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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Macy's vs JCPenney

Macy's 4.9★ · Free to download 75
Winner Macy's
JCPenney 4.7★ · Free to download 45

Macy's generally offers a better online shopping experience and product quality, despite some recent app issues, while JCPenney struggles significantly with app functionality and order fulfillment.

Full reviews: Macy's · JCPenney

Macy's is favored for its quality products and sales, though recent app updates have caused frustration. JCPenney, while appreciated for value and in-store service, faces widespread issues with its app, online orders, and customer service.

Head to head

App Functionality & Ease of Use edge: Macy'sR3R7R10R15
Macy's Macy's app users report a mix of experiences. Some find it friendly and easy to use, offering good choices and affordability R48R22. However, many recent reviews highlight significant problems, including the app only displaying half the screen on iPads R10, freezing when applying filters , failing to allow purchases due to phone number issues R7, and general glitches after updates . Users also desire features like a 'buy now' button R3 and better in-stock indicators for pickup R15.
JCPenney JCPenney's app receives widespread criticism for its poor functionality. Users frequently report being kicked out after updates , issues with password resets and account logins R61, and a glitchy browsing experience where the app freezes, goes black, or loses the user's spot R75. The app is also criticized for not defaulting to a chosen store location , not allowing items to be added to the cart directly from price checks , and not automatically including mail coupons . Some users find it frustrating to navigate and believe it hasn't changed in 20 years .
Product Quality & Selection edge: Macy'sR2R5R11R19
Macy's Macy's is frequently praised for its quality products, including formal gowns, clothing, housewares, and jewelry R2R5R11R24. Many users consider it their 'go-to' for quality pieces and good brands R2R11R24. However, some recent reviews express disappointment, stating that merchandise quality has declined and is no longer what it used to be R19.
JCPenney JCPenney is generally seen as a place to find good value and affordable prices, with users appreciating the selection for the entire family . Some specifically mention finding great dresses and jewelry . However, there are complaints about the limited or unexciting choices in certain departments, such as large women's clothing , and dissatisfaction with fabric quality for specific items .
Pricing & Value tieR2R9R14R24
Macy's Macy's is often lauded for great sales, deals, and reasonable prices, especially during holidays R2R14R24. Users appreciate finding quality brands at what feels like discount outlet prices R24. However, some users note that prices for specific items have increased significantly R9 and wish for more discounts and promotions .
JCPenney JCPenney is consistently highlighted for its excellent sales, coupons, and overall value, allowing customers to find clothes that meet their budget . Users appreciate the ability to get great deals, especially with extra coupons . However, there are instances where advertised sale prices do not match at checkout .
Order Fulfillment & Shipping tieR4R13R16R21
Macy's Macy's users report significant problems with order fulfillment and shipping. Issues include orders being cancelled without explanation R4R21, slow shipping R13, items not arriving on time or at the correct address R31, and packages being stolen when delivered by DoorDash R53. Some also complain about high shipping costs R16 and missing items from orders .
JCPenney JCPenney faces severe criticism regarding online order fulfillment. Common complaints include orders showing 'In Transit' for days after arriving at the store , items not being received at all , and orders being cancelled for no given reason . Shipping is described as 'horribly inconsistent' , and some users receive incorrect items . Curbside pickup also has issues, with long waits and lack of notification .
Customer Service & Returns tieR4R12R13R33
Macy's Macy's customer service receives mixed to negative reviews. Some users praise friendly and helpful staff , but many report rude employees R13R33, terrible customer support , and unhelpful return policies R13. Specific issues include difficulties accessing Macy's card numbers for online orders R12 and problems with credit card processing R4.
JCPenney JCPenney's customer service is a major point of contention. While some users highlight excellent and personable in-store associates , online and phone support are frequently criticized. Complaints include rude representatives , unhelpful service for missing items , and a problematic refund process that is slow and involves fees for returns without a local store . Users also report being ignored in departments like jewelry .
Pick Macy's if

You prioritize finding quality clothing and housewares, appreciate good sales, and are willing to navigate occasional app glitches or customer service issues R2R11R24.

Pick JCPenney if

You are primarily looking for value and sales on a wide range of products for the family, and prefer shopping in-store where customer service is often praised .

Evidence note: Both apps are free to download, so there is no free-vs-paid asymmetry. Both apps have significant issues with online order fulfillment and customer service, making it difficult to declare a clear winner in those categories based on user satisfaction.

Frequently asked

Which app has better product quality?
Macy's is generally praised for offering higher quality clothing, formal wear, and housewares, with users consistently finding quality pieces and brands R2R5R11R24. JCPenney is more often cited for good value and affordable prices rather than superior quality .
Which app is easier to use for online shopping?
Macy's app, despite recent update issues causing freezing and display problems, is still considered more user-friendly overall compared to JCPenney's app R48R22. JCPenney's app is widely criticized for frequent glitches, login problems, and poor navigation R61R75.
Are there issues with order delivery for either app?
Yes, both apps have significant issues with order delivery. Macy's users report cancelled orders, slow shipping, incorrect addresses, and stolen packages R4R13R31R53. JCPenney users experience missing items, cancelled orders, inconsistent shipping, and long waits for pickup .

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R3] Macy's 3/5 · US Make it easier to Buy items !: I’ve given feedback many times. I like that you can scroll photos of an item while in search list, and mostly the app works fine. But 2 requests I have made would make app shopping so much easier & benefits Macys are: 1) a ‘buy now’ button on shopping item page or 2) a way to check off less items in the cart that you want to purchase now without moving others to save
  2. [R7] Macy's 1/5 · US Update: This App STILL Blows: Try to order something on here and it literally won’t allow me to. Something about my phone number either being wrong or not matching. When I try to edit my phone number to my account, it says that already matches the current number they have for me. WHICH MEANS THE PHONE NUMBER DOES MATCH AND IS CORRECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But it still won’t allow me to comp
  3. [R10] Macy's 1/5 · US Only fills half screen: The Macy’s app only displays half the screen on my iPad mini 5. I’m running iPadOS 26.5. I’ve restarted the iPad and reinstalled the app. Every other app works normally.
  4. [R15] Macy's 3/5 · US Could be better: It would be great if it showed what was in stock for pick up at the location I choose.
  5. [R2] Macy's 5/5 · US Formal gowns: Macys is definitely the go to store for dresses. Excellent quality and great prices.
  6. [R5] Macy's 5/5 · US Good Qualities: Good qualities!
  7. [R11] Macy's 5/5 · US Quality not Quantity: I have heard this phrase my whole life. I love Macy’s for just that reason. I can always find quality pieces, clothing, housewares, Customer Service!!
  8. [R19] Macy's 1/5 · US Terrible: The sale are not like it use to be. All of the merchandises, clothing, boots, bedding everything is not QUALITY material WHY PERIOD. YOU GONE BELOW THE LEVEL OF WALMART STORES PERIOD. THIS SHAMEFUL.
  9. [R9] Macy's 3/5 · US Elizabeth Arden day cream: The price has gone up way too much!! I intend to find a less expensive replacement.
  10. [R14] Macy's 5/5 · US Great Price: Very Cool Deai
  11. [R24] Macy's 5/5 · US Great Deals: Macys has some of the best deals in a economy where everything is going up in price I can rely on Macy’s for quality Beds Clothing Kitchenwear Jewelry and more and always the best quality brands it is like shopping at a discount outlet online. I hope they stay in business and do not go away good department stores are rare and Macys is great.
  12. [R4] Macy's 1/5 · US Jo Ann: This second time I’m having a horrible time trying to place an order Both times missed out on using my $10 rewards 1st time order cancelled no explanation. This time denied my credit card you didn’t have correct one. I added this time as default. My account seems to be a mess in the app
  13. [R13] Macy's 1/5 · US Slow Shipping - Unhelpful Return Policy - Rude Employees: I have realized that i truly do not like Macy’s now that i have been ordering from them for over a year. As far as shopping in store, i find Macy stores to be cluttered and often messy. In addition, the employees at our two different locations in my immediate area are SO rude! When i went to return something, recently, and they treated me
  14. [R16] Macy's 1/5 · US Shipping: Muchas veces todo es por correo y te cobran demasiado. Así que no ahorraste en descuentos porque los pagas en shipping.
  15. [R21] Macy's 1/5 · US Confusion: In order a suite ok my bad it was a suit separate and recover jacket. I then ordered the pants and finally after 2 weeks I get refunded which I don’t see as of yet. Why would that happen??. Not a good business Model at all. For that reason I will no longer shop macys. Thanks for all the hard work and making my online experience a disaster
  16. [R12] Macy's 3/5 · US Upset: I don’t carry a macys card w me so I don’t know my macys charge card number when I’m not at home. I wanted to place an order using my macys card but couldn’t access it b cause I don’t carry it w me. I never ever had this problem before when I wanted to place an order using my Macys card after I signed in. What gives?
  17. [R33] Macy's 1/5 · US Hey: Watch sale women is so rude.she just lying about costumers.
  18. [R22] Macy's 5/5 · US Macy is perfect: Perfect to order, i lov it
  19. [R48] Macy's 5/5 · US Easy does it: This app is friendly, easy to use, offers choices as to one is searching for. It gives one choices for affordability etc. I highly recommend it.
  20. [R61] JCPenney 2/5 · US Online experience: After having reset my password recently, it wouldn’t accept my password and wanted a new. In doing the process, it locked me out of my account. So I go back to my email to unlock it and it doesn’t unlock it. I tried to check out as I guess, but it’s requiring me either to sign in or create a new account. Frustrating.
  21. [R75] JCPenney 3/5 · US Jcp app: IMO Jcp app is extremely frustrating to navigate when browsing to shop in general. Jcp has always been my favorite store! When using the app, not so much. Even with freq updates it’s very glitchy when scrolling items. Constantly shutting off & goes black every time ya try to do anything. Also frequently losing the pg & item your on. Hitting the back arrow never takes you back to your spot
  22. [R31] Macy's 1/5 · US Customer service is not up to par.: I don’t recommend Macy’s to anyone. Delivery service sucks. Never get my items on time and to my right address. I hate it but I need it. That’s the only reason I shop with Macy’s.
  23. [R53] Macy's 1/5 · US Angry Customer: I ordered a specific item for my cruise and paid 10.95 for shipping only to find that Door Dash was supposed to bring my package and just like they steal food, they stole my package!!!!

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store