JCP sees improvement in bedding and bath but less in window

HTT Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 9/28/2010 3:49:59 PM

Las Vegas - J. C Penney Company's home business "only had one way to go" - and that is up, which is where the category's sales are heading now, the company's chief told analysts during the retailer's presentation today at the Telsey Advisory Group's Consumer Conference in Las Vegas.
Admittedly, JCP's home business "did not do well during the recession - many people didn't," noted chairman and ceo Myron (Mike) Ullman. "I think our view was that we also didn't help ourselves in some of the key categories."
But since appointing John Tighe as svp and gmm of home earlier this year, JCP is "starting to see a good response in luggage, a great backpack experience during back to school, housewares are quite strong, up double digits, and we're starting to see action in bed and bath," Ullman said.
Slower to pick up have been JCP's big-ticket businesses, furniture and window coverings, within the retailer's 150 stores that carry these segments.
To improve sales, Ullman said, "We are emphasizing more modern looks and making it easier for the customer to shop" these businesses at the stores.
"We're quite optimistic," he added. "John Tighe an excellent merchant. He's only been on the job for seven or eight months, but I'm quite encouraged by the early signs of improvement."
For holiday, home will be among the destinations in the store with new stocking-stuffer items, among other items.