JCPenney to Close Store in California Amid Nationwide Reductions

JCPenney is set to close several locations across the United States, including a store at the Stoneridge Shopping Center in Pleasanton, California, which has been in operation since the 1980s. The store permanently closed its doors in February 2026 after lease renewal negotiations failed. A JCPenney spokesperson stated, "Regretfully, we are unable to continue our current lease terms for this store location and have been unable to find another suitable location in the market." This closure is part of a broader trend of store reductions for the retailer, which has seen its footprint shrink significantly in recent years. Other locations that have closed this year include stores in Sanford, Florida; Chicago; Goodlettsville, Tennessee; and Springfield, Virginia. JCPenney's store count has decreased from over 2,000 in the 1970s to approximately 640 as of now. The company, which was acquired by Simon Property Group in a $1.75 billion deal in 2020, has faced challenges due to expiring leases and changes in consumer foot traffic. In the second quarter of 2026, JCPenney reported a net sales decline of more than 8% year-over-year, totaling $1.3 billion. Despite these challenges, categories such as beauty, jewelry, home, and activewear have shown better performance, and the company is attempting to enhance its business through a new online marketplace.