New J.C. Penney stores open at two PREIT malls

Philadelphia -- Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust said Friday that new J.C. Penney stores have opened at two of its properties – both in Pennsylvania.



The stores, at PREIT’s Willow Grove Park in suburban Philadelphia and North Hanover Mall in Hanover, Pa, will feature the retailer’s new “Shops” format, encompassing 100 Shops that showcase apparel and home brands. As well, both stores will feature 1,700-sq.-ft. Sephora Inside J.C. Penney shop-in-shops.



“We’re excited about the opening of these new stores and believe that J.C. Penney’s focus on an improved shopping experience for its customers dovetails perfectly with PREIT’s commitment to deliver compelling shopping environments for our consumers,” said Joseph F. Coradino, CEO of PREIT.



At Willow Grove Park, the opening of J.C. Penney’s 125,000-sq.-ft. store marks the completion of the transformation of the former Strawbridge’s department store space, which is now occupied by Nordstrom Rack, The Cheesecake Factory and Bravo Cucina Italiana, in addition to the new J.C. Penney department store. At North Hanover Mall, the opening of the new store coincides with PREIT’s cosmetic remodel of the property, including new flooring, updated mall entrances, and energy-efficient lighting. The 83,000-sq.-ft. J.C. Penney represents a 30,000-sq.-ft. expansion and relocation from its former location.