To those people, it is more than a dependable place with affordable prices. A friend pointed out that Penney is popular with fashionable black women. And I am reminded of the commendable corporate ethic of JC Penney, which each year gives significant awards to volunteers here and nationally. The good news is that JC Penney will continue to have a presence in the area at Northwoods Mall. The question will be whether a working mother who lives west of the Ashley feels loyal enough to JC Penney to drive to Northwoods.
Retail analysts say the field is tough.
Even without Penney, Citadel Mall has stiff competition among Parisian, Belk, Dillards and Sears. And shoppers, they say, are fickle. The Citadel Mall JC Penney has not sold its last pair of Precious Babies earrings, and bargain-hunters are already anticipating their next frontier. Target will build a new store in the spot JC Penney is vacating. It has been a source of some embarrassment to serious shoppers that Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island and even Aiken have Targets and that Charleston does not.