JCPenney’s $1B refresh includes first new store in 8 years

PLANO, Texas – Opening weekend sales blew past projections as JCPenney opened a new location for the first time since 2016.

The new JCPenney anchor store officially opened on April 5 at the Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, N.J. It replaces a 50-year-old store the company had operated nearby, so does not add to the department store’s number of locations.

Opening weekend sales beat plan by 48% and the store was the second-highest performing location in the company, the retailer said.

“[C]ustomers can expect a refreshed and revitalized in-store experience featuring a smaller store footprint, more curated merchandise selection and a conveniently located side-by-side Salon and Beauty section,” JCPenney added.

The project is part of JCPenney’s $1 billion reinvestment program to remodel and revitalize both its store fleet and online operation.

Each of the company’s 663 stores are slated for updates, including an enhanced store look and feel, improved technology and associate tools and physical upgrades. A new point-of-sale system is intended to better integrate with inventory, and upgrades to in-store wi-fi networks will provide faster, more reliable connections for customers and associates.

More than 100 stores have already been completed.

“The new JCPenney store concept in Wayne, N.J. is bringing a refreshing new take to the in-person department store shopping experience,” said Michelle Wlazlo, chief merchandising officer for JCPenney. “We are dedicated to making the in-store experience more inviting and productive for the diverse, working families we serve.”

See also:

• JCPenney chief merchant: “So many of our stores are really good”
• JCPenney’s Q3 average ticket was up, but total sales were down