J.C. Penney expanding in-store digital experience

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney Co. is expanding its in-store digital presence by rolling out its “findmore smart fixture” to more than 120 stores across the United States. The kiosk has a 42-inch touch screen store that links store shoppers directly to the retailer’s website and its 250,000 online products.



Using the findmore kiosk, shoppers can check the availability of merchandise in-store and at nearby locations, and scan bar codes on in-store items for more product information and features. They can also e-mail images and information about an online item to themselves or a friend.



Additionally, shoppers can view items and outfits and add them to an online "dressing room." The customer can then print out a page listing the items, locate the items in the store and try them on.



Online items purchased from the findmore fixture can be shipped to shoppers at home, or shipped for free to the local J.C. Penney store. Additionally, customers can also print out a receipt and purchase an online item at an in-store register, with the rest of their in-store purchases.



"We've always seen the value of integrating the online and in-store shopping experience offering customers the opportunity to have access to a greater merchandise selection by offering access to online purchases in the stores," said Tom Nealon, group executive VP.



Additionally, in conjunction with the launch of its previously announced in-store Modern Bride concept, J.C. Penney said it will begin rolling out the Findmore experience using iPad to 50 fine jewelry departments.



The retailer said the new initiatives are part of its strategy to encourage store associates and customers to "find more" by providing access to the expanded assortments and product information available on jcp.com.