JC Penney Debuts Big and Tall Concept

The Foundry Big & Tall Supply Co. (Plano, Texas) unveiled its new specialty retail concept built for the big and tall man with the opening of its first specialty retail stores.

Inspired by the look of a microbrewery, the stores feature an urban, industrial design with concrete and wood flooring, brick walls, exposed ceilings, modern lighting and steel and wood fixtures. The 5000-square-foot space includes flat screen, an oversized poker table, comfortable seating, a porch entry, game room lounge and large copper tanks that serve as fitting rooms. In stores, customers can find sportswear in sizes 1XL to 6XL and XLT to 5XLT and suits up to size 54L.

“We simply want to provide classically styled, quality clothing for the man who has style but is frustrated with not being able to find the clothing and brands he desires in his size,” says Steve Lossing, president of The Foundry Big & Tall Supply Co. “This is a place that understands the unique challenges of the hard-to-fit man and provides him with a comfortable shopping environment, associates who are attentive and most importantly clothes that make him look good.”

The first 10 stores will open in the Dallas and Kansas City markets with plans to expand nationwide to 100 stores by 2013, reaching a total of 300 stores over the next five years.

The Foundry is the first of three new businesses for Plano, Tex.-based JC Penney and its new Growth Brands Division. The other two are Clad, a men’s Web site, and Gifting Grace, an online gift site, both of which will launch later this year, reports Women’s Wear Daily. While the three new operations will not have an external association with the department store retailer, they will benefit from using Penney’s logistics and back-office capabilities.