JC Penney interim CEO sees green shoots as retailer plots turnaround

Just a few months into serving as interim CEO of J.C. Penney, Stanley Shashoua said he sees signs of growth in the business.

“J.C. Penney is a great American family destination, and our strength is in our storied brands and the services we provide,” he said in a phone interview. “We’re seeing week-over-week improvements in the business, and we’re increasingly optimistic as we work our way through this.”

Specifically, he cited growth in home goods and athletic apparel — two categories that have outperformed during the Covid…