New JCP Express Location Opens in Odenton

J.C. Penney Co. shoppers have a new place to order items, pick up shipments, pay bills or return merchandise.

The store in Piney Orchard is now also a JCP Express location, serving as a satellite spot for the popular department store.

Local business people and J.C. Penney officials gathered Tuesday inside the store for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"This new partnership allows me to merge two of my passions, which are being of service and shopping," said Parcel and Office Solutions owner Joji Barsa.

By partnering with JCP Express, the store has a special kiosk near the front entrance including a computer monitor for online ordering. J.C. Penney customers can have online purchases shipped to the store for free, and they can also return merchandise and pay bills there. Store gift cards are also for sale.

The Odenton location is the 431st JCP Express outlet in the country, according to Rob Sorum, J.C. Penney's director of revenue services. Sorum said the JCP Express locations are designed to serve those customers who do not have full J.C. Penney stores in their towns. J.C. Penney has full stores in Glen Burnie and Annapolis.

Local business leaders said they hoped the new location would give a boost to an independent and local business.

"We've had tremendous growth in our local economy, but it's still been a struggle for many local businesses," said Claire Louder, the president and CEO of the . "Anytime we can get partnerships in our local businesses to give them some exposure, that's a plus."