National chains are closing stores. A look at recent news and how it'll affect KY shoppers

National chains are closing stores. A look at recent news and how it’ll affect KY shoppers

Posted by author March 3, 2025 Shopping

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Shoppers often form preferred routes through their cities, towns and nearby strip mall sprawls to hit their favorite stores.

Unfortunately, some of them have had to change their routines in recent months, or will soon, as some of their preferred stops plan to close.

Here’s a look at some of the national chains that have announced bankruptcies and closures in recent months.

Big Lots buyer selling store leases

After the company filed for bankruptcy in 2024, Big Lots announced its buyer would sell several store leases. That list initally included 10 from Indiana, and 15 more were added later.

Forever 21 looking at bankruptcy

According to recent reports, fast-fashion retailer Forever 21 is considering filing for bankruptcy for a second time. Some locations in Connecticut, California and Washington already plan to close.

Kentucky still has Forever 21 locations in Florence, Lexington and Louisville.

JCPenney to close ‘handful’ of locations

JCPenney announced last week that it plans to close more than 200 locations nationwide. The chain, which filed for bankruptcy protection in 2020 and was sold, recently announced a partnership with Forever 21.

It’s not clear yet if any stores in the Bluegrass state will close. Kentucky still has JCPenney stores in Ashland, Bowling Green, Corbin, Elizabethtown, Florence, Frankfort, Lexington, Louisville, Mt. Sterling, Paducah, Pikeville, Richmond and Somerset. There’s also one in Clarksville in southern Indiana.

Joann plans to close all stores

Fabric and craft store Joann, which has had two bankruptcies in a year, recently announced plans to close more than half of its locations. A list filed in court indicated few would remain in Kentucky.

After a retail liquidator won bidding for the company, it announced that all locations would “wind down ongoing operations” and have going-out-of-business sales at all of its stores.

Kohl’s to close 25+ stores by April 2025

Kohl’s recently released a list of stores that will close soon, none of which are in Indiana. But some stores in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Ohio are planned to close by April.

Macy’s announces more store closures

Macy’s recently announced 66 store closures, none of which are in Kentucky. The company also said it plans to close 150 by the end of the year, which would leave the company with 350 stores across the nation.

Kentucky still has Macy’s stores in Florence and Louisville, according to its website.

Party City closes all stores after bankruptcy

Late in 2024, Party City announced closing sales at all of its locations. At the time, the website said all stores would sell their remaining inventory for up to half off.

Now the main page at partycity.com says sales are up to 80% off. Many stores already have closed, but the website still lists stores in Florence and Lexington.

CONTRIBUTING: Ana Rocío Álvarez Briñez, Courier Journal; Marina Johnson, Courier Journal; Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar; Katie Wiseman, IndyStar; Mike Snider, USA TODAY; Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY; Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY; and Greta Cross, USA TODAY.