As amusing as that would be, is there data to support that the gay ads hastened its decline (as opposed to it just ding a really crappy place that branding couldn’t save in this economy?)
I have to argue with liberals, so, unlike them, I generally need facts to back up the things I say. Thankfully, they’re usually available.
I think it’s a combination. Their quality did drop dramatically about 2-3 years ago. I used to shot there a lot, but the last time I bought there, which was also just before they went gay, I had problems with multiple items, and they refused to back any of their products. JC Penney is no longer a store that I even consider.
The gay thing was around before that one idiot became CEO but he was part of putting it in place. Then that idiot, whatever his metrosexual name was, ramped it up to absurd levels - in addition to other stupid decisions - no sales/coupons.
The guy lived in a Las Vegas hotel, he FLEW to Dallas once a week or so to the headquarters. He was as out of touch as a CEO can get. Not that the new guy is going to be much of an improvement.
“As amusing as that would be, is there data to support that the gay ads hastened its decline (as opposed to it just ding a really crappy place that branding couldn’t save in this economy?)”
Ron Johnson made several changes currently that alienated one segment or another of their traditional customer base. But I think the thing that totally did them in was when they abruptly eliminated all of their traditional sales and coupons and went to “everyday low pricing”, which of course no one actually believed.
What customers DID believe was that they used to be able to walk into JCP and utilize MULTIPLE coupons and incentive discounts on goods that were already on sale, walking out of the store with good-quality clothing that was a genuine bargain. Without the sales and coupons, customers had no idea whether the pricing was fair or not. Apparently most decided the new pricing was NOT fair or not worth the time to figure out whether it was fair, and permanently sought other shopping venues.
The sales figures correlate with the Ellen signing and the homosexual ad campaigns. Correlation isn't causation, and the elimination of sales didn't help, but the correlation is pretty close.
Why?
A Liberal wouldn't know a fact if it struck him. You need emotional arguments with them.
Unless you want the fact for your own self confidence I think you're wasting your time.
