A number of appointments were made to strengthen JCPenney's home business as a result of the recent resignation of Jeffrey Allison, who was head of home and fine jewelry operations.

Steve Lawrence has been tapped to lead the home division, adding to his responsibilities as executive vice president and senior general merchandise manager of men's and children's. In addition, John Tighe was promoted to senior vice president and general merchandise manager of home. He was previously senior vice president of www.jcp.com.

Other staff moves included Pam Mortensen to senior vice president and general merchandise manager for fine jewelry and Elizabeth Sweeney to executive vice president and senior general merchandise manager for shoes and women's accessories.

"We have centered the merchandising leadership at JCPenney in a way that will allow us to best focus our efforts on confirming JCPenney as a style destination," says Myron E. Ullman III, chairman and chief executive officer of JCPenney.