J.C. Penney to stop selling appliances

SANDUSKY — After a change in corporate leadership, J.C. Penney is moving away from selling major appliances.J.C. Penney started to offer major appliances in 2016 to try to capitalize on the void left in many markets by the shuttering of Sears locations. But the department store made the decision earlier this month to end the sale of appliances. Furniture will also no longer be available in stores, but can still be purchased online.The decision was made to "better meet customer expectations, improve financial performance and drive profitable growth," according to a company news release.This marks the first major change for the company since Jill Soltau was named the new CEO in October after her predecessor took a job as Lowe's CEO.People can still purchase appliances in the store and online until Feb. 28 and receive free installation on purchases more than $299. Protection plans and warrant agreements will be continued to be honored until their end.J.C. Penney will reconfigure its store space previously occupied by major appliances to "maximize efficiencies, reduce inventory and create an enhanced shopping experience that inspires repay shopping trips," the release states.Some store locations will continue to carry mattresses, but it's unclear if the J.C. Penney at the Sandusky Mall would be one of those locations. Reach reporter Michael Harrington at michaelharrington@sanduskyregister.com, follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterJ.C. Penney announced it'd would stop selling appliances starting Feb. 28, 2019.