JCPenney to launch ALDO shop-within-a-shop

JCPenney Company Inc. and ALDO USA, Inc. have announced plans for JCPenney to become The ALDO Group's exclusive department store retailer in the United States for its Call It Spring brand. The ALDO Group is a leading international retailer with operations in more than 1,500 stores in over 50 countries.

According to a joint press release, Call It Spring will launch as a unique shop-within-a-shop concept — over 600 sq. ft. in Women's and over 400 sq. ft. in Men's — providing JCPenney customers an extensive collection of over 300 styles of on-trend footwear and accessories, all at compelling prices. The concept is set to launch this fall in JCPenney's Manhattan store, expand to 100 JCPenney stores and on jcp.com in spring 2011, and then to an additional 500 stores in fall 2011. JCPenney will be the only department store retailer to carry the Call It Spring collection outside of The ALDO Group's specialty stores, the companies said.

"By giving our customers high-quality, specialty store styling we continue to heighten our competitive advantage and create a sense of discovery within our stores," said Myron E. (Mike) Ullman, III, chairman and chief executive officer of JCPenney. "Call It Spring is an exciting addition to our footwear and accessories collections and will further establish JCPenney as a style authority and first choice destination for the modern customer. We look forward to working with the exceptionally talented team at The ALDO Group to bring their extraordinary brand to our customers."