Dive Brief:
- Introducing another special collection to its private label brands, J.C. Penney has partnered with Dallas-based fashion and lifestyle influencer LaDarius Campbell to launch a limited-edition collection for its Stylus menswear brand, the company announced Thursday.
- Launching in stores on Jan. 25, the 26-piece “Stylus x LaDarius Campbell” collection is available in sizes ranging from small to XXL. The brand will offer Big and Tall sizes between LT to 5XLT and 2XL to 4XL online, according to the announcement.
- To promote the collection, Campbell will host a live styling event at his local J.C. Penney, and the retailer will share the event online afterward. Campbell will also give away a one-on-one “styling masterclass,” the retailer said.
Dive Insight:
With its Campbell collaboration, J.C. Penney continues to lean into special collections. Last year, the retailer partnered with fashion designer Prabal Gurung, celebrity stylist Jason Bolden and Warner Bros. to launch apparel lines. With the newest collection, Campbell aims to encourage customers to step “outside of one’s fashion comfort zone,” the company said.
“Working with LaDarius to bring this collection to life has been incredible,” Michelle Wlazlo, chief merchandising officer for J.C.Penney, said in a statement. “He grew up with the brand, giving him a deep and personal understanding of what our customers are looking for when they shop at JCPenney – value. His ‘RANGE’ philosophy of styling the same pieces in many different ways is directly translated into this line, giving our customers fashionable, quality wardrobe staples at a great price.”
As J.C. Penney grows its product assortment with collaboration collections, the retailer is working to turn around its financial situation. In Q2 2023, its net sales dropped by 10% compared to last year to $1.6 billion. Its revenue also fell 10% to $1.68 billion in the same quarter.
Last August, the company unveiled its plan to refine its customer experience and operations by fiscal year 2025. Part of the $1 billion effort includes modernizing its in-store technology, updating its supply chain operations and rolling out other digital updates.
