For jobseekers navigating today’s competitive market, looking the part can be a critical piece in showing up with confidence and landing the job. In fact, in the last year, 56% of hiring managers found young applicants unprepared for interviews, with unprofessional attire cited as a leading cause. Whether you’re a recent graduate, exploring a career change, returning to the workforce, or preparing for your next career move, JCPenney is here to support, thanks to the launch of its first ever National Suit Up Event to help everyone step into career-readiness with confidence.

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Global spokesperson and brand advocate, Shaquille O'Neal, greets Clayton State students during a previous JCPenney Suit Up event in April, 2026.

Global spokesperson and brand advocate, Shaquille O’Neal, greets Clayton State students during a previous JCPenney Suit Up event in April, 2026.

September has long been a recognized hiring season, often called the “September Surge,” where employers ramp up recruitment. As employment demands continue to rise, standing out this year is even more important. Running September 17–20, 2026, in stores nationwide and online at jcpenney.com, JCPenney’s National Suit Up Event combines exceptional savings on men’s and women’s professional apparel with expert styling from dedicated Suit Up associates, career coaching resources, and tailored professional styles from trusted brands – all at the exceptional value customers expect from JCPenney. Inspired by the retailer’s long-standing campus program that has helped hundreds of thousands of students “suit up” for interviews for nearly a decade, this year’s National Suit Up Event goes beyond exceptional savings by offering career-readiness resources designed to help customers prepare for interviews and enter the workforce with confidence, including:

  • Dedicated Suit Up Associates: On-site guidance from trained associates committed to helping you get interview-ready

  • Professional Headshots: Starting at $29.99 through JCPenney Portrait Studios

  • Salon Services: $12 Haircuts or Blowouts offer available at JCPenney Salons (select locations) to help customers look their best, valid for Suit Up Event attendees until 10/31.

  • Beauty Tips & Tricks: In-store beauty professionals ready to help you get a polished, interview ready look

  • Career Coaching Webinar: All customers who make a purchase during the event can opt-in to receive access to an exclusive webinar with JCPenney executives on career tips and interview prep.

“The right outfit can make all the difference when you’re walking into an interview, starting a new job or taking the next step in your career,” said Michelle Wlazlo, JCPenney Brand CEO. “At JCPenney, we believe everyone deserves a better deal when preparing for what’s next. That’s why we’re going even further on our commitment to accessibility because in today’s job market, looking and feeling your best shouldn’t be a luxury. It’s a competitive advantage.”

PREMIUM WORKWEAR, UNBEATABLE VALUE

For nearly 125 years, JCPenney has been a trusted destination for professional apparel – reinforced by recent Morning Consult data showing professional workwear is one of JCPenney’s strongest apparel categories, with 25.7% consumer preference. By leaning into this strength, JCPenney is meeting professionals and students with affordable style, expert guidance and unbeatable value when they need it most – no coupons needed.

JCPenney’s Men’s Professional Wear offers one of the most expansive value-driven range on the market, including extended sizing in beloved brands like Haggar and Shaq XLG and contemporary designs and fits from J Ferrar. Deals will include:

  • Men’s Suits from $150 and Sports Coats from $100

  • Dress Shirts and Dress Pants 50% off (Online) or Buy One, Get One Free (In Store)

  • 50% off Sportswear

JCPenney’s Women’s Professional Wear ranges from fashion suits to tailored, elevated separates, designed for every body and budget. Deals will include:

COLLEGE LEGACY & EXPANSION

Originally launched in 2017 through partnerships with colleges and universities, JCPenney’s Suit Up program has grown from serving a small number of campuses to more than 600 campus locations nationwide, helping hundreds of thousands of students prepare for interviews, internships, career fairs and their first jobs. Now, JCPenney is expanding that same career-readiness experience beyond campus, bringing affordable men’s and women’s professional apparel, expert guidance and career resources to everyone— whether you’re a recent graduate, a career changer or preparing for your next opportunity. This fall, over 100 stores nationwide will partner with local schools to host College Suit Up events, offering the students who attend exclusive perks and experiences.

The nationwide Suit-Up Event runs September 17–20, 2026, in stores and online at jcpenney.com. For styling tips, event details and to find your nearest location, visit jcpenney.com or stop by your local JCPenney store. At JCPenney, everyone deserves a better deal.

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 nearly 640 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.

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