends and consumer behavior, furthering the discussion around the sustainability of large department stores in the current market.
The closure of the JCPenney store at Westminster Mall signals both the struggles faced by traditional retailers and the ongoing evolution of retail environments in California and nationwide. As the store prepares for its last days, the community and the impacted employees will navigate uncertain futures in the wake of the company’s decision.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mixed Trends in Orange County Housing Market
Closure of JCPenney Store at Westminster Mall Impacts Employees
Washington Prime Group Sells Stake in Westminster Mall
Additional Resources
- Orange County Register
- Wikipedia: Department Store
- Orange County Business Journal
- Google Search: JCPenney store closures
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: J.C. Penney Company, Inc
- KKTV
- Google News: JCPenney Westminster Mall
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.
