Mayor Delfino and others seemed particularly surprised because they were under the impression that the Penney store had strong sales.

Five weeks ended May 1: Same-store sales rose 4 percent at Penney stores only.

Five weeks ended July 2: Same-store sales rose 6.8 percent at Penney stores only.

Four weeks ended May 28: Same-store sales rose 5 percent at Penney stores only.

The "mini-shops" in Penney stores featuring hot brands, that just opened last year, were doing better than the rest of the store.

Four weeks ended July 30: Same-store sales rose 6 percent at Penney stores only.

Telephone operators are on duty 24 hours a day, and merchandise is delivered to the nearest Penney store, typically within 48 hours.

The company also made its five regional directors of Penney stores around the country regional presidents.

Four weeks: same-store sales rose 14.5 percent at Penney stores only; overall up 11.5 percent, to $1.29 billion.

"I thought I might someday run a very big Penney store," he said.