2008-02-26 15:40:16 -

- J. C. Penney Company, Inc. Tim Lyons, 972-431-3400 tmlyons@jcpenney.com J. C. Penney Company, Inc., one of the nation's largest department store retailers, is offering shoppers an easy and exciting way to experience style and quality at smart prices with the grand opening of the JCPenney store at Coastal Grand Mall, 1800 Coastal Grand Circle in Myrtle Beach,

S.C.

The official grand opening for the new, 105,000-square-foot JCPenney will take place Friday, March 7, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the store's main entrance at 8:45 a.m. The Myrtle Beach store is among 10 JCPenney stores celebrating grand openings on the same day nationwide.

"We're looking forward to being part of a premier shopping destination at Coastal Grand," said Store Manager Brian May. "With our store's convenient design, great merchandise assortment, and an exceptional team of associates, we will provide an outstanding shopping experience for our customers. We invite everyone to come by and celebrate with us."

Two Great Concepts Take Center Stage

The heart of the store showcases JCPenney's two brand concepts: a Sephora beauty boutique and the extraordinary American Living collection of fashions for men, women, children and home.

The full-service Sephora boutique covers approximately 1,500 square feet and boasts the best that Sephora has to offer, including some of the most desired brands in makeup, skincare, fragrance, and accessory products such as Bare Escentuals(R) and Philosophy(R). The Sephora inside JCPenney is staffed by a team of beauty consultants specially trained in the Science of Sephora.

Developed exclusively for the JCPenney customer by Global Brand Concepts, a division of Polo Ralph Lauren, and introduced for spring 2008, American Living is a classic traditional lifestyle brand that combines impeccable quality with a clean, timeless style. It captures the spirit of American aspiration, diversity, and celebration - all at JCPenney's signature smart prices.

Throughout the store, wide aisles and efficient customer service centers make shopping easy and convenient. The updated layout helps shoppers easily locate all of JCPenney's major brands, including The Original Arizona Jean Company(R), Chris Madden(R), nicole by Nicole Miller(R), Liz & Co.(R), Ambrielle(R), SouthPole(R), Worthington(R), Stafford(R), Bisou-Bisou(R), Carter's and Nike(R).

Additional Services

For added convenience, JCPenney at Coastal Grand Mall provides an assortment of services under one roof, including an all-occasion portrait studio, optical center, expert in-home custom decorating services, and a full-service salon offering an array of professional hair and beauty services, as well as products from leading salon brands. In addition, customers can place orders or pick up catalog and Internet purchases at the store's Solutions desk.

JCPenney Afterschool Fund Grants

As part of the March 7 grand opening celebration, the JCPenney Afterschool Fund will contribute grants to the YMCA of Coastal Carolina that will allow three local children to participate in YMCA afterschool programs during the school year. Additionally, JCPenney will provide each child selected to receive a grant with a JCPenney gift card for school apparel. The contribution will be presented during the store's ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The JCPenney Afterschool Fund is a charitable organization committed to providing children in need with access to life-enriching afterschool programs that foster their academic, physical and social development. Currently, more than 14 million youth in America are unsupervised every day between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Through partnerships with the YMCA of the USA, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, National 4-H and United Way of America, the JCPenney Afterschool Fund helps prepare children to reach their full potential by providing them with essential afterschool opportunities.

Grand Opening Activities

Throughout grand opening week, customers can register to win great prizes, including a $1,000 JCPenney gift card, as well as one of 50 $100 gift cards to be used toward any JCPenney purchase. The sweepstakes runs March 2 through March 15 in select states only, is open to those 18 years or older, and no purchase is necessary to enter. For complete rules, go to jcpnewstores.com.

JCPenney, celebrating 106 years of serving America, has proudly served South Carolina shoppers since 1924. The new store will contribute approximately 135 jobs to the Myrtle Beach economy. JCPenney at Coastal Grand Mall will operate Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

About JCPenney

JCPenney is one of America's leading retailers, operating 1,067 department stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as one of the largest apparel and home furnishing sites on the Internet, jcp.com, and the nation's largest general merchandise catalog business. Through these integrated channels, JCPenney offers a wide array of national, private and exclusive brands which reflect the Company's commitment to providing customers with style and quality at a smart price. Traded as "JCP" on the New York Stock Exchange, the Company posted revenue of $19.9 billion in 2006 and is executing its strategic plan to be the growth leader in the retail industry. Key to this strategy is JCPenney's "Every Day Matters" brand positioning, intended to generate deeper, more emotionally driven relationships with customers by fully engaging the Company's 155,000 Associates to offer encouragement, provide ideas and inspire customers every time they shop with JCPenney.

Grand Opening Celebration Begins at Coastal Grand Mall March 7