JCPENNEY EMBARKS ON A RETURN TO APPLIANCES

Retailer showcases kitchen and laundry appliances in three pilot markets starting Feb. 1

PLANO, Texas (Jan. 19, 2016) - As more millennials enter the real estate market and a rising number of homeowners invest in updating their homes, JCPenney (NYSE:JCP) today announced that it will introduce a leading assortment of major appliances in 22 pilot stores beginning Feb. 1. Backed by customer research that reinforces the Company's decision to enter the appliance market, the pilot is one of several strategic initiatives aimed at improving its home department sales productivity. The Company introduced a strategic framework in 2015 that focuses on opportunities in private brands, omnichannel and increasing revenue per customer, of which appliance sales will be a key component. 

"Our research shows that the female consumer is the key decision maker in the appliance purchase process. Recognizing that over 70 percent of our shoppers are women, we're going to improve the way customers shop for appliances by building an emotional connection with the female shopper who already trusts JCPenney to furnish her home and wardrobe," said Marvin Ellison, chief executive officer for JCPenney. "We are excited to design a shopping experience that combines great products, strong presentation and exceptional customer service to compel new and existing customers to shop and spend more at JCPenney."

Launching in San Antonio, San Diego and Tampa, Fla. area stores, each pilot location will feature 90 to 150 appliance models in a dedicated showroom staffed by trained and knowledgeable associates. JCPenney will carry a top-rated selection of kitchen and laundry appliances in a range of price points from GE, Hotpoint, LG and Samsung. To increase its shopping appeal among women, appliances will be strategically adjacent to other popular home categories with select display models styled in inspiring lifestyle vignettes to help customers visualize how it could look in their homes.

After more than 30 years, JCPenney decided to re-enter the appliance business after customer data showed that the vast majority of its shoppers own a home and are frequently searching for major appliance options on jcp.com. The Company also conducted extensive third-party consumer research, which revealed that the majority of those surveyed thought it made sense for JCPenney to sell major appliances. Respondents saw it as a natural extension of the Company's home business, and indicated that the availability of appliances would entice them to visit JCPenney more often.

"We plan to continually listen to our customers' feedback and learn from our pilot operations over the next few months. Although our sales results in our Home business are much improved, it still remains one of the least productive areas in the store. The introduction of major appliances will help us continue to significantly improve sales and gross profit per square foot in our home department, " Ellison added.

The Company plans to make a broad assortment of major appliances available on jcp.com starting this spring. The national retailer will also leverage its JCPenney credit card and JCP Rewards program to provide unique customer advantages that help make new appliance ownership attainable for more families.

For related product images, store b-roll and a Spanish version of this release, please visit jcpnewsroom.com and follow @jcpnews on Twitter.

Media Relations:

(972) 431-3400 or jcpnews@jcp.com

Investor Relations:

(972) 431-5500 or jcpinvestorrelations@jcpenney.com

About JCPenney:

J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP), one of the nation's largest apparel and home furnishing retailers, is dedicated to fitting the diversity of America with unparalleled style, quality and value. Across approximately 1,020 stores and at jcp.com, customers will discover a broad assortment of national, private and exclusive brands to fit all shapes, sizes, occasions and budgets.  For more information, please visit jcp.com.

###