Slog Comments
Can't Remember the Last Time I Shopped at JCPenney
1
Well said - Last time I was in there was for a family photo c. 1990 (alderwood used to have a photo studio i think) but I need summer clothes!
2
And we raise One Million Middle Fingers in the direction of the "Million" (actually about six) Moms.
3
I believe JC Penney actually dropped Ellen DeGeneres as a spokesperson when she first came out in the 90's. Times really are changing.
6
Better them than Target, who market to gays and lesbians but then secretly throw money at the worst anti-LGBT politicians.
9
They did a big re-organizing and re-thinking of their stock over the past couple years. I used to go in there and feel like I was on the fast track to Frumpsville, but recently I've found quite a few pieces that I liked, that fit, and were affordable. Their dress selection is pretty swell if you're looking for under $50 and professional.
10
While their stores usually leave something to be desired, I have a boatload of furniture and home decor from their online collections that is stylish and (apparently) sturdy (I have only had some of the furniture for about 2 years, but other stuff I've had for 6+ years and it's still in good shape). Their customer service for their online collections is also pretty top-notch.
12
@3, not times, but the JC Penney management team has changed. They hired their a CEO away from Apple, and hired a bunch of the Target people (probably the ones who pitched the friendly ads). The new team can't manage the financials though, and a huge amount of their debt will not be renewed on Aug 31. Enjoy the ads for now.
14
@3: I think you're confused. Penney just recently stood up to the Million Idiot Mothers who tried to organize a boycott. Was never a spokeswoman in the 90s.
15
Dan, actually JCP has a line of great, really thick t-shirts. I usually buy them by the dozen. (And no, I don't work for them.)
17
That picture they used in the ad is pretty damned awesome. Super-cute isn't normally my 'thing', but there's something genuinely sweet going on that probably pertains to them being a real family, and not just models-for-hire.
As to finding something to buy--they're usually pretty big stores. I haven't been to one in years, either, but a t-shirt and jeans guy like Dan should be able to find something he likes, and surely someone in the family could use simple basics like socks or underwear.
As to finding something to buy--they're usually pretty big stores. I haven't been to one in years, either, but a t-shirt and jeans guy like Dan should be able to find something he likes, and surely someone in the family could use simple basics like socks or underwear.
19
@15: JC Penney and Chrysler dropped their advertising for the original Ellen show way back when. But you're right, she wasn't a spokesman for them back then.
20
Actually, they dropped their advertising for just that episodes:
"'The Puppy Episode' and DeGeneres's attendant coming out generated enormous publicity before the show aired. Right-wing groups like the American Family Association pressured ABC to drop the storyline and Ellen sponsors not to advertise; two occasional advertisers, J. C. Penney and Chrysler, decided not to buy time during the episode. Another sponsor, Wendy's, decided not to advertise on Ellen again at all. Despite these losses of potential advertisers, ABC turned away ads from two LGBT-oriented sponsors, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and lesbian vacation company Olivia Cruises."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Puppy_E…
"'The Puppy Episode' and DeGeneres's attendant coming out generated enormous publicity before the show aired. Right-wing groups like the American Family Association pressured ABC to drop the storyline and Ellen sponsors not to advertise; two occasional advertisers, J. C. Penney and Chrysler, decided not to buy time during the episode. Another sponsor, Wendy's, decided not to advertise on Ellen again at all. Despite these losses of potential advertisers, ABC turned away ads from two LGBT-oriented sponsors, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and lesbian vacation company Olivia Cruises."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Puppy_E…
21
Seeing this ad made my heart stop for a moment. Not because it's two men with children, but because I realized I had no idea when Father's Day is, and I was afraid I had missed my window to mail a card.
22
The box-cut short-sleeved shirts from the 50's ("Towncraft" line) are pretty nice. As tired as I got of vintage clothes after way too many years of thrifting, the quality is still kind of amazing compared to what's available these days.
24
"this ad is going to attract gay people who have kids, gay people who don't, gay people who want kids, gay people who don't, etc.,"
There are also lot of straight people who will be attracted by the ad; maybe that's the "etc." on the end.
There are also lot of straight people who will be attracted by the ad; maybe that's the "etc." on the end.
25
It is true that we have already won.
A little OT, but judging by Redbox [I trust that their market researches know what they are doing] movies that deal with GLBT issues like Pariah, Albert Nobbs, J. Edgar, and Mangus [super gay] are available at every Walgreen's and McDonald's.
And that's not to mention movies wherein queer characters are incidental: Let the Bullets Fly [China], Red Lips [Mexico], Downton Abbey, Our Idiot Brother, etc. In all of these movies the queers portrayed are either fully human characters, or if for comedic effect, NOT at the expense of the queer in question.
If any kid in Amarillo can go to the local drugstore and get a movie like Pariah, it is all over but the shoutin'.
A little OT, but judging by Redbox [I trust that their market researches know what they are doing] movies that deal with GLBT issues like Pariah, Albert Nobbs, J. Edgar, and Mangus [super gay] are available at every Walgreen's and McDonald's.
And that's not to mention movies wherein queer characters are incidental: Let the Bullets Fly [China], Red Lips [Mexico], Downton Abbey, Our Idiot Brother, etc. In all of these movies the queers portrayed are either fully human characters, or if for comedic effect, NOT at the expense of the queer in question.
If any kid in Amarillo can go to the local drugstore and get a movie like Pariah, it is all over but the shoutin'.
26
They're positioning to be the anti-Target (and slightly upscale from them as well). And may I add, successfully. If they actually have my size in stock when I go in, I'll be over the moon.
28
That's very sweet. They had me already with the Ellen thing, but this one aimed at gay dads should put some fence-sitters right over. Money talks, baby!
Speaking of which, emma's bee @6, we might keep an open (if skeptical) mind on Target. Target agreed to stop those donations after Gaga pressured them, and they do try to atone a bit. Our own Seattle march this year is heavily sponsored by them.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheats/2011…
http://www.queerty.com/anti-gay-groups-p…
Speaking of which, emma's bee @6, we might keep an open (if skeptical) mind on Target. Target agreed to stop those donations after Gaga pressured them, and they do try to atone a bit. Our own Seattle march this year is heavily sponsored by them.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheats/2011…
http://www.queerty.com/anti-gay-groups-p…
29
JCP has a lot of small-footprint stores in small rural towns, and their "house" brands in particular are generally solid quality at a fair price (especially now that they've simplified their merchandising strategy and gotten rid of the "half the store on sale for about half the time" forest of shouting signs).
There's no comparison to the utter shit on offer at KMart/Sears, and the spotty quality/longer drive/huge-ass store crapshoot of Wal*Mart.
I hope my local Tumbleweed Gulch JCP puts up a big graphic of this right in the faces of the local lemonpusses.
There's no comparison to the utter shit on offer at KMart/Sears, and the spotty quality/longer drive/huge-ass store crapshoot of Wal*Mart.
I hope my local Tumbleweed Gulch JCP puts up a big graphic of this right in the faces of the local lemonpusses.
30
I am an "etc." who could use some new curtains. Thanks, Slog, for directing me to ways I can vote with my dollars! Now I'm off to Starbucks.
33
Right after JCP hired Ellen, my very gay husband and I bought some clothes there. We made a point of telling the cashier that we were there specifically *because* of Ellen and the company's gay friendly position. I hope queers and et ceteras nationwide do the same.
I also echo those who say that the casual clothes, the furnishings and the household goods are fine, though I wouldn't buy a suit or a blazer there.
I also echo those who say that the casual clothes, the furnishings and the household goods are fine, though I wouldn't buy a suit or a blazer there.
34
#33 - telling the cashier is fine, but I'd send a short note to the general manager or headquarters. Enclose a copy of your receipt and let them know their policies are putting money in their coffers!
36
On the one hand, JC Penney's pro-gay stance is just a form of branding, trying to appeal to a certain customer base, in this case gays and lesbians, and social progressives of all genders and orientations. And standing with Dory from "Finding Nemo" against One Million Moms was a pretty easy PR fight to win; JC Penney couldn't have designed it better themselves.
On the other hand, the less cynical side of me (I like to let him out for air every once in a while) is awfully glad to be pandered to in a way that acknowledges not only my civil equality but human equality. I implore all businesses, politicians, and organizations to pander to me in such a way. :-) And it totally works! Before this year, how often did you ever hear a gay man say "I need to shop at JC Penney more often!"
On the other hand, the less cynical side of me (I like to let him out for air every once in a while) is awfully glad to be pandered to in a way that acknowledges not only my civil equality but human equality. I implore all businesses, politicians, and organizations to pander to me in such a way. :-) And it totally works! Before this year, how often did you ever hear a gay man say "I need to shop at JC Penney more often!"
37
@32: The new CEO of JCP was hired out of Apple, one of the most left-wing, pro-equality companies in the US. I expect he's shaking things up.
I hope they can get their finances out of the garbage, though. Their new "fair pricing" strategy got them 20% less income this year than last.
I hope they can get their finances out of the garbage, though. Their new "fair pricing" strategy got them 20% less income this year than last.
38
for what it's worth, if you're tall and fairly slender (and in my case, male), jcpenney plain white t-shirts fit well, last forever and tuck in to pants (if needed) or cover your ass crack when bending over (again, if needed).
i don't have any boobs, so i'm not sure how those look in them.
they're the only thing i buy at penney's.
i don't have any boobs, so i'm not sure how those look in them.
they're the only thing i buy at penney's.
39
For what it's worth, their big & tall selection online is one of the best. I've shopped there for basic boring work clothes for a long time.
40
Dan, I have been shopping there, first my mom took me with her, then for college and ever since, all on my own, since we returned to the states in 1955. And I have written to tell them I appreciate their balls, as well as the quality of their briefs.
41
Ditto @39. I've shopped there since childhood. Decent slightly-better-than-Target quality and good prices. I buy most all towels, sheets, and clothing there.
Their support of our people against 100KShrews, et al is just icing on the cake. Go JCP!
Their support of our people against 100KShrews, et al is just icing on the cake. Go JCP!
42
@37 "I hope they can get their finances out of the garbage, though. Their new "fair pricing" strategy got them 20% less income this year than last."
One Million Moms have loudly taken credit for that. (I'm on their mailing list, so I know which organizations to send nice letters to and NOT boycott. Thanks for the helpful info OMMs!). JC Pennys will get it together financially, I'm sure. I went there a few weeks ago to buy towels and there were a lot of people there for once.
That pic of the two dads is so cute.
One Million Moms have loudly taken credit for that. (I'm on their mailing list, so I know which organizations to send nice letters to and NOT boycott. Thanks for the helpful info OMMs!). JC Pennys will get it together financially, I'm sure. I went there a few weeks ago to buy towels and there were a lot of people there for once.
That pic of the two dads is so cute.
43
I am a tall woman (size 35 inseam) with a sturdy size 16 build, and although I have never had difficulty attracting hot men, it sure has been an ordeal finding sexy clothes. There is no such thing as a big and tall store for women in the U.S. The few places that carry tall lengths usually only carry them up to size 12 or 14. Then, the plus stores like Lane Bryant only have 30 inch inseams, maybe 32 max.
But last year I wandered into a J.C. Penney, and was thrilled to discover a range of options. No one, from Walmart to Nordstroms, comes anywhere close to the number of tall plus items they offer. So most of my denim, slacks, blouses, blazers, and skirts come from JCP. Sure, it is not high fashion, but I am just so grateful to find basics that fit well - I can easily add style with accessories.
Last year, I was bedridden after an accident, and on meds that made me gain a ton of weight. When I was finally back on my feet, I could not wait to get back to my daily gym routine, but was really self-concious about looking slobby. But JCP came through - they had cute athletic stuff in plus-sizes with long lengths. It is a lot less intimidating to go to the gym when you do not have to worry about people staring in pity and horror - it feels downright luxurious to just toss on an attractive outfit that fits.
So I am already a fan of JCP because unlike every other clothing company in the country, they actually bother to provide clothing for a woman like me. It makes me even happier that they are now embracing all types of families as well as all types of bodies.
But last year I wandered into a J.C. Penney, and was thrilled to discover a range of options. No one, from Walmart to Nordstroms, comes anywhere close to the number of tall plus items they offer. So most of my denim, slacks, blouses, blazers, and skirts come from JCP. Sure, it is not high fashion, but I am just so grateful to find basics that fit well - I can easily add style with accessories.
Last year, I was bedridden after an accident, and on meds that made me gain a ton of weight. When I was finally back on my feet, I could not wait to get back to my daily gym routine, but was really self-concious about looking slobby. But JCP came through - they had cute athletic stuff in plus-sizes with long lengths. It is a lot less intimidating to go to the gym when you do not have to worry about people staring in pity and horror - it feels downright luxurious to just toss on an attractive outfit that fits.
So I am already a fan of JCP because unlike every other clothing company in the country, they actually bother to provide clothing for a woman like me. It makes me even happier that they are now embracing all types of families as well as all types of bodies.
44
Lots of good quality, name brands at a very reasonable price. I buy clothes and shoes there for my nieces and nephews all the time.
45
The ad with the two dads is very sweet. I find it funny OMM's are demanding JCP stay "neutral" and not include these gay-friendly ads, but how is showing only heterosexual couples and interactions neutral? Doesn't neutral mean not favoring one side or the other? It would seem to me that for JCP to be truly neutral, 50% of their couple/family ads should feature same-sex couples/parents. At least they are making an effort toward correcting that imbalance.
I just went shopping at JCP a few weeks ago. I hardly ever go shopping and when I do it's almost always at a thrift store, but this was a gift, and I needed some nice, new clothes, so I went there to see what they had. I did so because of their gay-friendly attitude and advertising. I got a lovely skirt, some decent dress pants, and a cute top, all for a good price. I will likely shop there again when I can.
I just went shopping at JCP a few weeks ago. I hardly ever go shopping and when I do it's almost always at a thrift store, but this was a gift, and I needed some nice, new clothes, so I went there to see what they had. I did so because of their gay-friendly attitude and advertising. I got a lovely skirt, some decent dress pants, and a cute top, all for a good price. I will likely shop there again when I can.
46
You forgot straight people with kids. I'm one and the moment the whole Ellen thing was announced and they stuck with it despite a Million Asshole Moms, I started to shop more there, and will continue to do so.
47
The only JC Penney in the Portland area is down in Sunnyside. I guess I can meet my mom down there, have lunch or something before shopping.
48
I really like Penney's and have shopped there for years - now I have even more reason to. The fact that they have reorganized and are getting a little less frumpy really helps too.
FWIW, I joined the One Million Moms website and get their emails just so I can see who they are protesting each week and send letters of support. I often use their own template and change to thank the companies instead of condemning them - it's loads of fun :)
FWIW, I joined the One Million Moms website and get their emails just so I can see who they are protesting each week and send letters of support. I often use their own template and change to thank the companies instead of condemning them - it's loads of fun :)
49
These ads will also attract straight people like me who appreciate the desire to create community with the depiction of gay parents with their children. I love this whole campaign and will be thanking JCP.
50
I've shopped at JCP twice now since Ellen became spokesman. I made a point of telling the cashier that I came because of Ellen and asked her to tell her boss.
52
@48. I do that too! I wonder if One Million Bigots have more people like us signed up for their mailing list than actual supporters of their agenda.
53
JC Penney's actions are also attractive to straight folks, with and without kids, who are sick of people picking on our gay friends.
54
Daniel.
Have you checked in on how your fav homo-retailer is doing?
JC Penny stock peaked at over $43 a share in February.
Currently it is $21.
ouch.
The old CEO bailed yesterday.
The new CEO, Ron Johnson, blames Penny's problems on its marketing.
maybe they haven't featured enough homosexuals in their advertising.....
couldn't you be a darling and run out and buy some more of those dingy Tshirts you so love?
Have you checked in on how your fav homo-retailer is doing?
JC Penny stock peaked at over $43 a share in February.
Currently it is $21.
ouch.
The old CEO bailed yesterday.
The new CEO, Ron Johnson, blames Penny's problems on its marketing.
maybe they haven't featured enough homosexuals in their advertising.....
couldn't you be a darling and run out and buy some more of those dingy Tshirts you so love?
55
Daniel.
Have you checked in on how your fav homo-retailer is doing?
JC Penny stock peaked at over $43 a share in February.
Currently it is $21.
ouch.
The old CEO bailed yesterday.
The new CEO, Ron Johnson, blames Penny's problems on its marketing.
maybe they haven't featured enough gay dads in their advertising?
couldn't you be a darling and run out and buy some more of those dingy Tshirts you so love?
Have you checked in on how your fav homo-retailer is doing?
JC Penny stock peaked at over $43 a share in February.
Currently it is $21.
ouch.
The old CEO bailed yesterday.
The new CEO, Ron Johnson, blames Penny's problems on its marketing.
maybe they haven't featured enough gay dads in their advertising?
couldn't you be a darling and run out and buy some more of those dingy Tshirts you so love?
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