Retailers nationwide are gearing up for the holiday shopping season, and with the current state of the economy, consumer spending is all the more important.

So it makes perfect sense that JCPenney is jumping on the social networking bandwagon by connecting with customers through a new Facebook page.

Part of its larger "Joy of Giving" campaign, the customized Facebook page features holiday shopping ideas with links to JCPenney's main site, a "weekly obsession" item and a virtual Salvation Army "Angel Giving Tree," giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase gifts for children and senior citizens in need.

Look out for added features as the holidays approach, including a special Facebook gifting app which allows customers to share stories, post comments and get shopping advice.

And for those dreading Black Friday crowds, the Texas-based chain is rolling out the retail red carpet through its "JCPenney At Your Service" Facebook sweepstakes.

Lucky winners will receive limo transport to their nearest JCPenney on Black Friday, where they'll have a shopping butler at their disposal, be given a $500 gift card, a stylist consult and a personal gift-wrapping assistant. (That's more like it!)

With such over-the-top treatment, you can expect an entourage: the retailer will be filming footage of the shopping spree for Facebook and YouTube. Check JCPenney's Facebook page for details.

Myron E. Ullman, III, JCPenney's chairman and chief executive officer said the following: "Consumers are focused on making smart spending decisions this season without sacrificing style or quality. This plays right to our strengths as we have a meaningful gift assortment that will make it fun, festive and affordable to select gifts for family and friends," says

JCPenney has also been updating its look with this star-studded collaboration.