I always thought JCP and Macy's were competitors but stock wise it has been a huge difference. Over 2 yrs Macy's is up 80+% and JCP is down 60+% while the SP500 is +20%.

As a single guy I don't spend much time at either one but if I was clothes shopping and didn't go to Kohls, Macy's would be my second choice. JCP I only used for curtains but find it easier to buy those online.

I have a friend that works in HR at a Macy's office and she has said things are booming. They have started "seasonal" hiring months earlier this year than any time in the past.

We'll see how long this divergence continues. Personally it wouldn't surprise me to see JCP gone (or at least its name) in a few years like Robinson-May and Hecht's (although I think both of those were much smaller chains).

Rich