JCPenney is another well-known American department store that deserves our praise. JCPenney has been selling clothes since 1908 and began their foray into online sales in 1998. Since then, they’ve consistently been one of the most profitable online women’s clothing retailers. With their extensive inventory, over a dozen high-end brands like Bisou Bisou and Nicole Miller and an impressive specialty size area offering clothes for every size, from Petites, Plus, Tall and Maternity, JCPenney is more than well-deserving of our “TopTenREVIEWS Silver Award.”

Standout Features

• Robust inventory
• Numerous high-quality brands, including I<3 Ronson
• Fully-stocked Petites, Plus and Tall sections
• JCPenney Rewards and Privilege programs
• “Runway Show” feature allows shoppers to see/buy latest looks
• Clever, item-dependent, ways to narrow search
• 90-day return policy

Features

Like most department stores, JCPenney has an incredibly large women’s clothing area. Their inventory is vast and sure to meet almost every need, with even hard-to-find item categories such as Leggings and Active wear. And what we especially love about their item categories is the extra thought they put into current trends and how to best reflect them in the categories they offer.

And what really makes JCPenney stand out from other department stores is their brands. They aren’t kidding around when it comes to offering their customers a wide selection of designers. We counted over fifteen women’s clothing brands on their site, including I <3 Ronson (a new line of contemporary clothing by hot young designer Charlotte Ronson), American Living (a Ralph Lauren brand), Twelfth of Eleven, She Said…, Oxford & Regent, Allen B., Bisou Bisou, Levi’s and JonesWear. JCPenney may be a mid-range department store, but their designers give JCPenney a higher-end allure.

Most stores nowadays knows it’s good business to sell specialty sizes, and JCPenney has that down to an art. Whether you’re looking for Petite, Plus, Tall or even Maternity sizes, you’ll be tickled pink with all of the choices you’ll find. Their Tall section for example has a distinct “specialty store” vibe to it - with eleven item categories within each specialty store - ensuring the customer they’ll be able to find exactly what they‘re looking for.

Not every store offers membership and rewards programs, and this is another place where JCPenney stands out from the rest. Their JCP Rewards Program is an exclusive members-only club offering points (which members can later use towards future purchases) for every dollar spent. Special offers and contests, such as a chance to meet Cindy Crawford, are available to its members. JCPenney also offers their highly-lauded JCPenney Privilege Card, a Gold Card which offers its members two yearly savings certificates, plus special savings days for Gold members only throughout the year.

JCPenney is also trying something new, a little something they’re calling their “Runway Show.” Visitors to their site can sit back and watch online fashion shows made exclusively for JCP.com. Their runway videos feature on-trend looks and brands/designers that are currently being highlighted by JCPenney. Also, each video includes prices and links so you can easily purchase any item featured in a runway video that catches your eye.