JCPenney is ripping appliances from stores — and these photos reveal why (JCP)
The decision may come as a surprise to some, since it was less than three years ago that the company brought appliances back to its stores, following a 33-year hiatus.
But after visiting three JCPenney stores in Virginia within the last week, I'm not surprised to see the company giving up on selling ovens, washing machines, and refrigerators.
Here's why.
I found a giant sign outside one JCPenney store that read "NOW SELLING APPLIANCES."
Business Insider/Hayley Peterson
A second sign also prominently advertised appliances several yards from the entrance. These ads could be an indication that many customers remain unaware that JCPenney is selling appliances, several years after it entered the business.
Business Insider/Hayley Peterson
Inside one store, the appliance section was clean, well-lit, and organized.
Business Insider/Hayley Peterson
But there were no shoppers in sight.
Business Insider/Hayley Peterson
The layout of the appliances in the two other stores was confusing. Some items were grouped together, while others, like this oven, seemed to serve the sole purpose of filling empty space.
Business Insider/Hayley Peterson
In one store, refrigerators and ovens were scattered in the middle of a walkway.
Business Insider/Hayley Peterson
Some of the appliances, like this oven, looked dirty and beat-up.
Business Insider/Hayley Peterson
Another oven inexplicably displayed a stuffed animal. This could be a sign that employees may not have walked past this area in a while.
Business Insider/Hayley Peterson
Some attempts to improve merchandising just made things look worse.
Business Insider/Hayley Peterson
One store appeared to be using its appliance section for storage.
Business Insider/Hayley Peterson
But the biggest sign that pointed to trouble within JCPenneys appliance business during these visits was the fact that I didnt see any customers browsing the products.
Business Insider/Hayley Peterson
Given the lack of foot traffic, it makes sense for JCPenney to cut its losses in this area and focus on its core products: apparel, accessories, and soft home furnishings like bedding. "Optimizing the allocation of store space will enable us to prioritize and focus on the companys legacy strengths," JCPenney said in a statement on the change.
Business Insider/Hayley Peterson
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