J.C. Penney has a new look, a new pricing strategy, a new CEO and a new philosophy - and they're not particularly modest about their expectations.
"J. C. Penney Company, Inc. is taking the first steps on its path to reclaiming its birthright and becoming America’s favorite store," read the opening sentence of a press release Monday about the initiative. The changes debut on Wednesday.
The company, coming off a string of lackluster sales results, is revamping its approach under the leadership of Ron Johnson. He's the man who brought Apple stores into being, along with former CEO Steve Jobs.
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| The new JCP logo |
"Three ways to price our merchandise, and no more," J.C. Penney said, in its press release.
Johnson is also attempting to de-clutter the stores and make them cleaner-looking. There will be no more tables in aisles, and 70 percent fewer signs. Anything will be accepted for return at any store, J.C. Penney said, and stores will change monthly "to make it fun and fulfilling to shop."
Some analysts have hailed the move, while others say it poses a risk to J.C. Penney: If customers accustomed to sharp two-day sales with eye-popping 70 percent off headlines, will they respond to Red, White, and Blue?
There are more than 1,100 J.C. Penney stores nationwide. In the Charlotte region, there are five stores, at Carolina Place mall in Pineville, Eastridge Mall in Gastonia, Carolina Mall in Concord, the Rock Hill Galleria and Monroe Crossing.
So, what do you think? Will bringing in an ex-Apple guru, cleaning up the stores and simplifying the prices lure you to J.C. Penney?
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13 comments:
I Certainly dont believe its going to hurt the company
I noticed the price reduction this weekend when I went to Carolina Place Mall looking at bedding. I was impressed! Things are much cheaper than before. Glad I don't need to wait around for a sell.
Yay. Cheap prices for Cheap merchandise made in Chine.
The logo can't hurt but it probably won't help much either.
It's obvious they are trying to compete with Walmart.
Don't forget the new JC Penny opening in Matthews.
I wish they still had a store in Charlotte... I miss the stores at Eastland Mall and Park Road Shopping Center. It's just a chore to drive out to the suburban locations now, I wish they would consider opening in the old Home Depot Design Center at Midtown.
I am actually kind of excited to see the changes and I never go to JCP.
I'll definitely try it out. I haven't been in a J.C. Penney in ages, but I'm intrigued with this new concept rolling out.
I was at their Carolina Place Mall store recently, that location is way too cramped and small.. they really need to expand that store, the merchandise is overflowing and the aisles are crowded.
I know there is room at Northlake Mall for one more anchor space, I really hope J.C. Penney considers it.
The new logo reminds me too much of the Gap logo. I hope JCP doesn't end up trying to be someone they are not.
I haven't felt a desire to spend my money at JC Penney in about 7 years. The clothes for misses look dumpy and usually cheap. When you can bring a brand in exclusively that once was known for quality and a level of sophistication like Liz Claiborne and reduce even that to not much better than stuff at Wal-Mart or cheap brands at Target or Kohl's what's the point? But then again, I haven't seen a lot in the last few years in any store that made me want to part with a big chunk of my money for clothes. It is times like these where it has paid to be a clothes horse. Good luck to them, though.
The first thing that came to mind when I heard J.C. Penny, was that I remmeber them as having the best Men's clothing lines. When I went shopping for good quality, style and value, I always ended up there
"I know there is room at Northlake Mall for one more anchor space"
They could definitely get rid of Dicks Sporting Goods, and move in right there, so as not to increase the parking pains.
Which one of these stores does not belong? The one that's right across the street from an REI.
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