A well-known department store chain is preparing to celebrate its centennial in the Quad Cities. Friday is the 100th anniversary of J.C. Penney opening a store in downtown Moline, its first store in Illinois.
General Manager John Hazlett says J.C. Penney moved to SouthPark Mall in 1979. Its first two stores were in downtown Moline on 5th avenue, first on the 1300 block in 1917 and then on the 1700 block in 1956.
He says the company has made many changes since 1917 to try to adapt and prosper.
"It's trying to figure out what the customer wants and what we can do profitably. It's being flexible and learning what works and doesn't work."
Hazlett says the store will hold a brief celebration Friday morning just before it opens at 10 a.m. with workers, retirees and customers.
Currently the SouthPark store has 80 employees.
