JCPenney — Local services in Cedar Rapids

Penney's return policy is ridiculous. My granddaughter received a pair of Nike flip flops for her birthday. They ran very narrow and were also too small. Since they were a gift, my daughter and I went to the Dubuque, Iowa Penney's store to exchange for something else. Since the shoes were very narrow, my daughter wanted to get a swim suit or other clothing rather than just exchange for a larger size. The sales clerk asked if we had a receipt or knew how they were paid for. Since they were a gift, we had neither. The sales clerk called a manager over and we were told that they could only be exchanged for the exact shoe and nothing else. My daughter said OK and the manager went to look for a larger size. They did not have a larger size, so she said they would not let her return the ones that were too small. She said that even though they were in their system, they were Nike and could have been purchased somewhere else. We told them that was a ridiculous policy and left. I had a Penney's receipt from another purchase that I made last month and I read their return policy which says without a receipt, items purchased at jcp are eligible for exchange or refund at the item's lowest selling price within the last 45 days issued in the form of a jcp gift card. That's all my daughter wanted so she could pick something else out for my granddaughter. We had plans to shop there and buy other items from their Disney department and other clothing. That kind of "customer service" is horrible and I wonder if it's really worth losing customers over what those flip flops were actually worth - maybe $12 to $14, which would have been spent plus more if they would have returned them. I have had a JC Penney credit card for over 40 years and I am closing my account and telling everyone I know about the very poor customer service and return policy they have. No wonder they are...

Absolutely wonderful! It took hours Amanda was so patient. The first day I bought 4 sheer curtains Amanda told me how to measure for Curtains and Levolor blinds. I went home and measured more than twice, believe me. Some windows are in need of 84" curtains. Lots of measuring. Today I went back and Amanda again helped me again. She handled the whole department ladies were looking at products in her department. Amanda was completely in control. SHE WAS REALLY BUSY! I was not in a hurry and Amanda was able to handle all of us with knowledge and grace. Never did she get flustered. I watched what all she was doing. She is a outstanding JCPenney employee. Mike also was very helpful. This was not even his department he saw that I would need help getting to my vehicle. He stepped up helped packed all of the glass canister's I purchased. Asked which door I came in, he did not say do you want some help. He said to Amanda I will help her. Out to her car. He picked up all of my packages and asked "which door did you come in. I told him that there was luggage close to the door. He knew right where I was talking about. And off we went. The door was if course the farthest one away. Mike was courteous very helpful and polite. He loaded up my car. I thanked him for helping me. He said no problem have a good rest of your day. That was it. All I need to do now is wait for the levolor blinds to be made and sent by a carrier. It was, I'm going to say a really...

Eh...what can I say. Nothing spectacular.

I went to pick up an order from the catalog - they could not find it after calling me and saying it was in. Waited for nearly 30 minutes while they "searched" for it. Manager completely ignored me when called over. The associate discussed the order and argued about the location and what to do in front of me. Still completely ignoring me and my questions about what can be done. Not impressed. Proceeded to re-order the product after they decided what was "best for me" without my consent. I was so unimpressed by the missing order, the poor customer service, and the lack of in-store selection that I canceled it and received my money back - after I was finally acknowledged by the manager nearly 40 minutes in to the experience.

This store really needs to step up it's game. Customer service is non-existent. The associates are less than helpful. Selection is deplorable it you are looking for big and tall, especially in the formal wear, suits, and sport coats. Otherwise, if you are less than 6 foot tall and weigh 150lbs you should be okay. They need to increase their big and tall offerings, higher better equipped associates, and beef up the customer service.

Will I go back - that depends. If they improve on the above then I may consider. If not, I fear they will go the direction of everything else in the Westdale...