JCPenney big-and-tall division to launch new retail concept

PLANO, Texas JCPenney announced that its new Foundry Big & Tall Supply Co. division will launch a new retail concept catering to the men’s big-and-tall customer. With plans to open 300 stores -- as well as an ecommerce website -- over the next five years, The Foundry Big & Tall Supply Co. will carry an extensive assortment of highly sought-after national men’s brands along with The Foundry Supply Co. private brand merchandise, offering an upscale, one-stop-shop for the big-and-tall customer, JCPenney reported.

“With big & tall customers making up over 50% of the male population and spending nearly $6 billion on apparel, footwear and accessories, we saw an opportunity to serve the fashionable and professional big & tall customer who is often frustrated by the lack of sizes and fits, availability of brands and the overall lack of customer service in their category,” said Myron Ullman, III, chairman and chief executive officer. “Offering an upscale environment and extensive assortments of apparel, footwear and furnishings created with them in mind, The Foundry Big & Tall Supply Co. is positioned to address all of the needs of the big & tall customer -- one of the largest and fastest growing segments in the market place today.”

The Foundry Big & Tall Supply Co. plans to open 10 specialty stores in May 2011, following the April 2011 launch of its ecommerce website and aggressively expand nationwide to 150 stores by 2013, reaching a total of 300 stores over the next five years. The stand alone, specialty retail stores will be up to 6,000 sq. ft., and be staffed with dedicated associates.

Steve Lossing, a retail executive with over 20 years of menswear experience, including eight years with JCPenney, has been named president of The Foundry and will be responsible for the overall retail operations.