JS. JCPenney is a US department store operator that has gone through some major ups and downs. They have used several different chief executives over the years, and each has had their own ideas on how to fix their business model.
The most recent executive, Ron Johnson, was a former Apple head of retail who spent a lot of time trying to rebrand the company and restore their stores’ layouts. It cost them tons of money, and Johnson ended up firing a couple thousand people along the way.
Customer Service
A hefty portion of JCPenney’s business is conducted online, so it comes as no surprise that the company has a robust customer service department. In addition to a slew of dedicated call centers, the JC Penney family of companies has a number of field representatives spread across the globe. This team of experts is able to help out with a plethora of questions, complaints and refunds. A dedicated customer service representative can be contacted via the company’s website, email, telephone and even social media. They are a courteous and efficient bunch. Some questions may require a personal touch, so be prepared to spend some time on the phone with your rep.
Credit Cards
If you have that one department store that you love, and you make regular purchases at it, the JCPenney Credit Card could be a good fit for you. This credit card offers perks that are specific to JCPenney and is an easy way to save on your purchases. But this card is best suited for frequent shoppers who can maximize the branded perks.
Applying for a JCPenney Credit Card is pretty easy. You can do it online or in person at your local JCPenney store. The application process requires that you provide your name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, Social Security number, and annual income after taxes. You will be asked to select several options and you will typically receive a decision immediately.
Most credit cards these days come with some kind of sign-up bonus. For store credit cards, that usually comes in the form of a one-time discount. For example, new cardholders who open a JCPenney Credit Card online can get an extra 15% off purchases made on the day of account opening, in addition to other eligible coupons.
But that discount isn’t worth much compared to what you’d get from other rewards cards. The card also earns rewards points, but those points can’t be redeemed as cash. The best JCPenney credit card for you is likely one that has a higher earning rate and flexible rewards.
The gold and platinum credit cards are great for frequent shoppers. With gold status, you can unlock a special passbook of coupons. Plus, you can get a 3% discount and free shipping on purchases. With Platinum, you can get a $15 birthday coupon and exclusive Platinum Appreciation sale days with 30% off.
Regardless of your status, cardholders can take advantage of more than 150 special savings days. Each of these days offers discounts on a different merchandise category.
However, the JCPenney Credit Card has a high regular APR and deferred interest, which makes it difficult to pay off your balance without incurring interest fees. This is especially true if you don’t pay your card in full every month. That’s why it is better to use the card for small purchases and avoid carrying a balance over time.
Online Shopping
js.jcpenney has long been one of the earliest retailers to offer items online. Its website was originally a separate entity that offered different selections and acted independently of the stores, but then it merged its online operations with its stores in 2007.
The retailer now has more than 600 stores across the country, and the company is also partnering with DoorDash to offer same-day delivery for home products in some markets. Its partnership with DoorDash is part of the department store chain’s omnichannel strategy, which aims to make its physical and digital experiences work together in tandem.
JCPenney’s online experience offers a number of tools to help shoppers shop more efficiently and easily. Customers can search and shop by category, use filters, and even receive product recommendations. They can also check out with a credit card or use PayPal to pay for purchases.
Using this information, they can then pick up their order at a nearby store. The company also offers curbside and in-store pickup.
In addition to online shopping, Penney has an app for its customers that is available on iOS and Android devices. This app includes features that allow users to find the nearest store and track the status of their orders, as well as access coupons and discounts.
Another feature is the option to purchase a JCPenney gift card or use it to shop in-store. This is another way to make shopping easier, and it’s free for all customers.
To make sure customers are getting the most out of their shopping experience, Penney uses a variety of analytics to track customer behaviors and trends. This data helps the company to better understand what’s driving engagement and sales, and how to optimize the site and marketing efforts.
The company also has a number of digital initiatives, including their new Beauty experience that is designed to help customers feel good about themselves no matter their age, gender, race, skin tone, hair type or beauty regime. The company is launching this experience in partnership with Thirteen Lune, a company that is working to bring inclusive beauty brands to customers.
Returns
JCPenney offers a number of ways to make a return, including in-store and online. Whether you’re returning an item for a refund, credit or exchange, you’ll want to check the returns policy before you head to the register.
Unlike many other retail stores, JCPenney will accept most returned items that are in their original condition. However, items with a significant amount of wear and tear may be rescinded or refused at the discretion of the store manager.
The shortest and most straight forward way to return an item is to fill out the included “Return & Exchange” form. This form will be sent to the address associated with your account.
You will also need a valid photo identification such as a drivers license, passport or other legal document. This is to prevent identity theft.
Finally, you’ll have to pay for the shipping of your return to JCPenney. Luckily, this is a pretty inexpensive fee. The fee is $8, but it can add up if you’re returning several items from the same order.
Aside from the aforementioned return-and-exchange-and-refund-and-credit-and-ship-to-you-in-a-box, there are some other things you should know about the JCPenney return policy before you head to the register. The most important item to know is that you can’t use any rewards points you’ve accrued from your purchase when making a return.
