News Summary
JCPenney has announced the closure of its Westminster Mall location, impacting 76 employees. The store will close its doors by November, following a significant decline in local sales. This move is reflective of broader challenges in the retail industry. Amid ongoing financial struggles, JCPenney aims to consolidate operations, leaving only two stores in Orange County. The closure comes just before the holiday shopping season, raising concerns about its effect on local commerce.
Westminster, California — JCPenney has announced the closure of its store at the Westminster Mall, which will officially shut its doors by November 21, 2025. Customers can shop at the location until November 16, 2025, when the store will begin its final closing procedures. This decision impacts all 76 employees of the store, which has been in operation since 1993.
The announcement was made in a notice submitted to California’s Employment Development Department, which highlighted the impending layoffs precipitated by the store’s closure. A visible change is already apparent, with signs indicating “store closing” appearing at the store’s main entryways, notifying customers of the upcoming changes.
Among the 76 employees affected by the closure are 19 cashiers, 16 sales floor associates, and the store’s general manager. JCPenney stated that there may be opportunities for these employees to transfer to other locations, depending on business needs and employee interest.
This closure is part of a larger trend affecting the retail sector, where many companies are shuttering physical storefronts due to economic pressures. The Westminster Mall itself saw a 15.6% decline in taxable sales over the 12 months ending June 2024, totaling $120 million. This downward trend in sales may have contributed to JCPenney’s decision to close the store.
The timing of this closure is particularly notable, as it comes just a week before the Thanksgiving holiday, a peak shopping period when consumer spending typically increases. The eventual loss of this retail location is likely to have repercussions for local holiday shopping and the community’s overall retail landscape.
Following the closure of the Westminster Mall location, JCPenney will only maintain two stores in Orange County: one at Brea Mall and another at MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana. This consolidation underscores the challenges faced by traditional retailers as they navigate changing consumer behaviors and increased competition from online shopping platforms and discount retailers.
JCPenney’s financial struggles are not new; the retailer filed for bankruptcy protection in 2020 and has been grappling with continually declining sales and foot traffic ever since. The company has sought to revitalize its brand through a merger with Sparc Group, which resulted in the formation of Catalyst Brands. This new organization will manage JCPenney alongside other well-known brands like Eddie Bauer and Aéropostale, signaling a strategic effort to streamline operations and enhance brand presence.
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, closures like that of the JCPenney store in Westminster reflect a significant shift in consumer shopping habits and broader economic challenges. The loss of the store represents not only a blow to the employees affected but also a diminishing retail footprint in the area, highlighting the ongoing transformation within the retail sector.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
JCPenney to Close Westminster Mall Location, Affecting Employees
Mixed Trends in Orange County Housing Market
Closure of JCPenney Store at Westminster Mall Impacts Employees
Additional Resources
- OC Register: Status Update on JCPenney Closing
- Wikipedia: JCPenney
- The Sun: JCPenney Westminster Mall Closing Signs
- Google Search: JCPenney closing Westminster Mall
- OC Business Journal: JCPenney at Westminster Mall to Close
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Retail Industry
- Patch: Longstanding Retail Store Set to Close in OC Mall
- Google News: JCPenney closes stores 2025
- USA Today: JCPenney Store Closings
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.
