Business Column: Analysis
JCPenney and SPARC Group are merging into a new organization in a bet to revive more than a dozen iconic brands and more than 1,000 store locations. Experts are optimistic about the deal, provided the new organization’s leadership overcomes several execution challenges.
On Jan. 8, the two companies announced they will combine to form Catalyst Brands. This organization will have access to analytics across 1,800 retail locations, 60,000 employees, almost $1 billion in liquid assets, and data on more than 60 million customers.
The merger comes four years after JCPenney emerged from bankruptcy after a long period of consolidation and one year after the iconic company invested $1 billion to refurbish stores and streamline operations….