JCPenney to Close Asheville Mall Store by May 2025 Amid Nationwide Closures

In a significant shift for the retail landscape, JCPenney has announced the closure of its store located in the Asheville Mall, set to take place on May 25, 2025. This decision is part of a broader strategy as the company responds to changing consumer behavior and economic pressures impacting the retail sector. The Asheville Mall store, like many others across the nation, faces the challenges posed by online shopping and competition from discount retailers. JCPenney has been struggling for years, with numerous locations shuttering as part of its restructuring efforts after emerging from bankruptcy in 2020. Reports indicate that the retailer plans to close multiple locations across various states in the coming years, adding to the list of over 300 stores that have been closed since the beginning of its restructuring. The announcement comes amid growing concerns for the retail industry as it grapples with inflation and shifting shopping habits. Additionally, previous closures have included names like Sears and Kmart, signaling a larger trend of physical retail space being repurposed or abandoned in many urban centers. As the company looks to streamline its operations, the future of the Asheville Mall and other locations remains uncertain, affecting both employees and the local economy.