Mother of all JCPenney stores [Kemmerer WY] I had a nice experience shopping at this store. The employees were so nice and friendly... we met Penny, an employee. She shared a little history of this first JCPenney store. The building itself is historic and only little upgrade was done because they wanted to keep the original historic architecture. While at the register she pointed at some of the original artifacts displayed throughout the store, a mechanical cash register, the pulley system they used for purchases, original crates, some housewares... Penny also took the time to share a little about the life and legacy of James Cash Penney (JC Penney) and also pointed to us the home where he and his family lived just a few walking distance from the store. The store sold their brand names -- same stuff you would find in a JCPenney store in malls. She said they fulfill mostly online orders in this location. I wasn't planning on buying anything but I saw some clearance items on a rack outside. Loved our experience at this iconic department store, the most unique JCPenney in the world... right here in Wyoming. Review #3483 read more

See all

As I was driving across Wyoming, I knew "Kemmerer" rang a vague bell somewhere in the back of my mind. Of course, I know that Walmart is from Bentonville Arkansas https://www.yelp.com/biz/wal-mart-home-office-bentonville?hrid=mANJuOdAFJVByzz3H_5LPA but I didn't remember that similar "middle of nowhere" Kemmerer Wyoming was the first JC Penney store. Located in the town square, there is street parking all around. The store has a lot of the same merchandise that you'll find in just about any other JC Penney. Trivia: Like Walmart is named for Sam Walton, the JC Penney chain is named after the founder: James Cash Penney. And perhaps you'll win a bar bet on that knowledge one day. [Review 17816 overall - 25 in Wyoming - 1337 of 2022.] read more

JCPenney - JCPenney, Kemmerer WY - Department Stores Near Me - Kemmerer, Wyoming

See all

So we were wandering through Kemmerer recently (coming back from a horse pack trip into Yellowstone Nat'l Park from the Idaho side) and what did we drive by? Why the original JC Penney store, all alive and well in this itty-bitty town in the middle of Nowheresville, (southwest) Wyoming. Unbelievably small. Adorably cute. Kinda like finding the original Micky D's is still operating and going in to get a burger just so you can say you did. Probably should have bought a baseball hat or some eponymous doodad.... but didn't. I guess you could say, "My parents went to Kemmerer, WY, and all I got was this stupid picture of a JC Penney's." Safe travels, amigos, David "All who wander are not lost (they're just undirected)" M. read more

JCPenney - As homey and inviting as your grandma's . . .. - Department Stores Near Me - Kemmerer, Wyoming

This was one of the neatest things we saw on our trip. We drove through Kemmerer on the way from Little America to Yellowstone and didn't realize the very first JCPenney store ever was located in this little town in the middle of nowhere. When we saw the words "Mother Store" we couldn't believe it. We had to go in. It was so interesting to see modern merchandise in a store that looks like it could be in the late 1800's. My daughter found several cute shirts and it was lots of fun to shop there. Kudos to whoever maintains this store. It's a national treasure and I hope it remains open and is maintained in a way to preserve the originality. It's like stepping back in time...and purchasing Hello Kitty merchandise in the 1800's. Ha! read more

This report is long overdue. On 9/20/23 while traveling in our RV we visited the original JC Penny Mother Store in Kemmerer, Wy. At first we didn't know it was even open because the window looked dark and there was no "open" sign. ( It needs one that's lighted, like neon!) We were so glad that we stopped! We were helped by a delightful lady, whose name coincidentally, was actually Penny! She and the other staff were so attentive and helped us find the clothes in the style and sizes that we wanted. We hadn't even planned on buying anything but because the staff were so helpful we ended up spending just under $300 for clothing. It was a great shopping experience, and we have been telling our friends all about it. We also enjoyed the ambience of the historical building itself. It has that small town, friendly feel that seems to be lacking nowadays in the big mall stores. So if anyone is visiting Kemmerer we highly recommend stopping and shopping at the JCPenney mother store. read more

This is one of those places that pops up very randomly, and when you least expect it. I honestly did not know that the JC Penney mother store was in a small town of around 3,000 in Wyoming, many miles away from any metropolis. My friend and I stumbled upon the store when we were driving up to Jackson from Salt Lake City, and we almost didn't stop. We thought it would be cheesy and dumb, but I wanted to see the inside out of pure curiosity. I am a big fan of urban exploration/retail history, so I felt it would be nice to snap a few photos. The inside of the store is much smaller than a typical JC Penney store, though it has a second level area for children. Much of the merchandise was marked down tremendously, and I was able to pick up a few $50 dress shirts for five dollars a piece. Even though summer was coming up, a lot of the summer wear was also marked down, so I figured the store didn't get much business and needed to make it up somehow. It was nice nonetheless. When I was snapping some photos, a nice lady came by and gave me some memorabilia, including a booklet with the history of the chain. She also sold me a few nice, high quality postcards, which were only three for a dollar. Then she showed me a few of the historical items in the store, including the original changing rooms that haven't been re innovated in decades. Everything about this store is obviously old and outdated, but I liked the feel of it. I am glad that they kept the store open, so random visitors like us can have something to stumble across. If you ever are in Kemmerer and would like a brief history lesson, or name brand clothing at discount prices, this is a great place to stop. Even if you just want to break up your long road trip, it is a good place to stop. read more

See all

Driving through to Pinedale Wyoming we came across this JCPenney mother store. We definitely had to stop and was so happy that we did. We found excellent clearance items at really low prices and just the fact that is the first original JCPenney store, made the shopping experience special! Staff was nice and friendly too. read more

Yes. It is true. The Mother Store that started the J.C. Penny retail chain started here in Kemmerer, WY. A town just shy of 3,000 people. Originally the store was called The Golden Rule and was managed by a man named Rishi back in 1902. Guy Johnson and Thomas Callahan were in a partnership with the store as well. Three more stores were opened but in 1907 the partnership was dissolved. Rishi then gained full interest to all three stores. In 1909 James Cash Penney moved the companies headquarters to Salt Lake City, UT. Currently the companies headquarters is in Plano, Texas. By 1912 Penney had 34 stores in the Rocky Mountain Region. In 1912 the banner was changed to J.C. Penney. In 1913 the company was renamed the J.C. Penney Company. In 1914 the headquarters was relocated to New York City. By 1917 the company had 175 stores in 22 states. In 1924 the 500th location was opened in Hamilton, Missouri which was James Cash Penney's home town. Interestingly enough in 1940 Walmart founder, Sam Walton worked for J.C. Penney in Des Moines, Iowa. By 1948 J.C. Penney had 1,600 locations in all 48 contiguous states. Technically the Mother Store here in Kemmerer was the second retail location that opened with the company. The store still remains open to this day. The store's hours are shorter than the other locations in the company. The store feels very different than the stores most of us have grown accustomed to in the world under this companies moniker. There are no specialized departments and no hair salons. The store is very small and reminds me of a store that sells western wear in a windy, wintry small town. Yet all of the clothing sold here contains the brands that Penney's is known for. There were about four ladies working there, all very friendly. There is a J.C. Penney museum in town and the house where Penney lived still stands there to this day. These days Kemmerer is not known for J.C. Penneys. It is a town surrounded by mines, gas fields and power plants. Like certain spots in Wyoming where the towns sometimes struggle Kemmerer seems to be going solid because of these surrounding industries. Kemmerer is often ignored by travelers since major interstates are about 45 minutes away. I prefer to go this way when I travel to the Pacific Northwest. It is not the fastest way but it isn't all that slow either since the roads through Kemmerer are truck routes. Sometimes I just don't want to drive in Utah or Salt Lake metro. Granted traffic there is not all THAT bad either. Regardless stopping in Kemmerer and seeing The Mother Store is an unexpected treat and shows a glimpse into retail history that is often overlooked. read more

We go here all the time when we are in Kemmerer. They always have stuff marked way down. It is not uncommon to find kids clothes for 0.99. It has some interesting things on display throughout the store that show what retail was like back then. Don't forget your coupons too which will even bring the prices of clothes down further. Stop here too check it out and do a little shopping. It is not a very big store but they seem to have a good selection. read more

This store is still an operating JCPenney location. In addition they have many historical artifacts on display. The architecture of the building itself is also interesting. read more

Got to say this place is really cool. It's like a regular JC Penney just in a smaller store! Who would of guessed JC Penney got their start in little kemmerer Wyoming! read more

The cutest store ever!! So much history here and a wonderful assortment of clothing!!! Staff was amazing, so accommodating and very knowledgeable about the history of JCPenney. Do not miss a visit to this store if you are in the area. read more