Did JC Penney bail on its former-CEO too soon? JC Penney dumped Ron Johnson — whose previous claim to fame was designing the now-famous Apple Stores — a month ago only 17 months into his tenure. Johnson’s redesign of Penney’s stores, known as the shop-in-shop concept, was deemed a failure after the company lost $3 billion in revenue and saw its stock fall more than 50 percent. But Johnson was canned before his vision had time to come to fruition.

Johnson had planned to redesign the layout of JCPenney’s stores, much as he did with the Apple Stores. Each store would have its own version of a genius bar located in the center of the store. But the full layout of the stores would also change. Popular brands, such as Martha Stewart and Liz Claiborne, would have their unique spaces — boutiques — inside the store. New brands, such as Nanette Lepore and Izod, would also be brought in.

Although most stores are still under construction, Wall Street analyst Brian Sozzi shared a quick video of a completed JCPenney in Long Island. And the completed design is nothing short of fantastic.

Samantha Lile

Samantha Lile is a 2002 Missouri State University graduate of journalism and mass media. She has served as a reporter and editor for various newspapers throughout her journalism career. She made the leap into writing full-time after working for a major financial institution since 2000.

Because of her banking background, Samantha is knowledgeable in finance reporting, but is also strong in commentaries, personal profiles, youth studies, horticulture, history and entertainment-related works.

Samantha lives in Ozark, Mo. with her husband of nine years, four dogs and two cats.

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