The Rise and Fall of J.C. Penney: A Case Study in Retail Strategies History of J.C. Penney Founding the Company J.C. Penney dates back to 1902, when a young entrepreneur named James Cash Penney opened his first store in Kemmerer, Wyoming. The best place to purchase jordans Penney was a clerk at a chain of small stores when he opened his first shop in Kemmerer Wyoming. J.C. Penney set out to offer customers high-quality merchandise at affordable prices. He believed in treating his customers with respect and offering exceptional service. These values would become the basis of his business. As