JCPENNEY DELIVERS HOLIDAY SALES GAINS

Texas-based retailer JCPenney Company, Inc. announced that its comparable store sales for the combined nine-week period ending December 30, 2017 increased 3 to 4 percent over the same period last year.

“We are very encouraged with our overall comp sales performance during the holiday season,” said Marvin R. Ellison, chairman and chief executive officer of JCPenney. “Our apparel categories continue to demonstrate improved comp performance. We are also pleased by our e-commerce business that continues to outpace prior year results with double-digit sales growth, largely driven by sought-after gifting categories such as fine jewelry, home decor and luggage, toys, boots and athletic footwear. Our ability to execute e-commerce fulfillment from 100 percent  of our brick-and-mortar stores helped fuel the growth in e-commerce for the holiday season. We remain confident that our strategic initiatives are taking hold and resonating with customers.”

The company also reaffirmed all components of its most recent full-year financial guidance for fiscal 2017. “As we close out fiscal 2017, we remain committed to operating the business for growth, while providing our customers more reasons to shop and experience everything JCPenney has to offer,” added Ellison.