Sometimes, we are fortunate to hear from an employee at J.Crew. (Personally, I really enjoy hearing their perspective as an "insider" on various topics posted.)Anonymous at 6:58PM in the post "J.Crew's Credit Card: Paying Online" shared with us the following comment:
Just wanted to let you all know that I am a J. Crew associate and I love your blog! I think it is great to see what customers are saying about our products and our companies. The corporate offices do indeed know about the blog, and I've even heard rumors that it has been discussed during company conference calls. Someone told me that they have a representative check it every day. Just a heads up, some (not all) stores will begin receiving the new month's inventory as early as next week!
Moreover, Anonymous at 10:51 PM in this post was kind enough to share the following inventory tip with us as well:
Just a little FYI from another associate: we receive a new collection the last week of every month so keep your eyes peeled then each month :)
I am thrilled that they shared with us. First, I appreciate knowing that J.Crew corporate offices are aware of this blog. Second, I also really appreciate knowing that stores will be receiving new Fall merchandise next week and the end of every month. {I can't wait to see what they have available!}
What do you think about J.Crew corporate checking this blog daily? Are you excited that stores will be getting new merchandise next week? Will you be stopping by a store next week to check out the new inventory?
It is just so hot around here until early October. I have been looking at a few things on EBay for real steals. Other than that, I am waiting for late September. We don't even get cold weather until December.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the company reading the blog: if they read it and listen to what we have to say, I think it's great. This is a resource for them to find out what is and is not working. I do know that we all have similar complaints and similar raves many times. I think that would be very helpful.
Blumre - I saw on an earlier post that you had sent an e-mail to M. Drexler, but didn't read further to see the response. Had read about your e-mail, but thought it might be inapropriate to be included because I had already written. Hope you were happy with the resolution. You all are such valuable customers!
ReplyDeleteAlexis - I like seeing messages from the J Crew staff too! Can't wait to see the new merchandise.
Just a little FYI from another associate: we receive a new collection the last week of every month so keep your eyes peeled then each month :)
ReplyDeleteA bit OT here, but does anyone know if the flowy jersey bateau dress is on additional sale in any store? Would really like to get it!! Am looking for a medium. Any help would much appreciated!!
ReplyDeleteI think its wonderful JCrew corporate is reading the blog, theres really no down side. Even if they dont take into account what is being said (although I feel like they must at some level) its out there.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to be able to try stuff on instead of doing the very expensive order 2 sizes and return!
anonymous @10:55: the flowy bateau jersey dress is an additional 40% off the sale price at Northpark Center in Dallas, TX. As of yesterday, they had several mediums.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad they're reading, as they never bothered to send anything other than a canned response to my two e-mails about price discrepancies between the stores and web/catalog. (I've decided not to re-send to upper management as this issue was raised in the e-mail that Blumre sent . . . and because I'm cynical.)
ReplyDeleteI really hope there are some new things in the store when I go in for my personal shopper appointment on Friday, but it sounds like the timing may be off. (Maybe they'll have some stuff in the back room?) I've concluded the only way I'm going to get consistent, acceptable service and pricing is to develop a relationship with someone in the store
If I was in management with J.Crew I would definitely read this blog. What a great way to find out from a wide variety of customers what is popular and what they are needing/wanting. Once again thanks for this blog Alexis.
ReplyDeleteI hope the website sees some new items next week. I have a $100 gift card to use and I'd like some new choices. Or maybe I'll just have to wait a little longer.
I LOVE THAT THEY CHECK THE BLOG! I hope they take our comments and concerns and compliments seriously!
ReplyDeleteI love that the employees gave us those heads up! They must be some cool people!
Jenn_Brak: Thanks for the lovely comment. I totally understand. It turned out very well. I think Alexis will be posting it here soon.
OT: I got the T-4 Ellie City Fit Chinos in alpine green. I ADORE THEM. ...Such a great boot cut leg. I loved them so much I bought two more pairs tonight! I wish the yellow weren't sold out... but alas, it is! They will all have to be hemmed but I am ok with that. :) I am so thrilled! That I got them and I got them for $25 bucks each!!!!! :D So the tailoring is worth it.
Wow! That was really cool of them to give us a heads-up! Now my mind reels at what else I may not be able to live without! :)
ReplyDeleteot, blumre: I order the beach cardi in ivory this morning after your rave review. I got it for $42! (Not bad at all but not as good as the Lily for $36!) :)
Blumre and weab: I received my linen silk beach cardi today and I LOVE it! And I got it for a steal. I was considering getting it in navy as well. It drapes so nicely, and it is perfect for cooler summer nights where it's still too warm for a sweater.
ReplyDeletemichelle: Sounds great! I can't wait for mine to arrive!
ReplyDeletebtw, I should add that, while I do think it's cool that JCG is aware and following this blog, I am still a bit nervous by the (huge) possibility of it being used against us. Still, very cool that with some potential negatives comes some positives as well. :)
I'm really glad that J Crew keeps up with this blog. If they want customer input, I feel like this is a great place to find it. There a lot of seasoned customers here that I really know what they are talking about and have great suggestions.
ReplyDeleteOT, I went to my local b&m tonight and purchased the metallic leather belt and the silky jersey pleated top. I had to get the jersey top after hearing how much FFM and others raved about it. It really is super soft, but they only had a small left. Hopefully, it will shrink after a couple of washes. I'm planning on wearing it with the belt and a cardigan. I love how the top feels against my skin. It is very long and billowy.
I also tried on the cord pencil skirt in honey glaze. Though I like the look, it sat higher than I am comfortable with and it puffs out a little on top, starting from the bottom of the zipper. I think that happens to me because I'm bottom-heavy. It made my butt look kind of big too.
As for the Tartine cardigan, it is much softer than I thought. The ruffles around the neck and bottom are really cute, but it was definitely shorter than I would prefer and I don't like the three-quarter length sleeves. I can see how this item would be a must buy though for some people. I might get it if it goes on sale. It runs true to size.
The new Elizabeth halter that is only in stores is very pretty. FFM is right about how the ruffles look good under a cardigan. It's a very billowy shirt and kind of puffed out for me, but that was easily solved by a belt to create a hourglass shape. The xsmall fit best for me and I usually wear a 2 in J Crew tops.
Sorry for the long post. I was really excited to get home and write my reviews.
So does this mean that we should look for new merchandise the last week in a month or first week in the next month, because it takes them time to put it on the floor? :) I limit myself to one visit a week (embarrassing, I know!) and it would be a shame to miss it by a day or so because I got there too early. :)
ReplyDeletePS. Since we're also discussing product reviews, just thought I'd mention that I thought the Lucie heels run really tight. Also, I realized I hate how my ankles look when wearing slingback straps. Disappointing. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a really weird question (I think) but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestion of which color of the favorite-fit stretch vintage bootcut cord pants to buy if I bought the Navy Sunday Double -Serge Trench Coat. I'm bottom heavy, so I'm not really sure which will go well. Thanks for any input!
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that they read the blog. I'm sure they are learning a lot from us. I have to add that the the phone/CS and website are working much better now, at least with less frustration. Not perfect just yet, but it shows that they've been working on it.
ReplyDeleteMelanie- I know what you mean about limiting the trips! I try to make good use of the time though and try on a lot of items together.
The Konosur--I don't usually like gray, but I like that cement color that they're showing in the matchstick cords. Do they make the bootcut in cement?
ReplyDeletekonosur: I think the aubergine color is really pretty and would look great with Navy. Also, it's one of the darker colors so it should help you look sleeker on the bottom half.
ReplyDeletekonosur: chocolate would also have the same effect and has a lot of versatility. :) Let us know what you decide.
ReplyDeleteHexicon- Yes, it comes in cement. I have the bootcut/faded cement in my shopping cart. I have been going back and forth between the bootcut and matchsticks.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited about the possibility of new stuff next week! I'm heading to the US on Monday, so hopefully things will be out Mon or Tues. Once again, corporate, if you're reading, we need stores in Vancouver!
ReplyDeletethe best thing to do is call the b&m store and ask if they received any new items and have those items been placed out on the floor. i usually call before i head on over.
ReplyDeletealso, it's a good sign when new merchandise comes in, then there's new markdowns:)
Aly-great reviews, you're helping me slim down my wishlist ty ;)
ReplyDeleteAmethyst - I own the bootcut and thought those were great & comfortable. Today I tried on the matchstick and they are to die for. I couldn't believe how flattering they were and comfortable. They were soooo comfortable. I didn't want to take them off.
ReplyDeleteThank you ashley!
ReplyDeleteAnother burst of wind from me...I picked up a J Crew box from UPS today. Now I know what short shipped means. Ugh! A featherweight merino was missing. I went to a b&m and called from a red phone. I thought that might have more power than calling from my cell. I dunno know why.
ReplyDeleteThe CS said that since there is a tracking number next to the order, the warehouse will think the order is complete. They won't nesc go back and fill the missing item. (Huh?) So she needed to canx the cardigan and then ship it to me. She would ship it free, etc...
Well, I didn't feel this process was trustworthy so I told her to canx the whole thing. My invoice showed that I was charged for all 4 items. She said that I was only charged for 3. Ok...so what was going to happen with the 4th item if the warehouse was never going to go back to an order that has a tracking number associated with it?
I was so annoyed and talking about it again irks me. The SA (store mgr, I think) passed me after I got off the red phone and said hi. So I vented to him. My question was -- when they only partially filled an order, do they usually (pre web problems) issue an email notifying what items are being sent? When I got my confirmation I don't think he knew the answer to the question since it's online stuff. At any rate, he empathized and said I could have 20% off my in-store purchase. Yipeee!!! I'm sure it was the web fiasco coupon. He scanned a barcode at the register.
I got some goodies. Long Live Summer *lol*...and it's still 40% off. The noteworthy item I purchased is the patent leather tote in black. It is a classic piece indeed. I am thrilled with it. I'll have to snap a pic and post it. Blumre - didn't you get the black? Or who was that?
This is pure gossip, but the SA said that J Crew won't have clearance sales as in the past. They are moving to specials and twice yearly sales. For example, there is a merino v-neck sweater for $59.50, down from $69.50. I swear it's #96478. Anywho -- I got an aqua color & berry that are not online. Anyway - I guess they may have specials that last a week or two on items, but as far as clearance sales, they are moving to a couple a year...in the vein of Nordstrom. Again, pure gossip from the SA, who has been around a long time and I *think* he is the store mgr. He didn't get into specific details about when this is supposed to happen, but I got the impression that we may not be seeing sale racks in the store as in the past. Also, the extra 20% or 30% off online may not happen. I hope we find out the specifics of markdown changes soon! Anonymous posters? Anyone...?
hexicon and weab, thanks so much, i'll try all three colors in the store and see what shoes i have to match them with!
ReplyDeleteI think the stores are ordering less inventory so there will be less sales and if people want it they are going to have to pay fp.
ReplyDeleteI also think that it is good for business that Corporate is reading this blog.
gigiofca
ReplyDeleteIf they do away with sale racks and regular internet markdowns, that would be the end for me. That is horrible news! I very rarely shop in Nordstroms for just that reason. Too hard to find a regular bargain.
I respect the fact that corporate would want more people to pay full price for merchandise; that just makes sense for the bottom line. However, even in my Short Hills Mall, which is located in a very wealthy pocket of NJ (I am not one of the folks around here with beaucoup bucks, however) the J.Crew b&m is always mobbed with people of all income brackets looking for bargains. Those sale racks bring in customers. I have to tell you, I was in there yesterday, and the place was humming, but the only customers at the counter paying full price for merchandise was a group of people from Europe. Our economy right now may not be in shape for J.Crew to go completely luxe on us.
ReplyDeleteBTW, in Short Hills, there were still jersey bateau dresses, many tanks (the silky jersey tank was $34.99--with the additional 40%, it's like $20), skirts, some cropped pants, a few pairs of jeans, and a secret sale on the peplum cord jacket. Final sale was still 40% off.
ReplyDeleteThe Personal Shopper at my b&m told me last Sunday that they should be getting new merchandise in a couple of weeks, which would be toward the end of August.
ReplyDeleteAs I have said before...as long as corporate doesn't use our comments and suggestions against us, then it is great that they read the blog. I truly hope they take our suggestions and make changes for the better! :)
As for the Sale Section: when I was in the store last Saturday, it was really busy, and the MAJORITY of the shoppers were looking at the Sale section. There were very few trying on or buying the full price merchandise. I think it would be a bad move on J.Crew's part to do away with the sale section...it HAS to be a major money maker for them. The clothes don't cost much to make, so if they sell at full price they are making a MAJOR profit...they price them so high knowing full well that the majority of the merchandise won't sell until the price is reduced. The sale price is really what the *mark up* price should be to begin with.
FFM
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to know that you can corroborate what I noticed in NJ...the sale section draws in buying customers. There were definitely people perusing the new fall merchandise, but those who were buying (other than the Europeans) all had sale merchandise.
Weab: How exciting! I hope you love it as much as i love mine.
ReplyDeleteMichelle: YAY! I know I would order the navy or black too but I don't feel like I need any more navy or black. I am thrilled for you though! :)
Aly: you are not alone others have complained that they don't like the way the cord skirt lays on them and where it sits on their body. Its not because of you... its the skirt.
OH gigiofca: That really sucks! And I do know the feeling. You want to reach through the phone and shake their computer system to life. ---- as for the tote, I saw it but haven't bought it yet. I love the metallic gold color (looks more silvery) and the patent blue! Yes post a picture so everyone knows what this mad woman (me) has been raving about. LOL I loved how you are trying to call the Jcrew employees out of the woodwork. That is fantastic!!
NOOOOO I love going to the store to buy sale items. And it makes the most sense for Jcrew to have them there (then no one has to pay shipping). I can't always afford jcrew full price. WHAT A BUMMER!
FFM: I totally agree with you. And I see the same thing in many other stores as well.
Sorry for the very long post.
blumre: I think I have seen the tote you are talking about...does it also come in green and bright yellow? They had a bunch of them at my store.
ReplyDeleteFFM: I saw a sort of muted yellow and I did not see the green. But it is probable that it comes in all those colors. So yea I think you probably saw it. I am dying to know if its actually leather or not... it looked like it could be fake... and therefore (at that price point) it probably is.
ReplyDeleteIf the employees at J.Crew are reading this, then I think that is fantastic!! I have a request for them. Can you start carrying the XL size in stores and not only online?? Pretty please ??? Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAt my store they had the tote in yellow, teal, bright blue, purple and gold. I'm pretty sure it is leather.
ReplyDeleteOOO hdayton: I haven't seen the purple yet. Is it pretty? I bet its gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteIn response to marie's request: J. Crew stores do carry size XL in many items, as well as up to size 14 in the store. The problem is that we receive maybe 1 or 2 of these sizes per style, and as you can imagine, they are usually snapped up very quickly. I have a few customers who ask me to set certain items aside for them in these sizes when we receive them, and I am always happy to do so.
ReplyDeleteIf the XLs and size 14s are snapped up right away, why don't they stock more in stores? There are always a million size M and 10 left on sales racks...why not stock less size M/10 and more size XL/14 if they sell out so quickly?
ReplyDeleteThis is totally OT, but does anyone own an Avery ruffle cardigan and/or Linen ruffle cardigan in XS that are both on sale? I would like to know the length of them as I'm super tiny (5'0) and I'm looking for something that doesn't cover half of my hip, which is really hard to find. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI will be shocked if they really get rid of their sale sections. Jcrew produces so much merchandise and consistently has so many items in their sale section, I cannot even image how many warehouses they will need to store everything for a twice a year sale. Also, the longer they hold items the less a customer is willing to pay because they will be 6 months out of season. Why leave items in storage letting them decrease in value? Makes no sense
ReplyDeleteWithout sales racks, the fun of shopping is gone. I buy tons of JCrew but I would say a good 70% are from sales. Although I like the quality, getting a good deal makes me buy more. So, if they dont stock sale stuff, they will take a way a lot of the foot traffic from stores.
ReplyDeletepsc: I completely agree with you...I really don't like paying full price knowing that the clothing cost very little to manufacture...I would much rather purchase it at sale price, which is much less of a mark up. :)
ReplyDeletewell they can take the nordstrom model but they need to remove *final sale* and the 60 day return policy BS, one of the reasons why I shop at nordstrom is due to their return policy and all the other wonderful perks. J.crew please think about it. Hello! think about the website...
ReplyDelete