Sir Terence Conran signs design deal with JC Penney

‘Design by Conran’ will include furniture, upholstery, lighting, textiles and accessories for the US department store and launches in March next year in 300 stores as well as online.

The tie-up is the first time Conran has partnered with a US retailer. The retail veteran is well known in the country through Habitat which he launched there in the seventies.

Conran is no stranger to design tie-ups and currently has an exclusive collection with Marks and Spencer.

Conran Holdings said the J C Penney deal will “make a significant contribution” to its profits.

Conran said: “It is an incredibly exciting time for us to be working with jcpenney as they embark on a huge wave of change under the excellent Ron Johnson. The collaboration is also a great boost for British design in a significant market and gives our design team the opportunity to create a truly democratic collection of exceptional quality.

“Personally it is a dream come true to make our work available to a huge and knowledgeable audience of design enthusiasts across America.”

JC Penney chief executive Ron Johnson said: “Next spring, we will unveil an entirely new home shopping experience at jcpenney with the addition of world-renowned designers and brands such as Design by Conran.  

“The highly regarded UK brand is known for its exceptional quality, functionality and design, and jcpenney is honored to bring Conran’s signature British style to Americans at Fair and Square prices.  

“On a personal note, it is a privilege for me to work directly with Sir Terence Conran. I have admired his unmatched impact on people through democratizing design for the past twenty years.

“He will be an extraordinary partner for us as we transform jcpenney in the years ahead.”