Headlines

Amid New Jewelry Merchandising Strategy, J.C. Penney Delivers ‘Blowout Quarter’

Published

9 years ago

March 2, 2016

INSTORE Staff

The retailer is finding success as other big chains struggle.

J.C. Penney enjoyed a promising fourth quarter even as the holiday period proved less so for other national retailers like Walmart and Macy’s, according to The Street. The article says that J.C. Penney reported $4 billion in revenue, higher than the $3.9 billion forecast, as well as a 4.1 percent increase in same-store sales as part of a “blowout quarter.” Same-store sales have now increased in each of the last two years, which “implies that J.C. Penney’s merchandising and promotional efforts are resonating with deal-hungry consumers.” And there may be even more gains ahead, as the retailer said its new merchandising concept – which includes a revamp of its jewelry sections – has delivered early returns.

You Wouldn’t Cut Your Own Hair. Why Run Your Own Retirement Sale?

After being in business for over a quarter of a century, Wayne Reid, owner of Wayne Jewelers in Wayne, Pennsylvania, decided it was time for a little “me time.” He says, “I’ve reached a point in my life where it’s time to slow down, enjoy a lot of things outside of the jewelry industry. It just seemed to be the right time.” He chose Wilkerson to handle his retirement sale because of their reputation and results. With financial goals exceeded, Reid says he made the right choice selecting Wilkerson to handle the sale. “They made every effort to push our jewelry to the forefront of the showcases,” he says, lauding Wilkerson for their finesse and expertise. Would he recommend them to other jewelers who want to make room for new merchandise, expand their business or like him, decide to call it a day? Absolutely he says, equating trying to do this kind of sale with cutting your own hair. “The results are going to happen but not as well as if you have a professional like Wilkerson do the job for you.”