• JC Penney

JC Penney

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Overview

JC Penney has a rating of 2.1 stars from 521 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about JC Penney most frequently mention customer service, credit card, and order online problems. JC Penney ranks 91st among Department Store sites.

  • Service
    93
  • Value
    79
  • Shipping
    75
  • Returns
    70
  • Quality
    71
Positive reviews (last 12 months): 4.8%
Positive
1
Neutral
1
Negative
19
35
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How would you rate JC Penney?
Top Positive Review

“JCP rocks it!”

L D.
2/6/24

Overall, JCP is the best shopping site anyone can visit. They have quality items and a great value. I have been shopping at their brick and mortor stores for a long time, now my online experience is wonderful. Nothing makes me more happy than to browse their website (my go to place for fashion, beauty, home and gifts). Everything I need is just a click away. There is no question, if I order something from JCP it will be a quality item. I have never been disappointed. My favorite brands women's clothing LIz Claiborn and A.N.A. I have only had to return someting once, it was simple as it could be. Customer service talk to people in a respectful manner and are willing to help explain returns etc. JCP is a no stress place to shop. Thank you JCP and keep up the great job!

Top Critical Review

“Customer Service & Coupons”

Chrissa S.
8/23/24

I will start by saying that I have made many JCPenney purchases. Within the past 3-4 months, my experiences have been spiraling to a fast decline. I online ordered a pair of shoes. I received a box with the correct size, but the shoes inside were of a different size. In order to process a return - I would have to pay $8 to return them by mail, or drive 1.5 hours to return it back to the store. Why should I have to pay for their fault? Most recently, JCPenney had a promotion called the Gold Coupon Giveaway that went on August 1st-4th, 2024. I revealed 50% off coupon code. I ordered 11 items. 10 days after ordering, I check on the status online. 2 of the items says "Cancelled." The other 9 items say "Backordered." I called customer service - as they apparently do not have a chat feature - to inquire why I didn't receive an email/notification of the cancelled items, why I haven't received a refund, how I somehow picked out 11 items that are all basically not available for purchase, and when they anticipate the backordered items would be back in supply. I got put on hold for the CSR to inquire about the refund, he told me, "It looks like they forgot to push the refund through." I asked why I hadn't been notified of the items status update, he told me, "We don't do that." How is it possible that I picked 11 items that are all not available? He said, "We are overwhelmed by the orders that we received during that promotion, and our suppliers is out of 80% of the items ordered." Should I expect to eventually get the 9 items that are on backorder? He said, "Likely they will be cancelled." Great! For those that utilized a coupon, and their entire order gets cancelled - do they get an extension/exception to utilize the coupon? He said, "Nope. We are cancelling orders that had the 50% coupon used." It has been 3 weeks since I ordered - all items have been cancelled now - no refund still to date, no email communication. Be wary. Their marketing and customer service practices are less than couthful. I am picturing law firms putting out an abundancy of commercials for compensation, in the near future - for mal-retail services rendered by JCPenney.

Reviews (521)

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credit card (29) customer service (177)
Thumbnail of user chrissas3
Maryland
1 review
1 helpful vote
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August 23rd, 2024

I will start by saying that I have made many JCPenney purchases. Within the past 3-4 months, my experiences have been spiraling to a fast decline.
I online ordered a pair of shoes. I received a box with the correct size, but the shoes inside were of a different size. In order to process a return - I would have to pay $8 to return them by mail, or drive 1.5 hours to return it back to the store. Why should I have to pay for their fault?
Most recently, JCPenney had a promotion called the Gold Coupon Giveaway that went on August 1st-4th, 2024. I revealed 50% off coupon code. I ordered 11 items. 10 days after ordering, I check on the status online. 2 of the items says "Cancelled." The other 9 items say "Backordered." I called customer service - as they apparently do not have a chat feature - to inquire why I didn't receive an email/notification of the cancelled items, why I haven't received a refund, how I somehow picked out 11 items that are all basically not available for purchase, and when they anticipate the backordered items would be back in supply. I got put on hold for the CSR to inquire about the refund, he told me, "It looks like they forgot to push the refund through." I asked why I hadn't been notified of the items status update, he told me, "We don't do that." How is it possible that I picked 11 items that are all not available? He said, "We are overwhelmed by the orders that we received during that promotion, and our suppliers is out of 80% of the items ordered." Should I expect to eventually get the 9 items that are on backorder? He said, "Likely they will be cancelled." Great! For those that utilized a coupon, and their entire order gets cancelled - do they get an extension/exception to utilize the coupon? He said, "Nope. We are cancelling orders that had the 50% coupon used." It has been 3 weeks since I ordered - all items have been cancelled now - no refund still to date, no email communication.
Be wary. Their marketing and customer service practices are less than couthful. I am picturing law firms putting out an abundancy of commercials for compensation, in the near future - for mal-retail services rendered by JCPenney.

Tip for consumers:
They scam frequently.

Products used:
Mens/Womens/Girls/Boys Shoes, Shirts, Pants, Shorts, Dresses, Socks, Undergarments, Outerwear; Kitchen appliances; Rugs; Bedding; Bathroom accessories; Hair care; Personal Care; Jewelry, Outdoors equipment.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user theresac1276
New Jersey
1 review
2 helpful votes
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June 5th, 2024

I purchased a table set; it was delivered damaged! Annoying but no one's fault. We drove the product 70 miles to return the damaged set. I went directly thought the web site for the return process. The email instructed me to print or show the return label and bring to the nearest location for exchange or return. When we arrived, we were abruptly told they will not accept the return at that location. I showed an associate and the manager my email. They were not happy about the return, my husband put it all on the flat bed and brought it back for the associates. As i was going back to finalize the credit, i heard the associates speaking about it on their walkie system saying that i should have called etc. Wait? What? Why should i call when the return policy clearly states what to do. I think it's an internal issue and not one with me. Between the treatment and literally being talked about is unacceptable! Oh, and not one apology for the inconvenience of the damaged item.

Thumbnail of user nancyv1175
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 9th, 2024

They have closed every store in my area, so I ordered online last year. They charged me THREE TIMES for that purchase and I never could get a response when I tried to get it resolved and the money repaid. We do like their clothing, so I foolishly ordered several items this year, which should have arrived weeks ago. They seem to be nonexistent. I guess we are done with them, sadly. Anyone have an alternate store similar to the OLD JCPenney?

Tip for consumers:
Their nonexistent customer service and impossible ways of contacting them are enough to cut all ties with them. I was a VERY loyal customer in the past. So disappointing!

Products used:
NONE!

Service
Quality
Thumbnail of user olokunya7
Washington
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 7th, 2024

If I could do a negative 10 I would. Customer service is a joke. JCPenney is not the company it once was. I ordered two pairs of Puma sneakers. I received both in a plastic bag. One was in it's usual box the other wrapped in plastic. Needless to say the one wrapped up in plastic was all crushed and bend, not looking new at all. In fact looks like I got them from a flee market. Called customer service he says oh no problem take them to store for a return/refund. WHAT. So the whole purpose of ordering online is to avoid going to the store yes/no? Plus the stores don't ever have the size I ordered, which is why I ordered online. Also they were for a birthday present tomorrow. So thanks JCPenney. Now I have two choices which aren't really choices for me #1 return. And not give my grandkid the one thing they wanted #2 give him these shoes that look like they're not new. PLUS where's the box?

Thumbnail of user bretthallettawtgb
Armenia
27 reviews
8 helpful votes
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April 27th, 2024

JCPenney's delivery service is a nightmare. My order arrived weeks late, and when it did, the items were damaged and incomplete. Customer service was unhelpful and offered no solutions to rectify the situation. JCPenney, you need to overhaul your delivery process if you want to keep customers happy.

Thumbnail of user beautifullynicole
Massachusetts
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 21st, 2024

My visit to the JCPenney portrait studio left me feeling deeply hurt and disheartened. It was meant to be a joyous occasion, capturing the early moments of my precious son's life, but instead, it turned into a nightmare due to the disrespectful behavior of the photographer, Larry.

As soon as we walked in, Larry's attitude was sour, and it only worsened when my son started to cry. Instead of showing understanding, he lashed out at my family, raising his voice and making us feel unwelcome.

The situation escalated when he scolded us for something as simple as placing my grandson on a blanket. His tone was harsh and demeaning, making me question why I had chosen to trust him with such a special moment.

What truly broke my heart was the way he treated my husband. Instead of diffusing the situation, Larry resorted to using racial slurs and aggressive behavior. It was terrifying, especially with my daughter and grandson present.

Feeling scared and vulnerable, I felt the need to document the confrontation, fearing for my family's safety. Thankfully, the manager, Teresa, intervened, but the damage was done.

This experience has left a lasting impact on me. It's disheartening to think that such behavior is tolerated in a place meant to capture cherished memories. I hope JCPenney takes swift action to address this issue and ensures that no other family has to endure such hurtful treatment.

Thumbnail of user billg739
Florida
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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March 25th, 2024

I made an on-line purchase while in the Wiregrass store. As of that point, JC Penney decided to start referring to me by my deceased (2008) mother's first name. They even used her name on the mailing label for the item I ordered! They have formally refused my request to fix this error. They have referred me to THEIR BANK? Can you imagine? All emails call me Corinne and the mailing label showed Corinne instead of my name Lynne. I'm done shopping there.

Tip for consumers:
I have sent them 4 ignored emails. I made not on their local FB page, the only response I received was from a Robot. So I contacted their company FB page. That's when I was told to contact their BANK!

Products used:
I ordered a bedspread while in the store. That's the point at which my name got changed to my decaeased mother's name. They refuse to correct the error.

Service
Shipping
Thumbnail of user hutsonsign
Texas
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 10th, 2024

Big rat ran across the floor while the associate was answering a question for me. She seemed startled but not surprised. On the other hand, I wasn't about to stay in the store, so I thanked her (from about 20 feet away after running!) and did not get a chance to finish shopping because I headed to my car! The employee was nice though. However, a comfortable shopping experience and big rats just don't go together. It was big…like put-a-saddle-on-it kind of big LOL! Tech Ridge and IH35 location in Austin could use a pest control company!

Products used:
None. I left the store after the rat was on the move!

Service
Thumbnail of user ld512
Michigan
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
February 6th, 2024

Overall, JCP is the best shopping site anyone can visit. They have quality items and a great value. I have been shopping at their brick and mortor stores for a long time, now my online experience is wonderful. Nothing makes me more happy than to browse their website (my go to place for fashion, beauty, home and gifts). Everything I need is just a click away. There is no question, if I order something from JCP it will be a quality item. I have never been disappointed. My favorite brands women's clothing LIz Claiborn and A.N.A. I have only had to return someting once, it was simple as it could be. Customer service talk to people in a respectful manner and are willing to help explain returns etc. JCP is a no stress place to shop. Thank you JCP and keep up the great job!

Tip for consumers:
Always a good experience

Products used:
Refunds are based on their policy. Check it out. I buy everything at JCP. Its my go to place for me (clothing, beauty products, jewlery) and when I need things for my home they have great selections at affordable prices. I do all my Christmas shopping with them and gifts through out the year.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user irmam162
Pennsylvania
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 3rd, 2023

I have been a JCP customer since 2009. Every year customer service is really bad. This time after placing an order online I got inside my bag, items that I did not order from someone living in New Jersey (I live in PA). I called three times and every time the situation was getting worse. Finally, I was able to get my money back but lost my $10 rewards and needed to place another order with a higher price. Customer representative was really disrespectful. After this traumatic experience I will be more than happy to cancel my JCP credit card.

Tip for consumers:
Finally I will be closing my JCP credit card account...I got enough!!!

Products used:
Strafford underwear

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user bernarvyb1
Washington
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 23rd, 2023

Part of my order I received before the delivery date and one item is still waiting for UPS to pickup since December 15. One item cancelled by JC Penny 4 days after order. Call to order another item assured it was in stock.only to be canceled again this is the worst service I've ever received the ordering system is not organized properly.

Tip for consumers:
Do not order around Christmas you will be disappointed

Products used:
All except the pajamas and boots

Thumbnail of user 00slyfox123
Missouri
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 14th, 2024

Made an online purchase and paid the almost $9 shipping, 3-5 day shipping. 3 days later I'm told my order will arrive 5 days after the original ship date and when I contacted customer service they completely blamed the shipper and told me I would just have to wait and that they had no way to refund my shipping or cancel/return my purchase and I would have to just send it back after I received it which is another shipping fee. That's called bait and switch and is complete C#@P. Shipping to the store is free but of course they couldn't do that either. Total rip-off be very cautious when doing online business with JCP!

Tip for consumers:
They are crooks with LOTS of similar bad reviews

Products used:
Kitchen appliances

Service
Shipping
Returns
Thumbnail of user maryt2915
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 19th, 2024

I bought a piece of jewelry and the care package for my daughter for christmas. We went back and exchanged the ring for a more expensive one. Still it was not expensive jewelry, the return total was $149 and the new purchase was about $125 more. I was denied using my credit card, therefore not getting the discount because of a credit limit. The only purchase that was on the card and not due was the $149 piece of jewelry I was purchasing. A hundred and forty nine dollars and I could not add $125 more? What kind of credit limit is that? I called and they asked me if I wanted to increase my credit limit and then denied me. With my high income, jcpenney credit history (never a late payment), 20 yr. Customer, my overall credit score, there is no reason for denial. After being treated like that, my jc penney credit card wll be cut up and I will buy jewelry elsewhere.

Thumbnail of user eileens44
Connecticut
19 reviews
43 helpful votes
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November 22nd, 2022

So two months ago jcp sent me my new charge card along with several coupons, including a 30% off. Apparently the extremely small writing on the back of the paper says that it has to be used on full price merchandise and lists about a thousand items it cannot be used on. I've tried for months to find one item that it actually CAN be applied to with no luck. They're not getting my hard earned money by their bait and switch tactics.

Products used:
None. I will shop elsewhere.

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user heatherh2006
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 27th, 2023

Don't get a jc penny Credit Card. They will close out your account if two payments are rejected by your bank. Even if you make the payment later that same day and even if you make up all late payments if you have any. They won't even tell you that they shut your account. They won't even work with you to reopen it. My account had been paid and caught up and it was still closed without my knowledge. Rude customer service no phone calls just close the account. They said oh you can apply for another card, but why so now I can have two bills. I guess they don't want business from people who pay their bills apparently. I will never ever again get a card from JC Penny.

Tip for consumers:
Never get a JC penny card you’ll regret it, they will not work with you or call you they will just close your account without telling you

Products used:
Watch and clothes and jewelry

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user olaj17
Washington
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 1st, 2023

I was surprised to see so many bad reviews for JCPenney. This was my first time ordering. Their page stated that I would receive my items by Tuesday, which was the day I planned to go on a business trip. One item came a couple of days later and the other came 4 days later. They refused to pay to have them sent back. I did not want to incur the cost of mailing or use my gas up. I was told to take them back myself. I will never purchase another item from them. In addition, the items looked very cheap in person.

Tip for consumers:
If their site stated that it was to be received by a certain date and it didn't show up, they should have covered the return shipping. Poof customer service. I was told not getting it when expected was not a good reason to receive FREE shipping.

Products used:
None of it.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user karlak116
Tennessee
1 review
2 helpful votes
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March 16th, 2022

They took my money two weeks ago. Cannot speak to a human being EVER, does Anyone actually even work there? No product, no shipping date, no tracking number. Poor business policies for this internet age, way behind times, and certainly not the reputable company my mother used to shop at. Shady as all hell

Tip for consumers:
Go somewhere else. Do not give them your money

Products used:
Nothing, has not arrived. Never received. No one to ask ?

Service
Value
Shipping
Thumbnail of user asheb
Colorado
3 reviews
14 helpful votes
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May 30th, 2019

I was an insider at a point in my life, heed my warning the practices they use for ship from store is the worst out there. (I've been told to pick the most worn/ratty item because the person isn't able to pick it out(that kind of BS), I've also seen them lay off hard working employees to pay another cheaper with the same qualifications and not raise their wage.) Don't waste your business with these people.

Tip for consumers:
Don't support a company that can't even support their employees.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user loris1342
Texas
1 review
3 helpful votes
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July 22nd, 2022

Do not order online. Still waiting after a long time. I ordered shorts and hope I get them before winter. But they sure took my money fast! After tracking it says on its way. Been saying that for 2 weeks. Stay away!

Products used:
None yet. Haven’t gotten it

Service
Shipping
Thumbnail of user kimm40
California
23 reviews
42 helpful votes
  • Send Message
March 7th, 2016

Love this site. No problems ever. They called me about a problem with an order I had transposed the numbers on. Online I've had not one issue with them. I get what I paid for and its like it looks in their ad.

Thumbnail of user elizabethr1366
Florida
1 review
2 helpful votes
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July 4th, 2021

Never in 30 years have i had worse customer service that refuse to cancel order not processed after 30 min. Kirby the manager also refused to help when he can over ride. Real customer service goes above and beyond to make experience great so they want to come back and shop. Not tell them wait 11 days when you get product bring to store or mail back for refund. Until then you are bullied to waiting keeping the ring even though its not fully processed yet and still in warehouse and the tracking number is even generated yet that is a joke. You need to change your policy been chatting since 30 min after the 30 min policy to cancel and no one wanted to help

Tip for consumers:
read cancel policy before buying and you wont get a delivery estimate until after you purchase after 30 min you cant cancel your order or get refund until they send you the item that hasnt even generated the tracking number yet.

Products used:
I want to cancel my one order before its shipped but told sorry but no sorry you cant cancel or get refund until you get the product but yet its still in your warehouse

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user kates133
Maine
1 review
1 helpful vote
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January 23rd, 2018

I have never been so unsatisfied with an online purchase before. We ordered a mattress during Black Friday... and it never arrived. Calling JC Penney's ridiculous customer service support did nothing. Waiting on hold for hours got us nowhere, only to be informed it was up to the distributor to deal with our purchase. The distributor simply refused to deliver it. Every week they would say they were scheduling routes the next week. FOR TWO MONTHS. Finally we called to cancel it, and after months of waiting we were now without a bed for months, and screwed because we missed any opportunity for a sale. Unapologetic, they offered nothing but a refund, no acknowledgement of how much they put us through. I will never purchase anything ever again from them.

Thumbnail of user melissal1891
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 21st, 2023

Penney's has never been a top notch store, but over the years it has gotten worse (mostly as far as staff & quality of product). Now, inconvenience adds to that. Returns use to be taken anywhere in the store. Now you have to go upstairs to make a return. It does not appear that there is any place to actually pay for an item upstairs; only the one checkout downstairs. So there is one person taking the returns/exchanges. There were 5 people ahead of me and just as many behind me when I finally left (no one very happy in line). There are also no fitting rooms open on the second floor where they have dresses, bras, etc. You have to go downstairs to try anything on according to the return person. Is that ridiculous?! I know stores are trying to save money, but there is a point that the consumer says enough already & I'm at that point. What a strange and inconvenient set up they have in addition to their other detractions. Will not be going there again (Bayshore NY). MB

Thumbnail of user elizabethi4
Missouri
22 reviews
73 helpful votes
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December 16th, 2015

I've always been happy with my purchases from JCP. Their prices can be a little high but I can always search coupons on my phone to use at check out.The quality of their clothes, in particular, are good and hold up well in the laundry.

Thumbnail of user susans292
New Mexico
3 reviews
2 helpful votes
  • Send Message
February 16th, 2017

I've purchased a couple clothing items on-line from JCP and had them sent to the local store to save some shipping charges. They let me know when the order arrived and exactly where to pick it up in the store. The sales assistant quickly retrieved the item, offered to open it for me to check the contents, and I was on my way. Their system works! Once they even let me know by email when an out-of-stock item that I had looked at was back in stock.

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