JCPenney now exclusive deparment store retailer for Liz Claiborne

PLANO, Texas JCPenney announced that it has become the exclusive department store for all Liz Claiborne and Claiborne branded merchandise in the United States and Puerto Rico. Available in JCPenney's more than 1,100 stores and jcp.com, Liz Claiborne will be presented as a full lifestyle collection across approximately 30 categories including women's and men's apparel, home and accessories, the company reported.

"The launch of Liz Claiborne at JCPenney 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 JCPenney. Additionally, being the exclusive destination for Liz Claiborne will allow us to attract the brand's loyal customers who were shopping for the brand elsewhere," said Myron Ullman, III, chairman and CEO of JCPenney. "While we have had great success in bringing our own private brands to market, our strength lies in having a balance of existing brands with strong recognition and appeal -- for which there is no better example than Liz Claiborne."

As part of its strategic agreement with JCPenney, Liz Claiborne will be responsible for designing the merchandise while JCPenney 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 JCPenney's assortment in January 2011, JCPenney reported.