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Asheville’s Retail Landscape Shifts: JCPenney Closure Marks End of an Era—What Comes Next?
“The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long,” goes the ancient proverb. For decades, Asheville’s JCPenney at the Asheville Mall was that flame—a bustling hub where generations of locals shopped for school clothes, wedding gifts, and holiday décor. But on May 25, 2025, that flame will flicker out. The store’s closure, announced this week, marks not just the end of a 36-year legacy but raises urgent questions: Is this a sign of progress or decline? And what does it mean for the soul of Asheville’s retail community?
Creative Destruction or Retail Meltdown? Theories Collide
JCPenney Asheville closure
Economist Joseph Schumpeter once coined the term “creative destruction” to describe how innovation inevitably dismantles outdated industries. Yet, as JCPenney joins Sears, Walgreens, and other giants in downsizing its physical footprint, locals might wonder: Is this evolution—or extinction? The closure of Asheville’s JCPenney, one of 14 nationwide, reflects a harsh reality. While the company frames it as a pivot to e-commerce (only 2% of its 650+ stores are closing), the human toll is undeniable. For Asheville Mall, already scarred by Sears’ 2018 exit and a post-pandemic occupancy rebound, losing another anchor tenant feels less like progress and more like a wound.
A Store’s Story: From ’89 Nostalgia to Empty Racks
When JCPenney opened its Asheville Mall doors in 1989, it symbolized American retail at its peak. Back then, malls were temples of commerce—places where teens loitered, families holiday-shopped, and retirees found community. “My first job was here in ’92,” recalled former employee Linda Harper, 58. “We weren’t just salespeople. We were part of birthdays, graduations, even funerals.”
But time spares no one. JCPenney’s parent company cited expiring leases and “evolving consumer preferences” as reasons for the closure. Yet for Asheville Mall, which clawed back to a 90% occupancy rate post-COVID, the loss threatens a fragile ecosystem. Anchor stores drive foot traffic; without them, smaller retailers risk becoming collateral damage. “It’s like pulling a keystone from an arch,” said retail analyst Marcus Cole. “Everything around it starts to crumble.”
Domino Effect: Who Survives When the Anchor Sinks?
The stakes are visceral. For Raj Patel, whose jewelry kiosk has operated at the mall for 12 years, JCPenney’s exit spells uncertainty. “We barely survived the pandemic,” he said. “Now this? I don’t know how long we’ll last.” His fear echoes nationwide: Walgreens plans to shutter 1,200 stores by 2027, while Bed Bath & Beyond vanished entirely last year.
But crises breed reinvention. When Sears closed in 2018, Asheville Mall filled its space with a mix of pop-up vendors and a trampoline park. Could JCPenney’s vacancy become a coworking space, an indie market, or even a microbrewery? Kohan Retail Investment Group, which bought the mall in 2022, faces a pivotal choice: cling to fading retail models or reimagine the space entirely. “Malls must become destinations, not just shopping centers,” argued urban planner Clara Nguyen. “Think live music, cooking classes, community gardens.”
JCPenney Asheville closure
Employees and Shoppers: Faces Behind the Headlines
For JCPenney’s 78 employees, the closure is deeply personal. The company says it will offer transfers or severance, but options are slim. “I’m 54. Who’s hiring someone my age?” asked a teary-eyed stock manager who declined to be named. Meanwhile, loyal customers—particularly older residents—mourn the loss of in-person service. “Online shopping isn’t the same,” said Martha Greene, 72. “I liked touching fabrics, chatting with clerks. Now I’ll have to drive an hour to Hickory.”
Yet Asheville’s spirit of resilience offers hope. The city has reinvented itself before, transforming from a sleepy Appalachian town into a cultural hotspot. Could this closure spark a hyper-local revival? “Maybe we’ll see more indie shops fill the gaps,” mused college student Zoe Kim. “Small businesses don’t just sell stuff—they build community.”
Timeline: The Road to Closure
- July 2018: Sears closes its Asheville Mall location.
- November 2020: Mall owner CBL Properties files for bankruptcy.
- August 2022: Kohan Retail Investment Group acquires Asheville Mall.
- February 2025: JCPenney announces closure as part of nationwide downsizing.
- May 25, 2025: Store’s final day of operation.
The Bigger Picture: What Future Do We Want?
Asheville’s dilemma mirrors a national crossroads. Do we mourn the loss of brick-and-mortar retail, or embrace the convenience of Amazon? The answer likely lies in balance. While e-commerce thrives, studies show 72% of Gen Z still prefer in-store shopping for certain goods—a sign that physical retail isn’t dead, just evolving.
“The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists,” goes another proverb. If Asheville Mall adapts—prioritizing experiences over transactions—it could emerge stronger. Imagine a mall with yoga studios, artisan food halls, and tech demo zones. Or better yet, ask yourself: What would make YOU return to a mall in 2025?
Final Thoughts: Your Voice Matters
Will you miss JCPenney, or is its closure a necessary step toward progress? Can malls reinvent themselves, or should we let them fade into nostalgia? Share your stories and ideas—because the future of Asheville’s retail landscape isn’t just about corporations. It’s about us.