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Yesterday morning, Mike Ullman gave the keynote at Shop.org FirstLook in Orlando. Mike is the Chairman and CEO of J.C. Penney. He described JC Penny’s efforts to integrate their stores, web, and catalog efforts, and how they’re using their $1B+ annual media spend.

Ullman on the Penny’s customer:

She has too little time, too little money, and two little kids.

(Can you describe your target customer as well in 12 words?)

Ullman on organizational change:

Until the CEO says something 100 times, no one believes it.

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Comments

  1. LuAnn Kachelein, February 18, 2007:

    hi-

    I frequently put in orders to Penny’s. Yet I have been having extreme difficulty with the returns. This time, I ordered a oxford shirt (women’s size 14-white) that was defective. I also ordered a women’s pair of shoes (size 8 1/2 wide) that was too big and I sent both back. I noted (I highlighted) on the back of the paper that I only wanted an exchange. I wanted a new white shirt ( please undefective) and I wanted a smaller size pair of shoes (black size 8 wide). I just got off the phone with “kicki” who said that everything is always credited. I told her that on the back of the paper, that I was very clear of what I wanted done. I’m tired of the foul ups of Penny’s.

    LuAnn Kachelein

  2. Constance Leonard, May 29, 2007:

    I ordered a chest on line from J.C. Penny. Today I receive letter welcoming to J.C. Penny Family Rewards, plus a $10 rebate voucher. I am automatically enroled in this club for $9.95 monthly unless I call in to cancel. They have my credit card number!! It states I authorized this by phone WHICH I DID NOT. Watch out senior citizens!!

  3. Victor Joris, February 1, 2008:

    Dear Sir ,
    On November 11th I opened an account at the J.C.Penney store in the Regal Court Shopping Center on Youree Drive, Shreveport ,LA. On November the 27th I received my bill. Imagine my surprise when I opened it ,I could not read one word .It was all in Spanish,a language I do not speak, read ,write or understand . I spoke to the sales ladies in English, opened my accout in English and received my receipts in English.I do not undersatnd why I would receive a bill printed totally in Spanish.
    I wrote the store manager and asked if they would accept pesos as payment.
    Not only did I receive an additional bill with DUPLICATE stamped across the face the letter implied I had asked for an additional copy .
    Needless to say after that I sent another letter with my new crdit card in pieces back to the Youree Drive store manager.
    Not that it matters much to J.C.Penney’s but I shop at all the other fine Department Stores and Specialty Shops in Shreveport and Dallas, receive my bills in English and pay in dollars.

    Victor Joris
    P.S. I did pay my bill in ample time and closed out the account.

  4. Alan Rimm-Kaufman, February 24, 2008:

    Hi LuAnn, Hi Constance, Hi Victor –

    I sent Mike a letter referencing your complaints.

    Cheers –

    Alan

  5. Bernard Bartels, April 9, 2008:

    Dear Mr. Ullman:

    On January 18, 2008 I stopped into the JC Penney’s Optical Center at the Millcreek Mall in Erie Pa. to take advantage of the ongoing sale on eyeglasses and lens.
    I informed Denise the representative who waited on me that I wanted the same lens I had on my existing glasses, which were progressive lens. This would be the only way I could do a comparison of there prices and my Optical Center prices. The price given me was within the range I was looking for. The only discussion by Denise on the eyeglasses and the lens was that progressive lens would be supplied. I also asked for the scratch resistant to be applied to the lens which Denise stated the extra cost of this item which was ok. I also ordered a pair of sunglasses that were on sale with progressive lens. This was the only help Denise discussed on the eyeglasses and lens.
    When I was contacted to come in for a fitting I informed Denise that the sunglasses were causing my eyes to see somewhat like a double vision. She went into the back room and tried fixing them. The second time was not much better but I told her I would wear them for awhile in the sunlight and see if it was any better. Then I had a fitting for my regular glasses, which I informed Denise that I could see very well with them.
    About a week later I stopped to see Denise about some of the problems I was having with the glasses. The sunglasses were still a little off, so she adjusted them again. I said I would try another week with them. Then I informed Denise that the regular glasses were way to heavy and was giving me headaches. She put larger nose rests on the glasses, but they were still too heavy. Denise informed me that she could send them back in and have polycarbonate lenses installed for an extra $60.00. I informed Denise that I had polycarbonate lenses in my original glasses and I was under the impression that I would receive the same in the new glasses. Denise never went over the different lens material or the different progressive lenses that were available. I depend on the sales person to inform me of all the aspects of ordering glasses.
    If Denise would have advised me that she was selling me the least expensive lenses but charging me a top dollar I would not have placed my order. I was basing my decision to order on a comparable match to my existing glasses.
    I’m hoping that JCPenney’s can help on this misunderstanding and live up to there reputation they have on customer satisfaction. I realize Penney’s Optical has a no refund policy even though the sales receipt states different. At this time I have a pair of glasses I can’t wear. I believe this was possibly, a bate and switch.
    Thank You
    Bernard Bartels
    608 Venango Ave.
    Cambridge Springs, Pa. 16403
    814-398-4786
    Pennbart@hotmail.com

  6. Gary Price, May 7, 2008:

    Hi I don’t know if this is the right place to come to but heres my problem My 61 year old widowed sister is having trouble with Penny’s credit dept. They put a bankrupcy on her credit report Its not her. When she contacted them they told her its her problem to take care of their mistake I remind you that she is a 61 year old widow with until this perfect credit Is this really the corect way to treat older people. You make a mistake and tell them to bad. Fix it yourself. This has her very upset.
    Thanks
    Gary

  7. Anna Sievert, June 19, 2008:

    I wish to cancel this thing “Fun Family Rewards”. I have no recollection of having joined it.

    Thanks
    anna

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