The Reality of Back-to-School Shopping and How Families are Turning to JCPenney for a One-Stop Solution: Save Like an Insider

Leaked group chat shows moms have a lot to say about back-to-school shopping, and Comedian and real mom, Zarna Garg has the insider scoop on navigating the season.

PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--When did back-to-school shopping get so out of hand? Moms everywhere are blowing up the group chat, hoping someone has the insider scoop to a better way that doesn’t require multiple trips, digging through racks and hoping to find style and brands their kids want to wear at a reasonable price.

“Back-to-school shopping shouldn't require families to choose between the fashion they love and the value they need,” said Michelle Wlazlo, JCPenney Brand CEO. “That's why at JCPenney, we're bringing both together in one place. From trusted brands and everyday essentials to meaningful savings and rewards that make back-to-school shopping easier."

Lucky for these moms, comedian and real mom, Zarna Garg, has entered the chat and is spilling the tea on how families can access real deals they need without the scavenger hunt. Let’s pop into the chat:

[Mom Talk Group Chat]

Ciara: I can’t believe the back-to-school shopping season is already here. Anyone else avoiding at all costs?
Jess: I opened my cart today… and CLOSED it immediately. I just can’t believe how expensive it’s gotten!
Priya: Same. Plus, our oldest is heading to college this year, so we’ve got dorm room shopping as well.
	Tamara: And you know mine hit their growth spurt this summer, so now nothing fits them. I basically need to buy a whole new wardrobe! Sigh.
Jess: I tried a few places this weekend. Prices were meh but… no backpacks. None of the shirts my daughter liked were in her size, and don’t get me started on the disarray in the footwear section or the crazy things in the home section... um no.
Ciara: That’s the thing! I love a good deal, but you never know what's going to be on those discounter racks. And if they don’t have what you need, you’re stuck driving to another store...and then another...and another.
	Tamara: I have a friend who swears she cracked the code to back-to-school shopping and found THE PLACE where I can get jeans for my son, tees for my daughter and even something for myself that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Priya: Um, send her my number or connect us NOW!
[Zarna Garg Enters the Chat]
	Tamara: Ok, spill the tea. Where should we be shopping?
Zarna: JCPenney.
Ciara: Wait really? JCPenney?
Zarna: Yes... JCPenney! Real talk, you're overthinking this. The first rule of back-to-school shopping: If I can't finish my list in one trip, I'm in the wrong store. JCPenney has EVERYTHING. Literally 1000s of items under $10. Students and teachers can get a haircut starting at $12 at JCPenney Salons now through September 19. Not to mention their Beauty department carries 250+ brands, backpacks, school supplies, accessories...need I go on?
Priya: Wait, do they have more than basics? My kids want the latest styles (Y2K throwbacks, boxy tees, baggy denim jeans) and only want to wear their fav brands like Nike, PUMA, Levi’s and Aeropostale.
Zarna: Yes, and stuff that you and your kids are actually going to wear – not that funky thing that your kid is pining over that you know you’re going to throw it out. They have so many back-to-school items on Price Lock. $6 tees, shorts and leggings. $8 IZOD polos. $14 denim and kid’s casual shoes. Look at this gorgeous pair of pants!
Ciara: Okay, that would actually change my life. When do these amazing deals even happen?
	Tamara: Zarna told me they are All. Season. Long. Price Lock on kids and teens essentials kicks off on August 2 and runs through August 27. But you can start NOW, because it's not just stuff for your kids, they’ve got hot deals on things for us moms, because obviously we deserve a refresh too – from apparel, beauty and home – dropping throughout the season... so run to JCPenney
Jess: Seriously? No joke I’ve had my eye on a few from Liz Claiborne, a.n.a and St. Johns Bay. Adding this one to my cart now.
	Tamara: They have some really cute stuff! Did you see JCPenney has these Adidas Ballerinas? My daughter has been looking everywhere for these. I may even snag a pair for myself!
Jess: I also heard Really Big Deals is coming back August 7 through September 7 – JCPenney’s highest traffic event – which drops new, unreal deals every week that are only available Friday-Sunday?
Zarna: And… JCPenney is celebrating and supporting teachers this back-to-school season with an extra 10% when they shop through 9/19.
Ciara: Love that for them; they deserve it!
Jess: So, let me get this straight… at JCPenney alone, I can get the styles and brands my whole family wants, plus the essentials we need AND haircuts so I don’t have to make those extra trips? And on top of that earn rewards that make the trip even more worth it?
	Tamara: Can't beat that, IYKYK
Zarna: And to stay on top of the deals, you have to get the JCPenney app – it's my bestie. Your coupons are there; you can price check items and see your rewards as you earn them. And remember if you sign up for JCPenney Rewards Access, you get a $10 CashPass. So easy to use, they are practically throwing money at you!
Ciara: Why have I been making this harder for myself for years?
Priya: Because no one told you there’s an easier way to shop.
Ciara: Screenshot and sending this to every mom I know because this just saved me at least five breakdowns. Zarna, you’re a mom-saver. Tamara laughed at this Priya loved this
	Tamara: Gotta run ladies… to JCPenney!
Priya: I’m going to keep shopping on JCPenney online. TTYL!

Consider back-to-school shopping handled with, Yes... JCPenney.

About JCPenney

JCPenney, part of Catalyst Brands, is the shopping destination for America’s diverse, working families. With inclusivity at its core, the Company’s product assortment meets customers’ everyday needs and helps them commemorate every special occasion with style, quality and value. JCPenney offers a broad portfolio of fashion, apparel, home, beauty and jewelry from national and private brands and provides personal services including salon, portrait and optical. The Company and its 50,000 associates worldwide serve customers where, when and how they want to shop – from jcp.com to more than 650 stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

In 2022, JCPenney celebrated 120 years as an iconic American brand by continuing its legacy of connecting with customers through shopping and community engagement. Please visit JCPenney’s Newsroom to learn more and follow JCPenney on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.