J.C. Penney’s web sales increased 24% in February

At J.C. Penney Co. Inc., year-over-year Internet sales rose 24% in February, the fastest growing sales channel for the retailer, the company reported today. In comparison, combined catalog and Internet sales rose a higher-than-expected 4.5% to $209 million from $200 million in February 2005.

Guide to E-Commerce Technology

Total sales at J.C. Penney, No. 11 in the Internet Retailer Top 400 Guide to Retail Web Sites, increased 3.7% to $1.30 billion in February from $1.25 billion a year earlier. Comparable store sales rose 2.3% for the month.

J.C. Penney said it expects comparable store and direct sales to increase in the low single digits this month, reflecting the shift of Easter into this year’s April period from March last year. In March 2005, comparable store sales decreased 0.4% and direct sales were flat.