J.C. Penney extends omnichannel options during pandemic

J.C. Penney Co. is making it easier for customers to buy and return items online.

The department store retailer, which has shuttered its stores until at least April 2 in response to the ongoing threat of COVID-19, is now qualifying all online orders of $49 or more for free standard shipping. Online assortment includes essential items and extended categories that are not offered in J.C. Penney stores.

For customers who recently placed orders for pick up through buy-online-pick-up-in-store (BOPIS) or ship-to-store, J.C. Penney is holding those items. Once the retailer’s stores reopen, orders will have an extended pickup time of 21 days.

In addition, J.C. Penney has no time limit on its return policy and customers can return items whenever it is convenient for them when stores reopen. The retailer also accepts returns in the mail. J.C. Penney says it is closely monitoring local and state mandates and will align reopening dates in certain geographical areas as needed.

“These unprecedented times remind us of what matters most, especially the health and well-being of those important to us,” J.C. Penney said in a corporate blog post. “We are grateful for family, friends, colleagues, and our valued customers who we stand with as we navigate this pandemic.”