"Sephora" gift cards from JC Penney

[CoriAmazon]

So I just recently got a Sephora gift card for my birthday. I was so excited to hop online and fill up my cart, including my birthday items. Go to check out and try to input my gift card, invalid. A little research brings me to the conclussion that since this gift card is actually a JC Penney coupon I can not use it on Sephora online, or any Sephora not inside a JC Penney. This means I can not partake in and online deals or promotions and now forces me to go to the closest JC Penney which I really do not want to do.

It is absolutely ridiculous to sell a "sephora" gift card and not be able to use it outside of JC Penney's umbrella. I'm frankly pissed and will direct any of my furture gift purchasers to just forget Sephora altogether just to avoid this frustration since it'd be far easier than to give step-by-step directions on how to but the proper sephora gift card. Extremely poor marketing.

[dlhr74]

I also received a JC Penney Sephora gift card that can only be used at a Sephora inside a JCPenney.

This is really shady, Sephora. There are certainly many other options in terms of where to shop. I’ll be using those alternatives from now on.

[Anonymous]

Uuuugh same! This is ridiculous and Sephora JCPENNY employees should make sure to inform those purchasing the gift card of this. My husband has no idea the difference-he just knows I like Sephora products. He knows I like shopping online. Unfortunately the inventory at our local JCPenny Sephora is limited and it was such a hassle ordering online through JCPENNY website. They do not have the same type of shipping-extremely slow along with a rather boring and limited  assortment of products. You do not get any samples or VIB points added with your purchase. To say the least I was highly disappointed. Purchase a Sephora gift card from Sephora-not JCPenny sephora! You can thank me later. 

[ZannaBT]

Hi @CoriAmazon,

I completely understand your frustration and i'm so sorry for the inconvenience caused! Regretfully, at this time, gift cards purchased at JCPenney can only be used at JCPenney stores or JCPenney.com. These are also valid at both Sephora inside JCPenney and our Sephora products are available on JCPenney.com. As Sephora and JCPenney run on different financial processing systems, our freestanding stores and Sephora.com cannot currently accept JCPenney gift cards. I apologize for the confusion and will be sure to share your feedback. Thank you! 

[dlhr74]

This is an easy fix in terms of being able to accept the cards at all locations. The reason it is being done is to drive foot traffic into JCPenney stores. Very disappointing. It’s a poor practice that takes advantage of loyal customers.