WLM
| generations
ing was necessary. Walter Neppl
was made president in 1976 and
the company launched its women’s fashion program competing
against specialty stores popping
up in malls across the country.
More catalog centers were added, making it the second largest catalog merchandiser in the
country. A home furnishing line
was added as well.
The company purchased the
First National Bank of Harrington, Delaware and renamed
it J.C. Penney National Bank,
in 1984. They streamlined their
credit and financial services and
began accepting American Express cards, Visa, and Master-
50
Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine | Fall 2014
Card. The bank began issuing its
own Visas and Mastercards. J.C.
Penney’s first internet site was
added in 1998 (the catalog business was discontinued in 2010)
and grew to be one of the largest
online retailers bringing in $1 billion in annual sales in 2011.
In more recent years, with the
troubled economy, the company
has made numerous changes.
They have added and subtracted, divided and multiplied. At
present, there are nearly 1100
stores in the US. While this article
only touches on part of Penney’s
achievements it shows what can
be done with determination,
very hard work – and living by
The Golden Rule. The Mother
Store in Kemmerer, Wyoming
is still open and the J.C. Penney
Historic District there was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1978. W L M