J.C. Penney rolls out three shop concepts in 700 stores; second wave set for Sept. 1
Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney on Aug. 1, will open in-store shop concepts for three brands—Levi's, i jeans by Buffalo and The Original Arizona Jean Co.—in nearly 700 stores nationwide. To coordinate with the back-to-school season, the retailer also is offering free haircuts for kids in its salons in the month of August.
"The back-to-school season presents the perfect opportunity to offer free haircuts for kids and unveil our new Shops, giving customers a first glimpse of what will soon be an entirely new retail experience," said Ron Johnson, CEO, J.C. Penney.
J.C. Penney’s second wave of branded shops will open Sept. 1, and will feature dedicated shops for Liz Claiborne, IZOD, and jcp – a new private brand dedicated to high-quality fashion basics.
The Levi’s shop, dubbed the Levi's Denim Bar experience, will launch in Men's with 11 fits and 88 washes. Each Denim Bar is equipped with iPads so customers can access more sizes, styles and finishes through a virtual experience that is also available on Jcp.com/levis. The shop, staffed by Levi's Fit Specialists, will offer mobile checkout, the first time the technology has been available in J.C. Penney stores.
"Now, customers can pull up a stool at one of our Levi's Denim Bars and work with a specialist to choose from a curated selection of Levi's jeans that best expresses their personal style,” said Liz Sweney, chief merchant, J.C. Penney.
J.C. Penney said its in-house Original Arizona Jean Co. line has been completely reinvented with better quality fabrics, including updated prints, washes and stitching details inherent to the heritage brand.
I jeans by Buffalo, a new brand developed by Buffalo David Bitton for men, women and children, will cater to fashion-savvy shoppers who prefer modern clothing with contemporary silhouettes. It will include sportswear, outerwear, accessories and denim.
Last week, Joe Fresh, the Canadian cheap-chic retailer, announced it had entered into an agreement to roll out in-store shops next spring in approximately J.C. Penney stores nationwide. The launch is planned for spring 2013.