JCPenney has unveiled an automated sorting and packing upgrade at its 1.67 million-square-foot distribution center in Reno, NV.
As part of the retailer’s self-funded $1 billion reinvestment strategy announced in 2023, JCPenney has put $40 million into updating the equipment and infrastructure of the Reno facility (pictured above) to increase order efficiency and speed.
The centerpiece of the upgrade is the implementation of a Joey Pouch sorting system, the company stated. The state-of-the-art, computerized induction, sorting and packing system includes new process technology, a fully automated sorter to assemble orders and a new packing system that includes invoice and shipping label printing for each order. JCPenney expects the upgrade to improve the customer experience by completing orders more accurately and shipping them out faster.
In addition to enhancing the customer experience, the upgrade will dramatically reduce associate training time, JCPenney noted, leading to greater productivity and allowing for more flexibility in staffing across the facility.
“The Joey Pouch system deployed in our Reno Distribution Logistics Center showcases an updated technology, and we’re proud to bring this state-of-the-art machinery to our facilities,” said JCPenney CEO Marc Rosen. “We look forward to experiencing its impact for our customers, associates and company as we honor our commitment to making every day count for our customers. When we announced our $1 billion reinvestment strategy last year, this is exactly the type of upgrade we envisioned for our supply chain. This new system will provide JCPenney with the best-in-class equipment and technologies to better support our associates and serve our customers.”
The JCPenney reinvestment strategy initiated last year includes enhancing digital capabilities, as well as facilitating in-store physical and technology upgrades, and advancing supply chain optimization, the company maintained. During the past year, JCPenney has initiated more than 100 store upgrades. It also has refreshed the company’s Rewards and Credit program. The improvements to the Reno distribution center represent JCPenney’s latest progress in streamlining supply chain operations, the company added, and it will help ensure customers get the service they deserve when ordering through jcpenney.com.
