JCPenney grand opening celebration Friday, Saturday at Inland Center Mall

JCPenney will mark its return to San Bernardino with a celebration Friday and Saturday at Inland Center Mall.

Festivities and giveaways are planned Oct. 21 and 22 at the mall, 500 Inland Center Drive, as part of the retailers grand opening and the shopping center’s 50th anniversary, Inland Center announced earlier this week.

“Inland Center continues to be an exceptionally strong platform for popular retail brands, and we are so pleased to welcome JCPenney to our vibrant store lineup as we celebrate our 50th anniversary,” said Arun Parmar, Senior Property Manager, Inland Center, in a news release.

“Since opening in 1966, our mall has been the dominant retail destination for the greater San Bernardino region. Today we are happy to celebrate this incredible milestone with our local community.”

As part of the festivities, the companies will offer family-friendly events and crafts for children, music, a DJ, face painting and a selfie station Friday and Saturday.

Celebrations begin Friday at 9:30 a.m. with JCPenney’s official ribbon cutting ceremony, opening doors to its newest two-story , 119,000-square-foot store. The first 100 guests in line will receive JCPenney and Sephora gift cards along with a sweet treat for the first 300 guests from Suite 106 Cupcakery.

Giveaways also include 650 Sephora inside JCPenney swag bags and 200 Salon by InStyle swag bags.

“JCPenney first opened in San Bernardino in 1916, and although we departed for a brief period, we’re proud to become reacquainted with the city we first met 100 years ago,” said Paul Mutshnick, JCPenney general manager, in a news release.

“Our team is thrilled to reward loyal customers – and surprise new shoppers – with an all‐new store experience featuring an unparalleled merchandise assortment and excellent customer service.”

Telenovela star, Maite Perroni, will also make a special appearance to meet fans and sign autographs from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday.

Festivities continue from noon to 3:00 p.m., both Friday and Saturday, with piggy bank decoration for children as they receive 50 pennies – in celebration of the mall’s 50th anniversary.

At 1 p.m. on Friday and Saturday all guests can receive a free chocolate cupcake, while supplies last.

On Saturday, the center will celebrate 50 years of wonderful shopping and hand out 50th Anniversary tote bags filled with store coupons.

The center also is celebrating 50 years of giving by collecting pennies for those affected by the December 2nd tragedy from noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. A full 100% of the proceeds will go to the Arrowhead United Way’s San Bernardino United Relief Fund.

JCPenney at Inland Center will take over the spot once occupied by Gottschalks and will be among three anchor spots — Macy’s, Forever 21 and Sears. The store includes a Disney shop, Sephora beauty store and The Salon by InStyle.