WALDORF, Md. — A major shift is coming to one of Southern Maryland’s retail anchors — and it’s part of a nearly $1 billion national deal. As JCPenney continues to restructure its footprint, changes are on the horizon for one location that’s long been a staple for Charles County shoppers.
The St. Charles Towne Center location in Waldorf is one of just two JCPenney stores in Maryland included in a $947 million national property sale. A total of 119 stores across the country are being sold to an affiliate of Onyx Partners Ltd., a Boston-based private equity firm, as confirmed by Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust. The transaction is expected to close by Monday, Sept. 8.
The Waldorf store made the list. The JCPenney in California, Md. — St. Mary’s County’s location — was not included in the sale and will remain under current ownership.
See the entire list of locations in the PDF below:
The move is part of JCPenney’s continued effort to streamline operations following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2020. Since emerging from bankruptcy later that year, the department store chain has made strategic cuts and restructured to stay competitive with budget-minded shoppers. Earlier this year, stores in California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, New Hampshire, North Carolina and West Virginia permanently closed.
JCPenney Kids Zone
Despite the ownership transition, local families can still take advantage of in-store events like the JCPenney Kids Zone. This free monthly craft program gives children a chance to make themed projects while parents shop. The next Kids Zone event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 10, 2025, at participating stores, including the Waldorf location. The activity typically runs from 11 a.m. to noon, while supplies last.
The BayNet has reached out to the buyer to learn more about what this means for the Waldorf store and what changes are planned after the sale finalizes. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
JCPenney currently operates about 650 locations nationwide, with 11 stores across Maryland.
For those wanting to stop by before the sale is complete, the Waldorf store, located at 11130 Mall Circle, is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
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I think that one of the 2 problems is that most of the stores in the mall only appeal to young people. Us older folks liked Sears & JC Penny for our clothing. They had good buys and were not too expensive. I used to enjoy walking through the mall when it first opened but, being mostly unsafe today, I wouldn’t go there for any reason.