
411. Redefining JCPenney for today’s customer
From Retail Gets Real by National Retail Federation
March 24, 2026 · 27 min · Episode 411
About this episode
Michelle Wlazlo, brand CEO of JCPenney, discusses the evolution of retail and the importance of customer service.
Retail is evolving at an incredible pace, but at its core, it still comes down to people. Michelle Wlazlo, brand CEO of JCPenney, joins Retail Gets Real to share her grounded and optimistic perspective on where the industry is headed and why the fundamentals of serving customers remain as important as ever. (00:00:00) A retail career shaped by customers (00:06:44) Why physical stores aren’t going anywhere (00:09:02) Reintroducing JCPenney to a new generation of customers (00:15:52) The forces reshaping retail right now (00:17:52) Career advice that changes how you lead and grow (00:19:54) What will and won’t change in the future of retail (00:22:24) The joy of shopping beyond just buying The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. Resources: • Yes—JCPenney: Their Boldest Campaign Yet • Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association • Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org • Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy • Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com Related: • 393…
People in this episode
Host: National Retail Federation
Guest: Michelle Wlazlo
Topics covered
- retail evolution
- customer service
- physical stores
- JCPenney rebranding
- career advice
- future of retail
Keywords
- retail
- JCPenney
- customer experience
- physical stores
- career growth
- retail industry
- shopping
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: JCPenney
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