The Best Department Store in America Only Has 13 Locations in Indiana

When you think of the best department store to go shopping for a variety of things, the first one that comes to mind apparently isn't the best.

I don't know about you, but I love shopping at a nice department store. You know, a store that is practically a one-stop shop for a variety of things that you may be looking for. Sure, you can go to a specialty store to find a specific type of thing, but if you can go to one place and eliminate driving around town to get your shopping done, sign me up! Whether it be furnishings, electronics, clothing, footwear, toys, cosmetics, and sometimes also groceries, all can be found in one store in various departments. As you know, there is a variety of department stores scattered throughout the country.

USA TODAY 10BEST assembled a panel of shoppers to nominate their top picks for department stores throughout the U.S., considering the range of products offered, store programs and perks, and the overall shopping experience. Then, readers voted to decide the winners. Recently, the winners were announced, and the best department store in the country isn't one that I think most people would assume.

The Best Department Store in America

Naturally, one might assume that this title would go to a department store like Target or Walmart. I thought that either of these would be a no-brainer, but apparently I was wrong. While both of those department store giants made the top ten, USA Today's voters claim that another department store is the best.

That department store is none other than JCPenney. Even though JCPenney closed more than 200 locations across the country after the retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2020. In January 2025, the company announced a merger with Forever 21 to create a new company called Catalyst Brands. This new company brings together SPARC Group’s brands Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand, and Nautica with JCPenney and its exclusive private brands, including Stafford, Arizona, and Liz Claiborne.

That being said, JCPenney has recently shut down several locations in 2025 due to "expiring lease agreements, market changes, or other factors."  However, the company says that it's still thriving, and apparently, shoppers agree, as it's now the best department store in the country. JCPenney has only 13 stores in the entire state of Indiana, but those 13 stores do have a lot to offer. Here's what USA Today said about the best department store in the country:

JCPenney has more than 600 department stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Each one offers an assortment of national, private, and exclusive brands at a variety of price points, including brands like Liz Claiborne, Levi's, and Adidas.

So, would this have been your vote as the best department store in the country, or do you find yourself leaning toward another? You can check out the ten best department stores in the country by clicking here.