SWOT Analysis Of J. C. Penney

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Founded by James Cash Penney in 1902, J.C. Penney is one of the largest apparel, domestic retailers with approximately one hundred thousand employees in over one thousand retail locations in the United States (JCPenney, n.d.b). The company was established on the Golden Rule (also the name of its first store) to treat others as one would like to be treated (JCPenney, n.d.b). Although the organization was founded as a small business in Kemmerer, Wyoming, J.C. Penney is currently a thirteen billion dollars publicly-traded corporation that is headquartered in Plano, Texas (JCPenney, n.d.b). Therefore, to better understand its growth, J.C. Penney’s strategy, marketing, finance, human resources, and operations have to be evaluated. As one of the …show more content…

Penney's approach to strategy is best measured using a SWOT analysis, which maps out the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. For instance, J.C. Penney's strengths include a strong liquidity position, an efficient supply chain, and a broad product and service offering. J.C. Penney's liquidity position grew to lend the industry from 2014 to 2015 (J.C. Penney Company, Inc., 2015). Strong liquidity against its competitors provides J.C. Penney with an advantage while funding any potential opportunity that arises in the market. Its supply chain facilitates the flow of goods between two thousand four hundred domestic and foreign suppliers, distributors, and stores (J.C. Penney Company, Inc., 2015). Its efficiency enables J.C. Penney to generate higher margins, which allows for lower prices for customers. Moreover, it allows the business to operate in a cost effective manner. The broad product and service offerings help the company serve the diverse needs and preferences of its customers. J.C. Penney also has the largest apparel, home furnishing, and general merchandise catalog in the United States (J.C. Penney Company, Inc., …show more content…

Penney must take into account all these factors while trying to rediscover its core values with a new strategy. This new "come back" strategy is to reverse J.C. Penney’s recent decline; thus, prompting the retailer to first focus on shareholder value and shareholder return, which is vital in regaining the trust in the company (Garcia, 2016). In addition, J.C. Penney will be partnering and housing more brands (e.g., Sephora) (Garcia, 2016). There are also redesign plans for sunglasses, jewelry, and accessories sections (Garcia, 2016). Moreover, the most important reform for CEO Marvin Ellison is hiring the right candidate, such as ecommerce executives, supply chain executives, and marketing leaders (Garcia,

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