J.C. Penney announces launch of Liz Claiborne

Plano, Texas J.C. Penney Co. on Monday announced the launch of Liz Claiborne, making J.C. Penney the exclusive department store for all Liz Claiborne and Claiborne branded merchandise in the United States and Puerto Rico. The brand, available in J.C. Penney’s more than 1,100 stores and jcp.com, will be presented as a full lifestyle collection across approximately 30 categories -- including women’s and men’s apparel, home and accessories.

“The launch of Liz Claiborne at J.C. Penney represents an incredible opportunity to deliver a brand we know our customers desire, with an expanded offering that reflects the value and affordability they expect from J.C. Penney,” said Myron E. (Mike) Ullman, III, chairman and CEO of J.C. Penney.

As part of its strategic agreement with J.C. Penney, Liz Claiborne will be responsible for designing the merchandise while the retailer will source, merchandise and market the brand.

Liz Claiborne women’s and Claiborne men’s merchandise will begin rolling out in August and Liz Claiborne home merchandise will join J.C. Penney’s assortment in January 2011. The brand will fall into the chain’s “better” and “best” pricing tiers.