[oh8eleven]

As a marketing teacher, it is my opinion that what really took them down was the complete removal of those pesky coupons that drew customers into the stores. Even thought the EDLP model may have netted better prices.
American consumers have been so conditioned by coupons & sales, they literally are unable to think for themselves. (Rush would call them "low information consumers.")
They couldn't figure out that the new JCP everyday low price was a true bargain - everyday - not just on a weekend ... and also didn't require cutting out a piece of paper from an ad.
I blame the consumer, but JCP really should have had a much stronger campaign (sans the homos) explaining the new sales plan.

[outinyellowdogcountry]

You are correct about the need for a stronger campaign to explain the new sales plan. What I remember was advertising that alluded to the change but didn’t hit home the advantage. Plus that coupon in the mail was like an invitation to come in and it kept Penney’s on our mind. I see their prices are very good and they have good working woman clothes.

[wbill]

JCP everyday low price was a true bargain

It's been awhile since I have been in in there. I used to go all the time.

However, I DID shop a couple of times immediately after all these changes started rolling out. I found the prices to be higher, and substantially in some cases. (I like their St. Johns Bay shirts, and prices for them literally doubled.)

I've not been back in a year or more, though. Prices may have changed.