Quick Answer

Yes, JCPenney hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. With over 650 department stores across the U.S., starting wages of $12–$16/ hour, seasonal hiring surges during October–December, and advancement opportunities to management roles earning $45,000–$80,000/year (approximately $22–$38/ hour), JCPenney provides steady retail employment options for people rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

About JCPenney

Founded in 1902, JCPenney is a well-known American department store chain offering apparel, home goods, beauty products, and salon services. The company operates more than 650 stores across 49 states and employs around 65,000 people year-round, with thousands of seasonal hires during the holiday season.

JCPenney positions itself as a family-oriented, value-driven department store located mainly in malls and community shopping centers. After emerging from bankruptcy in 2020, the company continues to modernize its stores and invest in its workforce.

For people with criminal records, JCPenney’s mix of large-scale operations, steady turnover, and franchise-level flexibility in some stores creates multiple hiring opportunities. Entry-level retail positions, stockroom work, and seasonal jobs are especially accessible for individuals reentering the workforce.

Does JCPenney Hire People with Felonies?

Yes, JCPenney does hire people with felony convictions. The company evaluates each applicant individually, considering the nature of the conviction, time passed, and relevance to the position.

JCPenney’s hiring approach:

• No blanket policy against felons

• Store-level management discretion

• Case-by-case review of background checks

• Emphasis on rehabilitation and reliability

• Reports of successful hires with records nationwide

What JCPenney considers during hiring:

• Nature and date of the offense

• Connection (if any) to retail responsibilities

• Consistency of work history and references

• Demonstrated rehabilitation and reliability

• Type of position and its access to cash or customers

Applicants with older or non-violent offenses often report better outcomes, especially for stock, warehouse, or seasonal associate roles.

Available Jobs at JCPenney for People with Records

Sales Associate

($12–$15/ hour)

Provides customer service, maintains merchandise displays, and assists shoppers throughout the store.

Stock Associate

($13–$17/ hour)

Receives and organizes inventory shipments, restocks shelves, and supports store operations. This is often the most accessible position for applicants with criminal records.

Cashier

($12–$15/ hour)

Operates registers, handles payments, and provides front-end customer service.

Beauty Advisor (Sephora at JCPenney)

($13–$18/ hour)

Assists customers at Sephora counters inside JCPenney stores, focusing on cosmetics sales and product education.

Operations Associate

($12–$15/ hour)

Handles inventory control, labeling, and in-store logistics behind the scenes.

Salon Stylist

($12–$20/ hour + tips)

Provides professional hair services in JCPenney salons. Requires a valid cosmetology license.

Seasonal Associate

($12–$15/ hour)

Temporary position during the October–December retail surge. Many seasonal workers are offered permanent employment after the holidays.

Department Supervisor

($32,000–$45,000/year → $15–$22/ hour)

Oversees a specific department, manages associates, and ensures store presentation and sales goals are met.

Store Manager

($50,000–$80,000/year → $24–$38/ hour)

Responsible for complete store operations, staffing, and performance. Many store managers began as entry-level associates.

Background Check Process

JCPenney conducts a background check following a conditional job offer.

Typical process:

1. Submit online or in-store application.

2. Interview with department or store manager.

3. Receive conditional offer (pending background check).

4. Background check processed (usually within 5–7 days).

5. Final hiring decision based on results.

What’s reviewed:

• 7-year criminal history (typical lookback)

• Identity and Social Security verification

• Sex offender registry

• Prior employment or reference checks (occasionally)

Drug testing:

• Varies by store and state

• Typically conducted for safety-sensitive or managerial roles only

Application Tips

1. Apply to multiple stores. Different managers make independent decisions, increasing your chances of getting hired.

   
   

2. Target stock and operations positions. These behind-the-scenes roles often face less customer interaction scrutiny.

   
   

3. Use seasonal hiring to your advantage. Apply between September and October when JCPenney adds thousands of temporary workers.

   
   

4. Show reliability and flexibility. Emphasize punctuality, open availability, and willingness to take various shifts.

   
   

5. Highlight retail or customer service experience. Even volunteer or small-business experience helps.

   
   

6. Be upfront but brief if asked about your record. Focus on what you’ve learned and your goals moving forward.

   
   

7. Demonstrate professionalism. Dress neatly for interviews and use polite, positive language.

   
   

8. Follow up after applying. Call or visit within a week to express continued interest.

   
   

9. Ask about franchise-operated locations. Some JCPenney salons or departments may have separate hiring flexibility.

   
   

10. Leverage referrals if possible. A recommendation from a current employee can improve your odds significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does JCPenney hire felons?

Yes. The company uses a case-by-case evaluation and has hired individuals with records in various roles.

What positions are most accessible for applicants with felonies?

Stock associate, operations associate, and seasonal associate roles are the most common entry points.

How long does the background check take?

Usually about 5–7 business days after submitting authorization.

Does JCPenney drug test?

Not always. Drug testing depends on location, position, and local laws.

Can I work at JCPenney while on probation or parole?

Yes, as long as your probation terms allow regular employment.

What’s the best time to apply?

September through early November is ideal for seasonal hiring.

Does JCPenney promote from within?

Yes. Many supervisors and managers started as sales or stock associates.

Will my conviction automatically disqualify me?

No. Each store and situation is reviewed individually.

What kind of background check does JCPenney use?

A standard retail employment check focusing on the past 7 years.

How much can I earn at JCPenney?

Entry-level employees typically earn $12–$16/ hour, with management positions paying $24–$38/ hour.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• Macy’s – 500+ stores; seasonal hiring; case-by-case review similar to JCPenney.

• Kohl’s – 1,100+ stores; flexible seasonal hiring; accessible for reentry job seekers.

• Burlington – 1,000+ locations; affordable retail; known to hire people with records.

• TJ Maxx / Marshalls – 2,500+ locations; off-price retail chain; accepts applications from people with convictions.

• Target – 1,900 stores; Ban-the-Box employer; strong commitment to fair-chance hiring.

• Dillard’s – 280+ stores; regional department chain; evaluates applicants individually.

Final Thoughts

JCPenney offers one of the most accessible entry points in retail for individuals with felony convictions. With a case-by-case evaluation process, 650+ stores nationwide, and steady hiring needs during the holiday season, it’s a strong choice for those looking to reenter the workforce.

Key takeaways:

• Case-by-case hiring review

• 650+ stores across the U.S.

• $12–$16/ hour starting pay

• Stock and seasonal roles most accessible

• Advancement to management earning $24–$38/ hour

• Seasonal positions can lead to permanent jobs

Ready to begin? Apply directly at JCP.com/careers or visit your local JCPenney store to speak with a hiring manager.