JCPenney Co.

Plano, Texas -- JCPenney Co. announced that it will up its participation in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program to 400 stores by the end of 2013. Energy Star certification is awarded to buildings that rank within the top 25% of similar commercial buildings nationwide by meeting strict energy performance levels set by the EPA.

JCPenney has a companywide goal to reduce facility energy use 20% by 2015.

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney Co. announced Thursday that it will up its participation in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program to 400 stores by the end of 2013. Energy Star certification is awarded to buildings that rank within the top 25% of similar commercial buildings nationwide by meeting strict energy performance levels set by the EPA.

J.C. Penney has a companywide goal to reduce facility energy use 20% by 2015.

San Jose, Calif. -- Chicago-based General Growth Properties announced that Fresco World Market is slated to open at Eastridge Mall, located in Santa Clara County, Calif., by September.

Fresco will take over a former Circuit City building and will feature the largest produce and seafood departments in the county and the Bay area.

A GGP property, Eastridge Mall is anchored by J.C. Penney, Macy's, Sears, Barnes & Noble, Bed Bath & Beyond, Sports Chalet and AMC Theatres.

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney Co. reported Monday that its first-quarter net income rose 6.7% amid cost-cutting and improved sales. The department store chain also raised its full-year earnings profit guidance.

The company on Monday reported net income of $64 million for the three months ended April 30, up from $60 million in the same period last year.

PLANO, Texas — JCPenney posted first-quarter net income and comparable-store sales growth thanks to strong growth in key categories and better management of expenses. 

Newport Beach, Calif. -- Grubb & Ellis Co. said that Cole Real Estate Investments has selected members of the company’s Retail Group to lease Whittwood Town Center, a 686,211-sq.-ft. shopping center in Whittier, Calif.

Whittwood Town Center is approximately 97% leased, with national tenants including J.C. Penney, Target, Vons, Kohl’s, PetSmart, 24 Hour Fitness and Panera Bread.

Boynton Beach, Fla. -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group announced that its Boynton Beach Mall property recently welcomed eight new local retailers to its tenant lineup and has also announced the South Florida debut of CCS, a national skate and extreme sports concept store from Foot Locker, to open later this year.

Additionally, several national retailers are in the process of renovating and updating existing locations at the regional shopping mall.

Frisco, Texas -- New York City-based Centro Properties Group said that The Foundry Big & Tall Supply Co. has opened at Preston Ridge, located in Frisco, Texas.

The 5,000-sq.-ft. store is part of the new Growth Brands Division at J.C. Penney Co.

Preston Ridge is owned by Centro.