After more than four decades of operating as an anchor tenant, the JCPenney store at Annapolis Mall is set to close permanently in August. According to reports from WMAR2 News, despite attempts to secure a long-term lease, the company was unable to reach an agreement with the mall's new owner, Centennial, and has been unable to locate another suitable spot in the market. This closure will impact the livelihoods of 74 employees who will face layoffs as a result of the store's exit.
In a fluctuation of decisions, the iconic retailer had initially set its closure date for May 12. However, after being granted a short-term lease extension, JCPenney rescinded the plan, removing liquidation signs and even seeking new hires—an attempt that proved only a reprieve. The chain will now shutter its location on August 17, with a spokesperson confirming to Eye on Annapolis that long-term lease negotiations failed, and the search for an alternative site ended without success.
The Annapolis closure is part of a larger strategic contraction by JCPenney, a company with a storied history including a bankruptcy filing in May 2020 and a subsequent acquisition by Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management. Now under Catalyst Brands, the retailer operates alongside other well-known brands such as Aéropostale and Lucky Brand, as the retail industry continues to experience structural shifts and competitive pressures. The loss of JCPenney's presence in Annapolis whittles the Maryland count down to 10 locations; yet, shoppers can still visit stores in Columbia, White Marsh, and Glen Burnie, or utilize the company's e-commerce platform at JCPenney.com.
