JCPenney Co.

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney Co. topped analysts estimates for the first quarter, reporting a smaller-than-expected loss. Declaring its intent to become the “preferred shopping choice for middle America” and gain back market share, the company also raised its outlook for the year.

Penney posted a loss of $167 million in the quarter ended May 2, compared with a net loss of $352 million in the year-ago period.

Toronto -- Canada’s Loblaw Companies Ltd. said it will pull its Joe Fresh brand from J.C. Penney stores in the United States at the beginning of next year as it looks to concentrate on freestanding Joe Fresh stores and e-commerce.  

Former Apple and JCPenney executive Ron Johnson’s career has been marked by spectacular success and failure, which is why his new retail venture called Enjoy is of interest, even if it borrows heavily from a service Best Buy launched more than a decade ago.

Billed as a “a whole new way to buy and enjoy technology,” Johnson secured $30 million in funding last fall and launched the service on Wednesday in the San Francisco area and debuts May 13 in New York.

Menlo Park, Calif. -- Former J.C. Penney CEO and Apple Store guru Ron Johnson on Wednesday launched a high-end, high-tech gadget shopping site that comes with a personal touch. Called Enjoy, and initially available only in the San Francisco Bay area and, on May 13 in New York City, the new service bills itself as a “personal service platform.” It allows shoppers to buy select consumer electronics online and then, for no charge, sends an expert to install and set up the product at the consumer’s home.

From international brands dropping anchor on U.S. shores and online players expanding in the physical space to familiar names with new formats and traditional start-ups, there is no lack of new concepts in the brick-and-mortar arena. Here’s a look at some with the biggest buzz.

TreeHouse

An Austin, Texas-based home improvement retailer with a green conscience and niche positioning is ready to branch out. TreeHouse opened in late 2011 in Austin’s Westgate Shopping Center, and has been thriving ever since.

JCPenney Co. Inc. is expanding its in-store partnership with Sephora by adding the beauty retailer to more stores.

Every business magazine sports an “X Under 40” list celebrating precocious professionals. But, really, isn’t it almost always youthful drive and optimism that feeds the engine of progress?

The stories of Chain Store Age’s 2017 list of over-achievers under 40 abound with examples of young people from different disciplines who all discovered retail real estate as the perfect channel for their passions.

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney Company has named consumer marketing executive and board member Mary Beth West as executive VP and chief customer and marketing officer, effective June 1. She replaces Debra Berman, who resigned as CMO after less than two years with the retailer.  West will be stepping down from the board to assume the new role.