JCPenney Logo

JCPenney

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5.4

Overall Score

Author: Kalicia Bateman

LAST UPDATED: April 19th, 2022

JCPenney has been in business since 1902. It serves customers at approximately 840 stores across the United States and Puerto Rico, and online at jcp.com. Its operations are supported by a variety of U.S. and internationally based support facilities, including its home office in Plano, Texas.

JCPenney has undergone several transformations over its more than 100 years in business. In 1963, it issued its first mail order catalog, influencing the way Americans would shop for decades. And then in 1994, JPenney evolved again as one of the first national retailers to embrace e-commerce by launching jcp.com. Today JCPenney stores are mainly located in shopping malls and do a large amount of business online. 

In recent years JCPenney has faced a slew of financial issues as the retail industry has changed rapidly. In May 2020 JCPenney filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and announced that it would close 242 stores. In September 2020, the retail chain was purchased by two large property groups. Its stores and e-commerce site are operating as usual. 

JCPenney sells clothing, shoes, accessories and household items. Its website also sells a large range of jewelry, salon items, and Sephora Beauty products. Customers should be aware that its stores vary in their offerings. Not all stores feature add-ons such as their optical departments, photography studios, JCP Salon, and Sephora Beauty. 

The fashion industry is responsible for 10 percent of humanity’s carbon emissions each year, and this impact is growing. JCPenney is one of the largest purchasers of clothing, shoes, accessories and household items to be sold in the United States and Puerto Rico and is dedicated to ethical and environmentally friendly sourcing for the goods it sells. Customers can review information related to JCPenney’s standards on its website.

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The Good

  • Clothing Competitively Priced
  • More Than 100 Years of Retail Experience
  • Free Shipping Offered on Orders Over $49

Clothing Competitively Priced

JCPenney, as one of the most experienced clothing retailer, provides its customers with great low prices for quality merchandise. For example, tuxedos that could cost hundreds of dollars from other online clothing wholesalers can be purchased for far less. You are able to purchase nice tuxedos, especially the Stafford brand, near rental prices. This is a great option for a customer who might not have big bucks to spend on a prom, wedding, or other special occasion. There are lots of options for items beyond clothing. Besides men, women, children, and baby clothing products, there are also bed and bath products, furniture, and other items for around the home.

More Than 100 Years of Retail Experience

Being in business for several decades has benefited JCPenney throughout its transition to the online store shopping world. The company regularly responds to customer complaints and works on repairing the client-company relationship when a poor customer experience has occurred. Because of this, JCPenney has an excellent customer service reputation. The company has consistently responded to customer complaints politely, timely, and worked effectively to fix issues the right way.

Free Shipping Offered on Orders Over $49

JCPenney offers a number of different shipping options, including standard (three to five business days), premium (three business days), express (one or two business days). When shopping online, free shipping is offered for orders that total over $49. Orders that qualify for free shipping are shipped via its Standard Delivery 3–5 business day method. Eligible customers must select this option in checkout in order to receive free shipping. Free shipping excludes truck-delivered items and may also exclude select manufacturer delivered items based on participation.

There is also the option of ordering something online and then picking it up at a JCPenney Store. JCPenney stores offer curbside pick up as well. Customers must place orders by 3 p.m. for free pickup at their local store. This makes getting your item relatively easy and fast.

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The Bad

  • Shipping and Delivery Issues
  • Restocking Fees
  • Review Tool

Shipping and Delivery Issues

JCPenney’s online reviews include many complaints regarding shipping and receiving issues. Some complaints regarded the slow shipping of certain items. Complaints like these usually indicate a pattern of problems with inventory and distribution center processes, and the complaint resolutions made it sound like JCPenney is working on this.

Restocking Fees

There are problems involving restocking fees for some certain products. For example, there is a restocking fee for returning furniture. Customers should be able to return unused furniture without a restocking fee if they find that it wasn't a good fit for them. Smaller items, like clothes, don't have as many issues with this however.

Review Tool

Not very many customers used the online review tool for JCPenney products. It would enhance the shopping experience if information about products that customers have purchased was readily available on the site; this information helps customers determine whether or not a product is a good fit for them.

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The Bottom Line

Overall, we definitely recommend JCPenney to those shopping for low-end to mid-range priced clothing. Although the company has experienced a slight decline due to the disappearance of the catalog industry, we found that they have a great selection of clothes online. One of the nice things about JCPenney is that you can purchase regular products like special occasion dresses or tuxedos for close to their rental prices.

We also liked that JCPenney has done a great job with customer service. We found that the company was significantly beating Nordstrom when it came to keeping customers happy. Also, the rewards program is not "exclusive." You do have to spend a certain amount of money at each service level in the rewards program on the store credit card, but there are many great perks with the rewards program.

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Star Rating

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3.9

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323 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

43%

4 grade

28%

3 grade

13%

2 grade

5%

1 grade

11%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Trustworthiness

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Keante Mooney Petal, MS

I have ordered about 3 different online orders with in a month and a half frame . I can honestly say I have recieved every order in a very timely fashion which is very impressing because im sure because of school starting back im sure things are very busy. I had one order where I recieved all items but one so I called online customer service and I got a lady name Mychell and she did an amazing job making sure she got me what I was missing . It took less than five min and she had it taken care of . Good job Mychell we need more customer service reps like you !!!!

8 years ago

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Tami Allen Gilbert, AZ

JC Penney is one of my favorite stores to shop at because they have a wide selection of clothing for all ages, and brands that fit a wide variety of women especially. I am a middle aged woman, who can't shop in the Juniors section anymore and find anything that fits. But at JC Penney, I can find clothes that are reasonably priced and fashionable in my size. I usually stop at JC Penney when I take the kids school shopping because in one stop, we can get almost everything we need, shoes, clothes, makeup, jewelry, etc. I love the convenience and the quality that JC Penney offers, and especially the low prices.

8 years ago

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Robert Mott

My mom always took me to J.C. Penney when I was a kid. When I started shopping on my own it has always been J.C. Penneys and still is to this day. Now though with my busy schedule I'm still able to shop at their website and find all the styles I love.

4 years ago Edited April 20, 2022

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Laurel Dalton Salt Lake City, UT

JCPenny has wonderful clothing. It has name-brand items that are reduced to sale prices. As a business student, this is very helpful because I need professional clothing, but I don't always have the budget for such items. JCPenny helps ease that burden as I know I can find quality items for a lower price.

4 years ago

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JJ Jenkins Glendale, AZ

I love the brand Saint Johns Bay and Dag Harbor from HCPenney. They always have clothes for me, a 56 year old woman, who wants to look stylish and be comfortable. I also believe that their prices are reasonable and they offer lots of sales.

4 years ago

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Toni Montuori

Pennys is a tradition and staple when you know what you need bc you also know you can get it there. I’ve been happy for decades with their selection, prices, store appearance and the floor staff are always polite and helpful.

5 years ago

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Nyla C. Edison, NJ

I loved the store, working here was great and I hope to get back to it soon. The environment was very nice and I felt I could work fast paced here. Managers are very helpful and there are discounts for employees as well. Their selection is nice and affordable too.

5 years ago

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Lisa C Johnson Catonsville, MD

Customer service is amazing. The employees always greet me at the store. The variety of clothes are great. I buy most of my clothes here. I love the coupons that you can use on sale items. Used to be able to use them on discontinued item. Overall the prices are very good for the quality.

5 years ago

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JOHN M CAMPBELL ,

I've been ordering products through their online catalog for many years. I have them delivered to my local store with no associated shipping fees and they are quick to fill the orders. But the best thing is the Customer Service. They make it so easy to return things and they quickly credit your card with the refund.

5 years ago

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Lindsey Andersen Provo, UT

I absolutely LOVE that JCPenney has been including plus size models on their Instagram page. They have great options and prices. You can return anything in the store that you bought online. You can go to Sephora inside JCPenney for makeup. I'm there all the time, and you can do it online as well!

8 years ago

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Kenneth Okerlund

I have never had a bad experience with employees at JCPenney. Although they don't always have what I am looking for, I still really enjoy going and taking a look because more often than not I find what I want at a very good price.

9 years ago

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Shauna Horne American Fork, UT

I really like that JC Penney carries the Liz Claiborne line of clothes. I buy a lot of my clothing there because of it. They almost always have a sale on the clothes too, which I really appreciate. They also have a great selection of shoes and handbags. My husband likes the Arizona brand of jeans that JC Penney carries so he likes to shop there too.

6 years ago

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kristin Gneiting Pleasant Grove, UT

I love shopping online at JCPenney because of the online coupons that they list right on their website! The shipping is always reasonable if you want things shipped right to your house, but you can also have things shipped to the store for free. Holiday shopping is a must at JCPenney online because of the deals you find and it beats going out and fighting the crowds. I have never had a problem with getting things late, my items have always arrived in a timely manner.

7 years ago

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Jaelyn Morris Tallahassee, FL

JCPenny has affordable clothing for everyone in the family. I can shop for children in my family as well as myself. I always find cute clothes at JCPenny and will continue to shop there.

4 years ago

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Marci Randall Sandy, UT

I have been shopping at JCP since I was a kid! I remember school shopping there when I was small and now I take my kids there. The clothes are quality and reasonably priced. It is one clothing store credit card I have!

4 years ago

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AlisaD Salt Lake City, UT

Lots of different clothes in store to choose from. I've ordered clothes online and then picked up in store to try on. Customer service was great in returning clothing items.

4 years ago Edited January 31, 2022

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Brynlee Dalton Herriman, UT

I love JCPenney so much! There are so many different products to choose from! Personally, I like the sweaters. But there are many other options as well! JCPenney is the place to shop if you want amazing products!

4 years ago

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Brynlee Dalton Riverton, UT

JCPenney is SUCH a good company! There is a huge variety of products! I especially like their sweaters. From awesome shirts, to athletic pants, there really is something for everyone! I love JCPenney so much!

4 years ago

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M. Nielsen South Bend, IN

I love the selection at JCPenney. I usually purchase online and am always very happy with the quality and the quickness of the shipping. I will be doing quite a bit of my Christmas shopping there this year as well.

4 years ago

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Austin Stelmach Boulder, CO

JC Penny, although similar to other department stores, has THE best clothing items. They are constantly updating their fashion and still have some of the lowest prices. I love shopping here.

6 years ago

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Mouna Franklin, WI

Dipti had been extremely helpful at the South Ridge Mall location in greenfield WI. I am very happy with the quality and service that JC Penny is still committed to regardless of all the changes in other stores.

8 years ago

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Sandi Westover Fremont, CA

It's easy to shop JC Penney online. I like that I can return items I don't like to store. I don't have to pay return shipping. I can also shop online and pick up at the store.

8 years ago

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Karen Torino Tallahassee, FL

I love shopping at JCPenney year round. They usually offer nice deals to go along with your purchases and have a great variety of clothing to choose from. I have bought everything from winter clothing to summer dresses and I love them.

6 years ago

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Jeremy Brown Riverton, UT

JCPenny has great clothing for the whole family, they have great prices and they are in great quality when you buy the clothes. I love going there to buy clothes all the time because the employees are always in a great mood and always put a smile on my face.

6 years ago

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Becky Livingston, TX

I usually use the JCPenny website to see what they have available and the prices. Also, to see if there are any coupons available for shopping locally. When I've ordered online I've been pleased with the shipping and ability to return items to the local store.

7 years ago

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Ted Johnson Pleasant Grove, UT

JC Penney is my kind of online store. They have great prices and I know of their quality from their main stores. They have a Big and Tall section that is just right for me and it still has a good variety of modern and good looking clothes.

7 years ago

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Olivia LeBaron Delta, UT

I live hours away from a city so this is a nice way for me to get clothing easily. Good quality clothing for a good price shipped to my door. I can take things to the store to return them easily. Clothes tend to be pre shrunk

7 years ago

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Sierra Beck Herriman, UT

I go to JCPenney a lot and find cute things but they don't always have my size. I either have them call another store to see or I look online. A lot of the times they have more sizes available online and I can get what I need. I recently bought a pair of cute swim shorts that I love.

7 years ago

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Reese Pleasant Grove, UT

I have bought from JCPenney many times over the years and they are a well known brand that stands behind their products. They have a great selection of clothes to choose from, and brand names that are stylish. I love their Big and Tall options that are just right for me and the price is right as well.

7 years ago

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Ashley Pleasant Grove, UT

I love shopping online at JCPenney's for my husbands white shirts for Sunday. They last a long time and are the best quality I have found. He is a big guy too and they carry big and tall. It is so fast and easy and you can save money by having them shipped to your local store.

7 years ago

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Avery Fowler Pleasant Grove, UT

During Christmas time me and my family always get PJs, we always go to JCPenney to get our PJs. They are always super soft, high quality fabrics, and have many different options, and they also last a very long time. Staff is always super welcoming, store is very organized!

8 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Preston Fowler Pleasant Grove, UT

My sisters were always obsessed with JCPenney and I never knew why until I went there and found the hottest new pair of shoes, when I walked into church all the ladies turned their heads and I blew them away with my amazing new pair of JCPenney shoes.

8 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Amanda Sherwood, OR

I love JCPenney! Their website has a very large selection of clothing for everyone (from kids to adults). I love the brands they carry and how diversify their sizes are! I have long legs and love to order the long sizes on their jeans! Also always great discounts and prices. Great reward program!

8 years ago

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Chad Edgar Wentzville, MO

Well I go here sometimes to get name brain clothes and shoes for something nice to wear on occasion a lot of women's clothing in there thek ladies customer service

4 years ago

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Guy Salt Lake City, UT

JC Penny’s is always my go to for school uniforms. Thank you so always have a great selection of sizes available including hard to find husky sizes.

4 years ago

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Anoushka Ahuja Orlando, FL

I picked up a few dresses on sale and they are priced well and I got a lie of compliments too bad the Penny’s closed in my neighborhood mall we will miss shopping there

4 years ago

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Abigail Land Tallahassee, FL

Great selection of quality merchandise. The staff is very friendly and will give good recommendations and help you find exactly what you are looking for.

4 years ago

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Nell Damascus, MD

JC Penney is tried and true. Great selection and variety for everything - house and home to women’s, children’s and men’s wear. Great shoe department.

5 years ago

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Brooklyn Bishop Smithfield, UT

JVPenny is a great place to get clothes from. They are very high quality and super trendy. My clothes last me a long time and I would totally recommend!

5 years ago

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Jayla Thomas Jacksonville, FL

JCPenney’s is great place for families to shop. Their clothes are very affordable and plus-size friendly. I highly recommend this store to anyone with a budget!

5 years ago

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stevey shumway Midvale, UT

JCPenney is a great store with cheap clothing but great quality. They always have deals going! Recommend to anyone looking to spend little money for great items.

6 years ago

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James Strassburg

It is the only store in my area that carries large tall shirts and has a big and tall section I visit often. Customer servive is great very helpful staff.

7 years ago

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Sandy Sutton Spanish Fork, UT

Great customer service. I feel like every time I shop there I've come away feeling good about the quality of merchandise. And, I love getting their coupons.

8 years ago

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Sue

Laurie in the shoe department was fantastic help! She was very helpful and gave me the best deal she could have a great smile and I will be back because of her.

9 years ago

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Nicole Jones Riverton, UT

I do a lot of online shopping, especially during the holidays. JC Penney was by far the best to deal with and their website is extremely user friendly and easy to navigate, which makes for a great experience. I love JCP.

6 years ago

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cb Thibodaux, LA

great store with workers alway eager to help! very cheap and comfortable clothing! I bought a couple of button up shirts here that have stayed very durable for almost 3 years now.

6 years ago

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Jackson Barousse Thibodaux, LA

I bought a Tux from here for my high school homecoming. I ended up paying far less than i would have at a actual men's suit store. The quality was amazing and the workers helped me pick out everything i needed!

6 years ago

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Dwhoush Slidell, LA

I always use JCPenneys website before I go into the store. It’s easy to find what I want and it lets me know if it is in stock and/or on sale. They always have the selection I’m looking for as well.

6 years ago

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Mandi Smith American Fork, UT

JCPenney has endless amounts of clothing. Every time I go there I always find success. There clothes are classy, cute and comfortable. Their costumer service is incredible! JCPenney's employees are always courteous and kind.

6 years ago

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take7 Sandy, UT

Been going back since one went up near me and it is great. Always great sales on brand clothing and ship to store is a plus. It’s clean and quiet and easy to access everything. I like to sephora in ours too

6 years ago