JCPenney hiring stylists in the Valley

PHOENIX (FOX 10) - Despite closing stores and slipping sales at JCPenney, business is booming at the department store's hair salons.

According to the latest financial report, the overall sales at JCPenney decreased 3.1 percent over the past fiscal year.

While that's not a pretty financial picture, the stylists at the Instyle Hair Salon inside JCPenney say that doesn't really apply to their salons.

"Pay range varies, based on how much you want to do, your pay can be up to 70 percent commission, which is really awesome for this industry," said Holly Franks-Ortiz, JCPenney Artistic Lead Educator.

Out of the thousands that will be hired across the nation, JCPenney is looking to hire 100 stylists in the Phoenix area, 40 at the Arrowhead Town Center mall in Glendale.

Salons inside stores have actually seen a growth in sales for 13 quarters in a row.

Students took part in a free beauty class and said they're excited to be apart of the growth.

"I'm really excited and looking forward to starting with a new company and grow with the company," said True Eriacho, a beauty school student.

Not only newbies but experienced stylists are excited as well.

"There is always something new and different, so it's really important to keep up with what's going on and JCPenney really offers that," said Regina Gallegos, a stylist with more than 30 years of experience.

The stylists at JCPenney also boast a $1,000 bonus based on performance, paid training, 401(k) for full-time employees, and associate discounts at JCPenney stores.