Under recently appointed JC Penney CEO Jill Soltau who came from JOANN Stores to replace Marvin Ellison last year, several new people have been named in key posts at the company. Former Target executive Michelle Wlazlo has become the new chief merchant; former Michaels executive John Welling has been named to lead planning and allocation; Mark Stinde becomes senior vice president for asset protection; and now former Guess executive Victor Ejarque Lopez has been appointed as senior vice president and general merchandise manager for women's apparel.

Earlier this year, JC Penney announced that it will stop selling home appliances and will limit its furniture sales to jcp.com. This move is part of an effort to refocus the business, cut down inventory and optimise the retailer's store space.