JCPenney Co.

New-build shopping center construction was plodding last year — discounting the outlet category, which continues to grow at record speed. And, yet, sometimes one has to look at the quality of what is coming out of the ground — or expanding — and not just the quantity.

Despite J.C. Penney's disappointing sales results, the chain still performed better than its peers in the first quarter. What’s more, Penney an array of new initiatives lined up to help it connect better with a new era of shoppers. To read more, click here

J.C. Penney continued a pattern set by Macy’s, Kohl’s and Nordstrom and reported dismal first quarter sales as traffic declined. Penney’s sales for the quarter fell to 1.6% to $2.81 billion, below analysts’ forecasts of $2.92 billion, from $2.86 billion in the year-ago quarter, as traffic declined and cool weather dampened demand for apparel. Same-store sales slipped 0.4%.

Sears Holdings has been making news lately mostly by closing stores. But in an unexpected move, the troubled retailer announced plans to test a freestanding appliance specialty store concept .

ICSC’s annual RECon convention has long been a rite of spring for many real estate professionals. For three decades, RECon has brought dealmakers and decision-makers to Las Vegas, and today the event regularly attracts more than 30,000 attendees.

The likes of Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Best Buy have a new competitor to deal with—J.C. Penny. "The department store retailer on Monday announced a major expansion into home appliances, as well as two new tests in the home area, one involving Ashley Furniture, and the other national carpet and flooring company Empire Today.

One of the most important trends to track these days is that of online retailers making the jump to brick-and-mortar. The different strategies and tactics they have taken, and the new and different ways that retailers are adapting to the realities of an omnichannel world, can not only reveal some fascinating truths about retail today — but also provide some insights into where the retail industry might be heading in the future.

The number of Sephora shops inside J.C. Penney stores is about to increase.

The department store retailer announced it will open 60 additional Sephora shops in Penney stores, including a flagship set to open in November.

The J.C. Penney Co. Inc. is teaming up with a well-known social network to help draw traffic and sales at select mall-based locations.

According to Advertising Age, Penney will display digital Pinterest boards in 10 malls around the country as part of a Mothers’ Day promotion. The boards will display apparel, hair and beauty products that are available in nearby Penney stores at the mall. The promotion will also include featured in-person appearances by well-known fashion bloggers.

Hot on the heels of its launch of a private label collection aimed at millennial women, The J.C. Penney Co. is now introducing a brand and store section designed for a subset of that market.

JCPenney is debuting Boutique+, a plus-size fashion brand designed for full-figured millennial women. Boutique+ will be available at 500 stores and online May 1.