Ron Johnson will do anything to turn J. C. Penney (NYSE: JCP) around. He would even attempt to charm the devil, or so it seems. This afternoon Johnson broke bread with one of his biggest critics, former CEO Allen Questrom, giving him a formal tour of the company's prototype store in Dallas. The store features a contemporary look and Johnson's vision of a shop-in-shop layout.

Questrom isn't the first person Johnson has taken on a tour. According to reports, JCP's CEO hasn't been shy about opening the door to visitors. Previous guests include journalists, vendors, analysts, . . . pretty much anyone willing to listen to his sales pitch.

Questrom has been a sharp critic of Johnson's in the past, and it appears he remains one. Following the tour he told CNBC the new store is still a "big gamble".

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