Yes, JCPenney Is Bringing the Receipts on Holiday Fashion So You Can Be the VIP of your Family & Friend Group, Without Spending Like One

JCPenney has a bold declaration this holiday season: you don’t have to spend more to look like you did. With stylish fashion, trusted quality, and undeniable value, the retailer is helping shoppers create those unforgettable “you shouldn’t have” moments that make the holidays truly memorable.

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JCPenney is kicking off the holidays with a super-exclusive first: the debut of the first-ever official iHeartRadio Jingle Ball fashion lineup created in partnership with iHeartRadio’s highly anticipated holiday concert series.

Wallets are stretched and the pressure to "do it all" is real during the holidays. To help customers get the most out of the season, JCPenney is doubling down on access to holiday gifts that fit every body and every budget, all while keeping the price tag our little secret. After all, "It's What They Thought That Counts."

The JCPenney momentum is undeniable, as traffic trends have grown throughout the year in store and online, and customer trip frequency has increased each month for 15 consecutive months. JCPenney Beauty is achieving double-digit growth this year, with Home and Fine Jewelry also performing strongly. According to YouGov, Gen Z interest nearly doubled in Q2, showing that JCPenney is top-of-mind for a new generation shopping for the season’s best finds at joyful prices.

“This holiday season, we’re proving a simple idea on a big stage: it’s not about what you spend, but the care and effort you put into finding the perfect gift,” said Michelle Wlazlo, Brand Chief Executive Officer at JCPenney. “With growing traffic, deeper loyalty engagement, and a surge of enthusiasm from younger shoppers, our momentum is real. It’s what allows us to offer truly memorable gifts at an incredible value. Helping customers get that ‘You shouldn’t have!’ moment, without overspending, is exactly how shoppers win the holidays.”

iHeartRadio Jingle Ball x JCPenney Collection: A First-of-its-Kind Collaboration

Continuing to turn heads and deliver unexpected access, JCPenney is kicking off the holidays with a super-exclusive first: the debut of the first-ever official iHeartRadio Jingle Ball fashion lineup created in partnership with iHeartRadio’s highly anticipated holiday concert series. Inspired by the youthful energy of an unforgettable night out with friends, the multigenerational iHeartRadio Jingle Ball x JCPenney Collection is available now, only at JCPenney online and in select stores for a limited time. The 29-piece collection features standout looks, including sequined tops, party-perfect sweaters, faux leather skirts, fur jackets, and holiday glam that says “I’ve got great taste” without the premium price tag.

To extend the experience beyond the aisle and into the arena, through the month of December leading up to the shows, shoppers can participate in a ‘receipt-to-access' sweepstakes to score their very own tickets to iHeartRadio Z100’s Jingle Ball in New York. JCPenney customers can turn any JCPenney receipt into a chance to win exclusive access. Simply upload a photo of the receipt to iHeartRadio.com/JCPJingleBall for a shot at snagging VIP iHeartRadio Jingle Ball tickets including travel, JCPenney gift cards, and more.

"If you’ve followed our journey, you’ll know that at the heart of our strategy, JCPenney is committed to democratizing great things: fashion for prices you can afford, gifts that get heartfelt reactions, and now even unforgettable entertainment,” said Marisa Thalberg, EVP & Chief Customer & Marketing Officer at Catalyst Brands. “Collaborating with iHeartRadio as the first ever retail partner to create a fashion collection as a new way to engage fans is so special – and just one of the ways we’re hoping to make sure the holiday experience can be memorable for all.”

The Thrill of The Deal

One of the best parts of holiday shopping at JCPenney is that scoring the perfect gift, look or product at a deal comes easy so consumers never have to second guess their purchase:

• Black Friday Early Access returns Nov. 8, featuring an exclusive Golden Tote gift with the purchase of $25 or more. The tote includes a Season of Savings coupon book with exclusive coupons offering eight weeks of savings.
• Daily Deals begin Nov. 10. From Monday through Thursday each week until Nov. 20, a new set of limited time offers will be released daily. Each deal will be available for 24 hours only and will feature a selection of products from across the store.
• Black Friday starts strong with 1000’s of Black Friday deals and the return of the fan favorite “5, 9, 1, 5” giveaways. Line-up and shop in store for your chance to win surprise offers at 5 a.m., 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. – including the opportunity to snag the iconic JCPenney exclusive Snoopy Snow Globe for Free.
• Really Big Deals will continue to drop each Thursday through Christmas Day, Dec. 25.

Find Gifts That Wow – Where Classic Favorites Meet Surprising Finds

From must-have fashion by adidas, Champion, Levi’s, and Nike to exclusive style from JS Jessica Simpson, Arizona, and RM Rebecca Minkoff, it’s easy to check off every name on your list — and feel good doing it.

Beauty lovers will be wowed by a curated 8-piece set valued at $120 for just $49, plus big-name brands like NYX, Too Faced, and fragrances from Ariana Grande and Messi Platinum. Hosting? Impress guests with Martha Stewart’s new Holiday Entertaining line and sleek appliances from Cuisinart and Ninja.

Toys from Disney, retro arcade games, cozy sweaters, plus-size fashion from Ashley Graham, and party-ready looks from the Bob Mackie brand, JCPenney has more than you expect at an exceptional value, all in one place.

And don't worry… you can keep the secret of how much you actually spent between you and JCPenney.

Picture This: The JCPenney Photoshoot Challenge is On!

The fun doesn't stop at the checkout. JCPenney is adding a playful twist to its iconic family photoshoots tradition with the JCPenney Photoshoot Challenge. Each week, from Nov. 3 through Nov. 28, friends and families are invited to share their favorite shots based on weekly themes – from matching pajamas to retro poses – for a chance to win prizes, including a free holiday family session with a digital photo album at JCPenney Portrait Studio or a $500 JCPenney gift card. Themes will be revealed each week, encouraging participants to show off their seasonal spirit on social media using #JCPPhotoAlbum. Because when the holidays are this fun, everyone wins.

"It’s What They Thought That Counts” Brings a Unique Take on Holiday Retail

Bringing the same “Yes, JCPenney” energy, the “It’s What They Thought That Counts” holiday campaign will come to life in a series of TV and social ads, which will begin to air Nov. 2, and highlight different scenarios in which consumers can achieve that “you shouldn’t have” moment and rush of knowing how much it actually cost.

"'It's What They Thought That Counts' captures the central truth about holiday gifting: we're all really trying to achieve that ‘I can’t believe you did this’ reaction while only you (and JCPenney) know how much you actually spent," said Marisa Thalberg, EVP, Chief Customer and Marketing Officer, Catalyst Brands. "We’re not just competing to be the loudest; we want our customers to feel a genuine connection with JCPenney, to be in on the secret, and proud when their gifts wow loved ones without breaking the bank. We're putting the joy and thrill back into holiday shopping where it belongs."

To learn more about how to achieve your own “It’s What They Thought That Counts” moment this holiday season, visit www.jcpenney.com or your local JCPenney. JCPenney stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The retailer will offer extended shopping hours throughout the season, including opening at 5 a.m. local time on Black Friday and 9 a.m. local time on Christmas Eve.

About JCPenney

JCPenney, part of Catalyst Brands, is the shopping destination for America’s diverse, working families. With inclusivity at its core, the Company’s product assortment meets customers’ everyday needs and helps them commemorate every special occasion with style, quality and value. JCPenney offers a broad portfolio of fashion, apparel, home, beauty and jewelry from national and private brands and provides personal services including salon, portrait and optical. The Company and its 50,000 associates worldwide serve customers where, when and how they want to shop – from jcp.com to more than 650 stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

In 2022, JCPenney celebrated 120 years as an iconic American brand by continuing its legacy of connecting with customers through shopping and community engagement. Please visit JCPenney’s Newsroom to learn more and follow JCPenney on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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“This holiday season, we’re proving a simple idea on a big stage: it’s not about what you spend, but the care and effort you put into finding the perfect gift,” said Michelle Wlazlo, Brand Chief Executive Officer at JCPenney.