If only turning around a struggling retailer were so simple. The CEO is retiring, and Vanessa Castagna, the woman many see as the company's next leader, admits the stores are cluttered and aging. This week, the company is opening what it bills as its prototype new store. The store has wider aisles, brighter lighting and lower display racks. Michael Taxter, the company's president of department stores, said the Frisco store will carry 6 percent less inventory than other Penney's of similar size.
Officials say they are working harder to keep up with fashion changes.
It's all about listening to our customer. We as a company have gotten a little bit away from that. The official opening of the new Frisco store was set for Wednesday, but the retailer quietly opened the doors Monday, and a few shoppers like Nottingham wandered in. After Sweney and the touring reporters had moved on, Nottingham said she has limited her Penney's shopping recently to kids' clothes. She said she was impressed by the cleaner displays and the clothes.