JCPenney retail store partners with ASU to host Suit-Up dress for success event for college students and young professionals

ALBANY, Ga. – Dressing for success just got a lot easier for Albany’s college students and young professionals. Oh, it’s just my color.

JCPenney and Albany State University’s (ASU) Office of Career Services join forces to help students Suit-Up for their future careers, providing attire that ensures they look as confident as they feel when stepping into the professional world.

“It means a lot. Thank you so much, JCPenney, for collaborating with us to provide our students with business casual attire. And, also, exposing them to what it means to be professional and how to dress professionally in any workforce. So, thank you so much, JCPenney,” said Vanessa Anagbo, ASU Academic Affairs Administrative Assistant.

JCPenney welcomed Albany State University (ASU) students, helping them find professional attire that suits their individual style. To make the transition into the workforce more accessible, the retailer also offered adjusted pricing to accommodate college students.

“The partnership with JCPenney and ASU is something that’s long standing. We’ve had a relationship with the local college here for years. Because, we wanted to do something to help students as they get ready to go into the workforce or return to the workforce. And, part of that is going to be work attire. There’s going to be an extra 30% off of whatever sale price is going on right now in the store on select items that the students can purchase from. And, then, they’ll also receive a 20% off coupon when they leave. So, they got home and they forgot a blouse or they forgot a pair of shoes or something like that, so that they can come back within a certain amount of time and even get another discounted price as well. And, they can use that at any JCPenney across the nation,” said James Pewitt, Albany Mall JCPenney, General Manager.

We spoke with a student who participated in the JCPenney Suit-Up event, and they shared how the experience has been a tremendous benefit to their professional journey.

“I feel very excited because I feel like this is something our HBCU should incorporate in their schools because it’s not a lot of students who understand the difference between business and casual attire. So, I feel like this is a good thing for us to do. To have students come around and just find their style. With certain stores, it is kind of pricey for college students, like you said. So, with the discounts and then with the gift cards, I feel like that very much helped a lot. I very much appreciate that,” said Jamie Rouse, ASU student.

De’Andra Jacobs reporting.

Copyright 2025 CBS 44 News South Georgia. All rights reserved.