JCPenney to Open Two New Stores in the Houston Area

2008-09-23 23:59:03 -

- J. C. Penney Company, Inc. Media Relations Tim Lyons, 972-431-3400 tmlyons@jcpenney.com or Ann Marie Bishop, 972-431-3400 abishop@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 two JCPenney stores in Southeast Texas -- at

Teas Crossing in Conroe and Victory Lakes Town Center in League City. The Conroe store, with its sleek, modern architectural style, is the first in Texas to reflect JCPenney's new store-exterior prototype.

The official grand openings for the new JCPenney stores will take place on Friday, Oct. 3, marked by simultaneous ribbon-cutting ceremonies at 8:45 a.m. The stores are among 12 JCPenney stores celebrating grand openings on the same day nationwide.

"Despite the effects of Hurricane Ike, we are proud to say we are opening as planned thanks to the hard work and dedication of our Associates," said Steven Steele, JCPenney district manager. "With these two stores, we will have opened nine new stores in the greater Houston area since 2005, which reflects our strong commitment to this market and provides customers with even more convenient access to JCPenney merchandise and services. We know customers will enjoy the stores' easy-to-shop design, great merchandise assortments, and exceptional teams of Associates."

New Concepts Take Center Stage: Sephora and American Living

Both new stores showcase JCPenney's latest major brand concepts: a Sephora beauty boutique and the extraordinary American Living(TM) collection of fashions for men, women, children and home.

The full-service Sephora boutique covers approximately 1,500 square feet and boasts the best of Sephora, 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, American Living is a classic traditional lifestyle brand that combines impeccable quality with clean, timeless style. It captures the spirit of American aspiration, diversity, and celebration - all at JCPenney's signature smart prices.

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

Additional Services

For added convenience, each store provides an assortment of services under one roof, including an all-occasion portrait studio; 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 internet and catalog purchases at the store's Service desk.

JCPenney Support for the Community

In honor of each store's grand opening, the JCPenney Afterschool Fund will contribute $5,000 grants to the Conroe Branch YMCA and the Perry Family YMCA to provide children in need with access to afterschool programs that foster their academic, physical and social development. In addition, JCPenney will provide each organization with five $50 gift cards to help underprivileged students purchase school apparel. The contributions will be presented during each store's ribbon-cutting ceremony. The JCPenney Afterschool Fund is a charitable organization committed to providing access to life-enriching afterschool programs through partnerships with the YMCA of the USA, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, National 4-H and United Way of America.

Continuing its commitment to helping communities across the country, JCPenney is a member of the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program, providing funding and support for disaster relief efforts, including the ongoing relief efforts for Hurricanes Ike and Gustav.

JCPenney at Teas Crossing

The new JCPenney in Conroe, located at 3165 Interstate 45 North, covers 104,000 square feet and will employ 120 Associates. The store's hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

JCPenney at Victory Lakes Town Center

Located at 2520 Gulf Freeway South, the new JCPenney store in League City covers 105,000 square feet and will employ 120 Associates. JCPenney in League City will operate Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

About JCPenney

JCPenney is one of America's leading retailers, operating 1,083 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 2007 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.

Conroe and League City Stores Celebrate Grand Openings on Oct. 3