[oh8eleven]

I DID shop a couple of times immediately after all these changes started rolling out. I found the prices to be higher
Can't argue with what you say you saw, but it doesn't make much sense to announce new lower prices ... then raise them.
Perhaps the example you gave (St. Johns Bay shirts) had been used as a loss leader.

[wbill]

had been used as a loss leader.

That's a possibility, they're a store brand. Per the posted article, they're "gradually going away"...too bad, I may need to find a new favorite shirt. :-)

The Socks, underwear and slacks that I usually bought there were name brands, though. And the prices on them had gone up - gone up radically, without the usual JCP coupons - as well.

Maybe it was symptomatic of my local store. Doesn't matter, Target and Kohls have been glad to get my business.