Friday, November 28, 2008

J.Crew Shares Their Thanks {mailed promotion} :)

A big "thanks!" to Kim (in this post), Lleila (in this post), and maryw2062, who let us know that they all received a special promotion in the mail (with a red card) offering 25% off any item from J.Crew. This offer expires 12/15/08. The mailing reads as follows:

To our most loyal and favorite customers:

We've read all the news, and I think it's safe to say, we've seen better times. So we understand that, now more than ever, where you shop is an important decision...and we thank you for your loyalty. We are passionate about design. We are sticklers about quality. We are obsessed with giving you the best. More importantly, we want you to feel good about
everything you buy from us. Here's a special offer just for you, and only you, our very best customers. Enjoy 25% off anything you buy at our J.Crew retail stores from now until December 15, 2008. Just a little holiday cheer, from us to you. We look forward to seeing you in our stores, so come buy any time. If you want to make an appointment to shop, just call 800 261-7422 to schedule a time that's convenient for you.

Happy Holidays,

Mickey (hand-signed)
Millard Drexler


I have to say that I am very impressed that J.Crew and Mickey are not only acknowledging these difficult economic times, but they are offering something extra enticing to its customers. So chances are, you may receive this promotion in the mail in the next couple of days, so keep "an eye out" for it. :)

198 comments:

  1. I'm crossing my fingers I see one of these in my mailbox soon!
    Congrats to those who received the coupon!

    I wonder if the wording means, multi use, one time use, or even only 25% off a single item?

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  2. Look at item #99636 Gray color; close up. There is a button that is totally loose in the picture and you can see it hanging and the thread is all by it's lonesome as well. Now there is JCRew quality at its finest.

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  3. anon @ 3:36 - that is so funny! And check out the shot of the back - you can totally see the garment tag and the model's bra closure. What a thin top!

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  4. OH MY...just read the full post on this one and it says:

    JCrew is a stickler for quality...

    I don't think so...they USED to be but not anymore.

    They need to stand by their words...esp. with the gray tee #99636 that was just mentioned!

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  5. Ok, I got a card in the mail for 20% off IN STORE...are they kidding? I don't live anywhere near a store. I am sure that any computer can be programmed to show which cards to send where and it certainly would NOT show up as my being anywhere near a freaking store. Ridiculous.

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  6. LOL, they should just send out a mass email to whoever wants the 25% off, ala Talbots, ann taylor, banana etc. DID go by the B/M today & snagged a glass button merino cardi orig $88, on sale for $59, w/ addl 30% off it was like $43. Not much else in the sale section, but the walnut creek store did have lots of jewelry and shoes on addl sale. Banana having a GAB sale of 40% off lots of stuff, got some great jewelry for Christmas gifts.

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  7. I agree. With cost to consider why don't they just email people who are supposed to get this???

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  8. i also received a card in their red "holiday 08" catalog for 25$ off a purchase of 125$ or more which expires on dec 24th. did anyone else get that? i kind of wish i could use it online. i hate shopping in store..

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  9. Yes it was very nice, and I wasn't expecting it. I'm still hoping that it can be used with purchases made on the red phone. Can someone please post if they find that out?

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  10. I have not yet received a 25% off coupon, but hope to. I have an issue with a merino sweater that I bought a few weeks ago. I haven't worn it yet, and just picked it up today to try it on and finally decide if I should keep it. When I had it on I noticed two small holes. They look like moth holes! I hadn't tried it on when I bought it, so I have no idea if the holes were there when I bought it or if I have a moth problem at home. What a nightmare. I just went over my other sweaters, and they look fine. I'm definitely returning it and really hoping that I didn't bring home a moth problem along with the sweater.

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  11. To those who received the 25% off coupon: happy shopping! :)

    ca: My fiancé received that same coupon in his catalog (I didn't get it in mine) so he passed it on to me. I think it's a neat promotion but I agree with you-they should have given us a choice between in store and online shopping (they currently have very few shoe styles in my local store and I wish I could use it online as well)

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  12. I am curious, of those who received the 25% off coupons for the store, are you J Crew cardholders?
    If so, then I know I'll never get one. But if it is based on purchases, I spend about $1000.00 a month there!
    If it doesn't come, I'll be mad!

    I agree, they should just send it to their email addresses, to use in store or online, like Talbots.
    That way, no one would feel unappreciated!

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  13. Anon @ 3:36: OMG, you're absolutely right...that's why these tees get marked down to $9.99 I guess :((

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  14. I got one today as well and am very happy about it. The question remains: is it a one-time use only or can be used multiple times untill expiration date?

    PS.I am a cardholder, not sure if that matters.

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  15. Also, the card says:
    "offers cannot be combined"..meaning that store will most likely not apply addt'l % off such as 30% of sale offer, or teachers discount.
    I got 10% off card last month and could not use it since I had to choose b/w that and my educator's discount.

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  16. speaking of bad quality... just got the merino melanie sweaters I ordered last week and they are totally itchy and SEE THROUGH. What's the point of a sweater that is thinner than a t-shirt and neither comfortable nor warm? I can't believe they were originally trying to get $80 for them.

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  17. I received a discount card in the mail today, but it's apparently not the same one because it's a postcard, not a red card signed by Drexler. The postcard offers an extra 20% off an in-store purchase when I use my J. Crew card and is for one time use only. And fyi, I shop at J. Crew fairly regularly, but I don't spend much (less than $100 every couple of months).

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  18. I got the 25% off promotion in the mail today and I'm not a card holder. I did not receive the $25 off in the catalog.

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  19. I just brought in today's mail, and I received two of the 25% off coupons - cool! I am not a J Crew cardholder, but do place online orders or buy in store once a week.

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  20. i got mine and it says 25% off your total purchase not just one item and it says it works on full price as well as sale

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  21. J Crew's "discounts" suck. They are so much for in the B&M stores and really intended for you to spend more than you actually would intend to spend. I have found so many better deals at Saks and Neiman's 's this season. Frankly it is better quality and if there is a problem with what I have bought, even if worn, $$$$ returned... no questions asked. So much of what J Crew offers are knockoffs of these top designers at the better department stores!

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  22. I guess I am on a roll. I got the $25 off $125 in my catalog a while back which I used today (yay!).

    Today in the mail I got 2(two) cards for 20% off for cardmembers (I placed order over the phone once and they misspelled my name, hence 2 cards). I also got the 25% off card for any purchase. I am really psyched!

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  23. I got the 25% coupon today in the mail. I am a Jcrew credit card holder. You can only use the card once. Also you can't use the card with the 30% off sale items, but the manager said I am going to give you both discounts because of the money I spend in that store. So I got 30% off then the additonal 25%.

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  24. were these mailed to everyone who got the necklace a few months ago? good for you guys! but if i dont get mine in the mail tomorrow i am going ot be upset. i am cardholder who spends TONS of money and i am tired of missing out on ALL the promotions...but im happy for you guys!

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  25. A.
    I agree with you on the Melanie cardigan. I got mine and was so disappointed, ITCHY and thin and did I mention ITCHY? Last year's merino was thick and nice.

    Kirbydog,
    I agree, the sales at JCRew make you spend more than you had planned--like with the current tiered online discount...what a trick to get one to spend more. I alway pick out what I want ahead of time; I stick to my plan and only buy those items on my list...I don't buy something just b/c it is on sale and "now I notice it b/c of the price" or b/c I need to buy "just one or two more things to get to the $250 level". I hope other consumers really think this one through:) Happy shopping everyone...keep looking for those great buys:)

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  26. I was the one who wrote that she got that 25% off in the mail. I am a cardholder and no, I did not get that necklace. in fact, I never once got any kind of special promotion. This is first time. I am not a big spender. I only buy what I truly love and I wait for sales. I honestly dont believe people who say they justify full price if they think the item is going to sell out. It never once happened to me. I always manage to get what I want and for how much I am willing to pay. I got the double serge skirt for $38 today. Yay!

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  27. I tend to buy on sale but buy at least 10 items a year at full price b/c I can get more wear in a season with them that way and that make it worth the money to me:).

    I bought the plum Astrid and would not haven gotten it as it sold out unless I had paid full price as well as the exact same thing happening with the Simone Snow leopard coat and Cascading Flowers Astrid in ivory. Those are my 3 full price items just from this fall that never made it to sale.

    I am truly happy that you get all your JCrew on sale.

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  28. I'm surprised how much the women's coats have been reduced.

    Does anyone have the Lillie coat in wool pique? Can you share some details please? TIA

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  29. Hi everyone:
    hope you all had a fun black friday. I ended up ordering online because the merchandise I wanted was unavailable at the stores (here in boston).

    I ordered: the wool flannel golden roses dress with the alessia patent-leather Mary Jane heels (they recommended that i go a 1/2 size up... so i ordered a 9)

    So here's my question: do i wear nylons with this outfit? I don't think tights would work... i'm just not sure... any advice would be great!

    thanks fellow jcrew aficionados!

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  30. Luch - I don't think tights would look right with the golden roses dress. If you want a dark color hose try a sheer dark grey, as the skirt part of the dress is a charcoal (not black). Still waiting for it go to on sale more before I buy it. Which color of alessia are you pairing it with?

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  31. Thanks... i think i'll try that. (i just changed my blogger name to wellspoken, btw!)

    I actually did purchase it on sale, and I also used the turkey discount. it came to $97.99 and the mary janes were 105.00 - the shoes were more! I ordered the honey-glaze color. such a timeless color, i think it'll last me for seasons to come.

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  32. I got mine today and I only shop the sales, not a big spender. Not a card holder either. I greatly appreciated finding it in my mailbox and now plan to visit my local before Dec 18th!

    For what it's worth I find the mailed promo cards for in-store use much more enticing than an email promo or store-wide sale. Besides, it's the first promo that doesn't require a minimum purchase and can be used on sale items.

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  33. I also received the 25% off card in the mail today and I just want to say thank you to the J.Crew folks. This surprise is very much appreciated.

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  34. does it really read "come buy any time" (second last sentence)? just curious. i'm glad to hear of this promo!

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  35. I received two 25% off cards for the B&M in the mail today too! One for me and one for my spouse. We're located in Maryland and we're not JCrew cardholders. I purchase from JCrew at least once a month but not a big spender.
    Thanks JCrew!

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  36. I got one of these cards today as well. I am a cardholder, but I don't generally get anything from J.Crew except what others have been getting either by email or in the occasional catalog.

    The only thing is, I've been getting the same or better deals in the stores. I keep taking advantage of the 30-50% off sale prices and 20-30% off sweaters and outerwear in stores. Also, a lot of the stuff I buy isn't carried in stores so I either have to order it or call it in. The card says it's not valid on phone or online orders. So I'm hoping I have occasion to use this before it expires.

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  37. I hate to sound like a whiner but I am really sick of Jcrew's arbitrary promotions and it's hard not to feel discriminated against or slighted when you don't get one of these discounts despite a long, established history of giving them my hard earned money!!

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  38. Oh and in case my last post above wasn't clear, no I did not get one of these cards, nor do I get any sort of promotion, aside from the ocassional free shipping with min. $150 or $175. I am a silver card holder with a pretty significant credit limit which tells me they are aware of my disposable income and propensity to purchase. I am at a loss....

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  39. I'm all too happy about getting the card in the mail...and equally impressed that Jcrew recognizes the difficult selling season we are in. I'm totally impressed that they would send this card. And I do think it's for more than a one time use, thru dec 15.

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  40. Just a note: I don't think the 25% is off any one item, my understanding is that it's off any order. And I do think I can use my card more than once thru Dec 15.

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  41. I wonder if any people in the West received one? Hope I get one tomorrow!

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  42. ABOUT ITEM #99636

    it looks like a loose button, but those are actually sequins and that particular sequin just moved on the thread, as most sequins do.

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  43. Sarah,
    That is wishful thinking on your part. I know what you are saying but that is not what the picture looks like at all...I sew for a living and yes, it is loose and shows the poor quality and careless of JCrew. Also, it does not look like a sequin at all to me.

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  44. I haven't received one, but it seems my mailings from J.Crew always arrive later than everyone else...hope I get one, too. :)

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  45. If it was just flipped there would not be a loose thread sticking up.....

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  46. Good morning. Would like input please. Trying to decide between lady coat or Lille. Tend to wear jeans a lot as I am a sahm. Next year will go to grad school or work so i'd like something that will look nice/classic for years. How is the fit?Are either tts? Can I layer sweaters? Which of the two has a little extra shoulder room? Also if I can only get one lulu heel which color grey or honey?Again, long term use. Lastly has anyone bought the gold Jamie? Gotta go! Kids need me and am typing like mad on phone!!!

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  47. Has anyone from Canada received a card for 25% off in the mail? Even though I live in Canada I do shop in the US a lot.

    Plus with the shipping, exchange rate and taxes I pay a lot of money to shop at JCrew! I'm hoping they don't forget about us for this promotion.

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  48. When these cards come out, I usually feel like Charlie Brown on Halloween when the other kids get candy and he gets a rock - I never get anything. But, lo and behold, I got my first 25% off JCrew card yesterday! I'm not a cardholder by am a devoted customer.

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  49. Jen and others,
    Good for you...even though I am a silver card holder and spend A LOT at JCrew I have missed out on lots of their promotions...never gotten any that are mentioned on this website.

    Sometime I wish I didn't read this blog. Better to not know then know and feel a bit left out...

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  50. I got a 25% off card, am a cardholder, did not receive a necklace, have not spent as much as I formerly did before the upgrade and free shipping coupons, and the way I read the card is that it may be used more than once-it does not say it may only be used once, and when I go to use it and they try to take, I will fight them on it!

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  51. kitsmommy: if you tried on the shirt, you would know it is a button and not a sequin. they are little white buttons. i work at a b&m and own the shirt. anyway, you can clearly see it is detached in the photo.

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  52. Does anyone know how the sizing on their shoes/boots run? I am considering purchasing a pair of boots, but am unsure about the size. I am usually a 9 or 9.5. I have a pair of heels in a 9 that fit great from jcrew but am not sure if the boots would run a bit differently. Thanks!

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  53. The Holiday catalog is weird - so many pastel colors, so many sleeveless shirts. The outfit on page 7 is just weird - cropped orange jacquard pants, leopard spot heels, button down shirt and puffer vest, with fingerless gloves. Who dresses like that? No one.

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  54. Anony@9:52
    You are right. It is a button that is detached in the photo as the first Anony@3:36 stated about the item.

    I have this shirt too...I don't know how anyone could think these are sequins...they obviously look like buttons anyway! It is a very thin tee...

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  55. I have a strange request for all you Aficionadas:

    My boyfriend hates clothes. He is incredibly difficult to shop for. Currently, he does not own a winter coat. Being that we live in Rhode Island, this is a HUGE issue! Of the many, MANY coats I have shown him, he has only liked one --> The Elk Lake Jacket, in Plaid, from Abercrombie and Fitch. It was only available on the website for maybe two weeks before it was taken down. I called them, they have no record of it. I called all my local stores, and they have no idea what I am talking about. I did a little research and found that specialty products, like this jacket apparently, are only offered in Abercrombie's flagship stores. I called their NY store this morning (720 5th Ave
    New York, NY 10019) and low and behold, they have it! Problem is, they do not ship from there store- meaning, I would have to go to New York to get it!

    My question is- are there any aficionadas that live in this area that could maybe pick up the jacket for me and ship it over? I could Paypal you the money, ect, ect.

    Please let me know- it's the only thing he actually likes!

    Thx- Ali
    acarosi@mail.uri.edu

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  56. Sarah,
    ABOUT ITEM #99636

    It is definitely a decorative bead button that is falling off and not a sequin. You can even see the thread that is supposed to be attached to the other side. Look at each bead, they have a stitch on each side to secure to to the fabric. On that one bead, it is stitched only on one side. On the other side, the thread is sticking up from the fabric.

    Zoom in on the close-up view and you can't miss it. Unless you've been drinking the JCrew koolaid, that is. ;-D

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  57. If any of you Aficionadas are into grown up Uggs, check out what I found with some internet "digging"- http://www.6pm.com/n/p/p/7329460/c/106.html.

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  58. Anon at 8:4 am;
    I cannot speak for the Day Coat, but I can give you my review of Lille and Lulu peeptoes.
    Lille is very versatile coat for everyday wear and especaially suited for cold weather: the wool weight is substantial ( even though it comes without Thinsulate), the length is perfect for pants and skirts alike and silhouette is very flattering. I tried it in store in grey and majestic purple (which is more of a cobalt blue BTW) and it was perfect on me 1 size down ( I am a 4, but tried 2). I ended up ordering size 4 in ivory( I already have several dark coats and none in ivory), b/c I want to be able to wear layers underneath. So you regular size should be quite roomy.
    I have Lulus in metallic platinum, yellow and tulip and I if I had to choose b/w yellow and grey, I would have gone with grey as it is a more versatile color.BTW, they are pretty comfortable shoes. I own a lot of J Crew shoes and as I mentioned before, it's a love/hate relationship ( love the look/hate wearing them). Lulus are more or less wearable, I found most of J crew peeptoes to be wearable. The worst for me are MJs, then flats,and the most comfortable ones are mocs , but they tend to get wide so fast that they start flopping around my feet ( at least they are not pinchy like flats).:)
    And as if I haven't learned my lesson yet, I ordered short Brewster suede boots. I bet I am up for surprise on that pair as well.:)

    Anyone can comment on the fit, please? Thank you!

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  59. Received the card yesterday. But wished it could be used online.

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  60. hi! anyone seen a grey jamie bag in store on sale for better than the online deal of $210?

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  61. Anon SAHM - The lady day coat is more of a classic cut, and the lille coat's collar makes it a little more trendy, and thus may go out of style sooner. Lady day coat is cut very close to form. I don't have the lille (saw it at a store), it seems a little boxier.

    Go with the grey in lulu if you want to wear it for years, especially for more formal work occasion. I owned the yellow one and love it, but I have several pairs of grey shoes already and I don't have a real formal work dress code.

    Sometimes safe is not so fun.

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  62. Ali - I don't understand why they won't ship it to you! I don't live in NY, I wish I did so I could help, but I am shocked they won't ship it. Can online do a find it for you and have the ny store ship through them?? I have never had this problem and I find a lot of things and have them shipped. You talked to a manager right?

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  63. Just bought the Lucille in orange when the website updated...got it for $70--with the 30% off and then the 15% educator's discount will be given to me (just got an email confirming this) and free shipping. What a deal! Also got some other goodies:)

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  64. anon at 12:21: how did you get the ed discount, 30%, and free shipping simultaneously??

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  65. Slastena (or anyone)- How did you find the sizing for the lulu metallic peep-toes? I love the shoes, but peep-toes are often iffy for me because sometimes they squeeze (and then show my red toes!) or sometimes that space makes your foot go forward. Thanks for the help!

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  66. Anon @ 12:16-

    Unfortunately, no one would help me :( I spoke to a Manager at the New York Store who told me that they absolutely would not ship (company policy). Then, I called CS again and asked them about it. I pretty much went with, "well, the jacket had to come from somewhere in order for them to stock it in the NY store, so why wouldn't you be able to send me one?" Again, I got an absolutely not. Apparently, their stock is "constantly being updated", so, if I want the coat, the only thing I can go is go to NY and get it :(

    This situation really makes me thankful that J.Crew has their "we will find it" service. Too bad other retailers don't. :(

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  67. Hi Audrey! I found the Lulus to be TTS, and actually more comfortable than other JC peep-toes. I think I recall us being about the same size (9/9.5)? I've been doing 9.5 in closed-toe JC's, but 9 in the peeps and flats and had pretty good luck that way.

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  68. Audrey:
    I found Lulus TTS, but the foot does slide forward a little and the front edge does press slightly on toes. It's a small price to look pretty!:)
    I could not downsize, even 1/2 size down was too uncomfortable on me.

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  69. Hi, silver_lining- Yes, we're the same size. I think the 9 is it for me for the Lulus. The funny thing is, I was trying to find reviews for the wool shift dress (10478; they used to call it 'Le Tout' shift dress) and came across one of your posts in the Aficionada blog. This blog is so helpful!

    As well, thank you, Slastena. I have had luck sizing down half in J. Crew flats and then wearing them around the house to stretch it out, but I don't think I'll be doing that for heels.

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  70. If anyone is watching quantities of items in your shopping cart decrease, I have noticed that when I place an online order, the quantities shown on the website decrease immediately. However when I place a phone order, it takes several hours for the quantities on the website to go down for the items I ordered.

    So if the items you are watching get down to low quantities, beware. There could be a bunch of phone orders in the queue ahead of you that have wiped out inventory by the time you place your order.

    Also, of the items that I am watching, the Issy sweater/jacket seems to be the one that is selling the fastest so if anyone is interested, I would buy sooner rather than later. Does anyone have this jacket? Is it a great buy?

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  71. Ali,

    You seem like a saint. I would let your boyfriend freeze in the New England winter for being such a PITA and refusing to buy himself a winter coat. That Abercrombie coat doesn't look very warm anyway. Abercrombie is known to have a snooty, we are better than you attitude so I'm not surprised about their policy. Have you tried American Eagle? They have similar looking stuff.

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  72. has anyone tried the "wool jersey satin trim tank" (#10307) or the "wool jersey button trim cami" (#10306) ? they both look adorable, but i am concerned about the fit (ie like the silky jersey tops - running huge)

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  73. kendra,
    I have my ways....:) No just kidding....haha

    I used the 30% off b/c I had a very large order, had an email saying I could get free shipping from a few months ago b/c of a botched order, and then I just asked for my educator's disount.

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  74. Ali, check out the eddie bauer wool cabin jacket and the ae buffalo plaid jacket. Both similar styles to Abercrombie jacket and cheaper.

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  75. No love for me from JCrew and I'm not happy. I'm a silver card holder (whatever that means) and I haven't received any of the "gifts" that have been recently sent out. I am so done with the JCrew card and all this "special customr" nonsense. What's the point of the card if you don't get any perks?

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  76. Anon @ 4:08: The exact same thing happened to me last year with a cashmere long-sleve tee I bought on final sale. Because it was late winter, I left in the plastic shipping bag and put it away until the fall. When I finally took it out, I discovered what appeared to be two tiny moth holes. I don't have any moths in my house and I store all of my wool items in a cedar-lined cabinet. I'm positive the holes were there when I got the sweater. I had just enough of the "extra" thread to fix it, so the holes are covered but it looks pretty bad. I don't wear it anyplace important, which sucks considering it's cashmere!
    I wonder if maybe the warehouse has a moth problem. Eeeeewwww!

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  77. I hate to see JCrew become a "laughing stock", but that #99636 tee is hilarious!!!

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  78. Yes, JCrew talks a good talk but doesn't follow through....there are no perks to their credit card other than the "rewards" gift card. The rest is just pure B.S. if you don't live my a store you cannot take advantage of the free alterations on regular priced stuff either. That limits a lot of people.

    Also, I have gotten 2 cashmere sweaters, taken them right out of the package and found holes. One was this summer in Aug. and another one last winter.

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  79. Audrey, speaking of shift dresses, I just searched "shift" and found a maybe new (?) item - #11480, stretch wool Daphne dress. I know that the suiting dress sizing can be problematic, but it looks so cute!

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  80. Yes, that defective tee is just over the top hilarious....even though I (used?) to love JCrew that is just scary/funny.

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  81. Anony@1:47
    some on this blog reviewed the Izzy (gigi's gone shopping) There may be a link on the front page...can't remember or you can google it) She said the jacket is thin, quality is like H & M so not a good buy for $100...Gigi is usually right on the money with her reviews too:)

    I have noticed that nothing I want (7 items) in the sale section seems to be going down in number at all. Items are not moving...there will be better deals to come...just wait:)

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  82. The tee is not defective if you read the description more carefully you will see the words "Circle-design sequin and bead detail at neckline. ", the poster was accurate in her statement that is the way the tee is supposed to be.

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  83. silver_lining: I noticed that dress (the stretch wool Daphne) in the last week or so. I think the darting would provide some structure and professionalism, plus it's lined! As long as they're not reviving that weird pintuck at the stomach like the Kate, I'm on board. Will probably keep an eye out for the Daphne when it's on sale.

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  84. My sister and I sew and bead dresses for a living. I know what a flipped bead or sequin is and that JCrew item is defective---NOT FLIPPED.

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  85. I received both the 20% off for cardholders and the 25% off gift (Micky).

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  86. names don't mean anything kitsmommy, anons can easy make them up and they can even take another posters name and post it under your ip address, it has happen to me at another jc blog, total lack of security at that site.

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  87. Guys and gals,
    it's Thanksgiving! Let us be thankful for whatever it is dear to you all and not fight over absurd buttons/sequins. Who cares?
    Make love, not war!

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  88. Does anyone have thoughts on LA-area factory stores? I'm about halfway between Camarillo and Cabazon and I'm trying to decide which one to go to. Has anyone been to either? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  89. Last week, my DH and I both received the same Holiday Catalog - his catalog had the $25 off $125 offer, while mine didn't (he isn't a card holder, but I am a new card holder). He's done a return for me and purchased one item, in store, so I'm sure that the "enticement" is to get him back into the B&M.

    This morning, I received the 25% off total purchase card (full price and sale merchandise included). I feel badly, as I don't consider myself one of the "most loyal and favorite customers", but I can see where they have tiered their customer base and are trying to reach out to those who are spending, but spending cautiously.

    The fine-print:
    " Offer valid on J.Crew men's, women's, and crewcuts for kids purchases. May not be used at J.Crew factory stores, jcrew.com, or for phone or catalog orders. 25% discount applies to total purchase, including full-price and sale merchandise. Discount does not apply to taxes or shipping. Discount cannot be combined with any other promotion or offer. Previous purchases and gift card purchases are not eligible for this discount. This offer is nontransferable. Offer is valid through December 15. 2008."

    I agree with others who do purchase quite a bit but didn't receive the 25% discount - it's not entirely fair and there should be something for that "middle ground" of customers who purchase a lot but not tens of thousands of dollars. But from a marketing standpoint it makes sense to bring the larger population of customers on the fence (and who could shop at BR, gap, etc.) in...

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  90. Does anyone have the Odile small bag? Is it really small and what are your thoughts and review on the bag? Thanks!

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  91. Alright, I'm starting to get seriously pouty about not receiving the coupon.
    Since I've yet to receive any jcrew promo in the mail, I may just start buying the darn coupons on ebay

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  92. I received a postcard today offering 20% off an in-store purchase. Here's what it says:

    "From us. to you. (a special holiday treat) As a valued J. crew Cardmember, enjoy an extra 20% off your in-store purchase when you use your J. Crew Credit card now through Monday December 15, 2008."

    The fine print goes on to say that it's a one-time only deal.

    It sounds like there are different versions of this offer out. Mickey did not sign mine.

    I surprised that I received it. I was in the top 10% of J. Crew's customer file last year, but haven't been feeling any love this year. Since my spend dropped, I was surprised that they sent me anything.

    And the only thing I want is the cashmere henley and it's online only!

    Hope you all put yours to good use!

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  93. I got a promo card in the mail too, but mine was for 25% off *in-store* purchases only...I live 2 hours from a store! and I won't be able to get to my nearest store by the time the card expires. Oh well. It was a nice gesture j.crew.

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  94. I just got the 20% off when you use your J. Crew card. I am a cardmember, but I never use it. I wish I got the other one so I would not have to use my card to use the coupon, I don't even think I have the card anymore!

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  95. Just got my 25% off coupon in the mail today (of course I spent a ton yesterday at J Crew!) But happy to have the coupon and will certainly use it soon:)
    FYI- I am not a J Crew card holder, but a frequent shopper!
    Twiga

    ReplyDelete
  96. Anon @1:47- I have the Issey jacket and I love it! I use it more like a sweater and just wear a color tank or shirt underneath it. (But then again, I live in SF so it's not super cold) It feels pretty warm to me, and is definitely thicker than most J. Crew merino sweaters that they've been selling recently. The collar is also very nice and frames the face and neck nicely.

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  97. Thanks, K Mel.

    I have a number of sweater jackets from J. Crew and I really get a lot of wear out of them. I hestiated on the Issy at first because I have the Sophie peacoat sweater jacket from last year in black and I worried that they were kind of redundant. But the collar looks so pretty, I did go ahead and place the order. The Sophie is a double-knit 12-gauge merino wool and the Issy just says merino wool in a 12-gauge knit so it may not be quite as thick as the Sophie. I live in a cold climate so I am planning to wear this as an indoor item, and could always wear a cashmere tee or even turtleneck underneath to make it warmer.

    Glad you are enjoying yours and hope the one I ordered works out as well for me!

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  98. Anon@1:47--

    I have the Issy too and I love it. It's very versatile: I wear it as a sweater and dress it up as a jacket too. The neckline is great and it moves nicely.

    Just curious though: where are you seeing available quantities online?

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  99. Slastena, How can I possibly make love when my decorative button thingy is about to fall off! ;)

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  100. The thing hanging off the tee is in fact a bead. The sequins are on the coin-sized circles just below the left side of the neckline. Using one's zoom feature shows all of this in great detail.
    Sometimes it's hard to admit you're wrong. Many years ago, I got in a big argument with my DH over chicken wings. I thought the little drumstick pieces were actually legs from miniature chickens. I argued my point foolishly and passionately until he convinced me that I was wrong. Thankfully, he did not say "told you so!". I still felt pretty dumb! :)
    The point of my story is everbody is wrong sometime!

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  101. Mena,

    If you type 99 in as quantity, it will put the quantity in your shopping cart up to 99. Then as you move about the site or the page refreshes, the quantities in the cart will update as orders are processed.

    I noticed J. Crew cut some prices of items I was interested in after the TURKEY promo started so I have been playing a game of "chicken" with J. Crew - how long should I wait to place my order so I can get the lowest possible price but still snag the 75% off Collection pieces from this summer of which there are only 1-2 left?

    Needless to say, I spent WAY too much time on the J. Crew website this week...there was even a spreadsheet involved...

    As far as the Issy goes, it does not appear to be double knit like the other J. Crew sweater jackets I am familiar with (Sophie, Piazza, Kelly, solid cotton Peacoat), maybe because it is meant to be swingier?

    I really want to like mine...as well as the numerous other items I ordered today...

    Anon 1:47

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  102. I got the 25% card today. My store here in Tucson is pretty small and rarely carries my size so this is not super-useful to me, but if I can catch my husband in a spending mood he might make use of it. The other alternative is to drive to Phoenix and use it there--we go to Phoenix every couple months or so but I am not sure if we will make it there before this coupon expires..

    I have spent more with J.Crew this year than last mainly due to reading this blog and all the great info found here.

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  103. I'm in CA and I got my 25% off coupon today! I'm not a card holder, but I signed up in store for their e-mail list and I make frequent purchases, so I'm not sure which one put me on the mailing list for this coupon. I'm very pleased J.Crew went out of their way to do this.

    I just bought a flannel Kate dress for $200. When it arrived on Wednesday I went to the B&M store and saw the dress on sale for $98! The SA said if I brought my online purchase to the store she would give me a price adjustment. So I left the store, drove home (I live 5 minutes away) and brought the Kate dress in for a $100 credit. The J.Crew employee was professional and pleasant throughout the transaction. This is why I have been a J.Crew customer for 15 years. Any other store would have given me attitude for such a large credit. And yes, I'll be going back soon to use my discount card.

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  104. Anon @ 4:24

    I LOVE Cabazon. I live on the East Coast and am very jealous. I'm in Palm Springs annually and always do very well at J Crew Cabazon.

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  105. i am a cardholder and got the 20% off any in store purchase by dec 15th in the mail today. i'll take it. the 25% off would have been better, but i'm not complaining...

    jacquelyn - i agree with you, this blog does make you buy more!! :)

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  106. yay, I received my 25% off card today!

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  107. Hi all -- quick question, what email address do you use when trying to contact Mickey Drexler? If you don't want to post it could you email it to tapeworm.de AT gmail DOT com? Thanks so much!!!!

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  108. tapeworm- what are you going to email him about?

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  109. I got the 25% off as well but it's hard to really see the point of these..since it seems to be that you can't use it with other discounts or offers.

    There's always been an additional % off sale items in my local B&M as well as 20% off sweaters, 40% off outerwear recently and dozens of other promotions going on...the things i've been wanting to purchase without any discounts or promotions are the collection items like the metallic houndstooth marie...i passed on getting it with 30% off with turkey since spending $18.50 on shipping is incredible..and i can't get it at B&Ms since it's catalog only. UGH the frustration...i've been tossing many of the 10%, 20% coupons since they haven't been useful at all. seems like a waste of paper and postage to me offhand.

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  110. I got 2 of the exact cards that mena (and starla) recv'd for the 20% off "special holiday treat", one time use, in store only using the jcrew card only. (Why would I use this when I can get 30% off and use any card right now?)

    Plus, I don't think this will be the end of large online discounts. I guess if there were something in store and greatly discounted already it might help.

    I am a cardholder and spend way too much $ at JC. No 25% off card--yet. I do feel like with J Crew the more you spend--the less you actually receive in offers/promos. It's my experience and just appears that way from what people on this blog seem to say...seems lame but at the same time I understand they already got me and need to get others;)

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  111. Has anyone ordered and received the cashmere heirloom henley in putty? I ordered mine last month and was placed on a waitlist w/a ship date of 11/25. However, I was just informed by cs that it won't be available afterall. I am so disappointed and annoyed! Has anyone else experienced this as well?

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  112. I ended up getting my 3 henleys for others as xmas presents- all in putty. (S, M and L). No problem with my shipment! I never know though- J.Crew, unreliable as usual...

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  113. The way that I read the card I totally thought that you could use it on %off merch. It says that 25% applies to total order and can be used on sale or reg price. It just can't be used with any other promo- which I read to be the other 20% cards etc...
    Please post if anyone has actually USED the card and knows if this is true-thanks!
    p.s if you did not get one and are making a major purchase etc... there are several for sale on e-bay.

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  114. Anon 3:36. LOL- you're damn right that sequin isn't sewn on...if I got this, it would go straight back...(me, cracking up!)

    Sarah 1:36 am and kitsmommy, seriously? that's not a sequin, overturned, underturned or off it's rocker. It's a sequin that has broken off its thread = defective. Maybe this is acceptable to you, for $58 + tax + shipping, but jcrew is laughing all the way to the bank on this one...

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  115. I am a cardholder (silver, means nothing to me), didn't get a 25% card, nor do I care. I'm sick of J.Crew cherry picking their next target market that spends below what I drop each month in their store. You just wait, J.Crew, if I get a hold of one of these cards, all my stuff is going back and I'm going to repurchase it over and over again. Whatchugonnado?

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  116. Oh, this is soooooo sad ~ JCrew has created more ill will by cherrypicking who gets those cards; I guess I could see JC cardholders getting the cards, or maybe silver level, or whatever, but from these posts, it sounds so random. Whereas, like Ann Taylor and Banana and Macy's do it more democratically, and don't piss off so many people. I didn't get a card, which is no real surprise to me, but it woulda been nice.

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  117. I am already doing that with this 30% off--whats the big deal--do it all the time.

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  118. Oh, I wish I had known the available quantities trick LAST week!!! I really wanted the Quincy patent hobo in wild peony - I went to work for a couple of hours to mull over the decision, and when I got back and decided to order it, it was sold out! I settled for it in the victorian rose, as well as the owen hobo in terra cotta... We will see if they pan out when I receive my shipment!

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  119. Anon 8:47 -- Good to know! Unfortunately I went to Camarillo today (it's a little closer) and it was AWFUL! Everything there is factory store version, so really bad quality, and there was so little selection. Very disappointing. I'll have to get my energy up to do Cabazon soon.

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  120. I got the 25% card in the mail today, and I also got the $25 off $125 in my most recent catalog. I'm not a cardholder, I don't shop in the B&M much, I place a small (under $100) order maybe once every month or two, and I never pay full price.

    I appreciate the gesture and will hold on to it in hopes of getting a great deal in the days just before Christmas. However, I'm kinda over J. Crew after a string of disappointing/low quality items recently.

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  121. J.Crew's marketing department must consist of clowns. Can you imagine them at work with their red noses on?

    Let's send these 25% off cards to people who don't live near a j.crew. Maybe they'll move. Maybe they'll drive 8 hours to find us. Maybe they won't even use it. Oh well, at least we wasted the money to send it to them!

    Bravo, J.Crew, you guys are fools.

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  122. I got both a 20% off postcard addressed to a mispelled last name, and a nicer 25% off card to the correct name. Mickey's signature is just a print, not real, btw. Anyway, I think it's pretty useless now, as it's cheaper to wait for the sales and you can't combine with other promos.

    The cabazon J Crew outlet sells mostly outlet versions, so it's not very different from J Crew outlet at Camarillo. Most of the time the quality is not the same as retail. Once in a while though I'll pick up the cafe capri or some denim that's similar to retail in quality.

    BTW, if anyone is looking for a berry astrid in charcoal there's one size 8 left at the Americana at Brand store in Glendale, CA.

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  123. anon at 1022pm: I ordered the cashmere heirloom henley in putty (sz XS) awhile ago and mine hasn't been filled either. :( I thought the waitlist was pushed out to late December - does this just mean I won't be getting it at all?

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  124. suilove,

    which B&M are you finding great deals at? I haven't been since (early) last week. Also, do you remember which sweaters you saw on sale? I agree about the shipping..I caved and ordered the cashmere eva & the dream tie-neck, as those say they are only available online...swallowed 18$ for shipping, saved about 20$ net with TURKEY. I only did it bc the sweaters were already on sale, if not, it would not have been worth the shipping --which, BTW, i was hoping would be waved as I called from the red phone and had the SA start the order.. sigh.. : (

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  125. Katie,

    I would watch the site every day for the wild peony bag. I'll bet it will reappear at some point (either a return or merch that gets transferred to Direct from Stores) and then maybe you could do an exchange if you haven't used the rose bag yet. I have almost always been able to find what I want after it goes out of stock if I check on it every day. Save a link to the page in your Favorites. It does take some time and it may not be worth it for you though. The pink looks quite pretty as well!

    Good luck.

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  126. J.Crew updated its site with a new promo.

    Free shipping on orders of $100 with SHIP100. Ends 11/30.

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  127. Given the discussion of how J. Crew determines who gets what mailings, this is what they say on this topic in their 10-K filing fro the fiscal year ended 2/2/2008:

    In addition to driving revenues, we use our Direct channel to introduce and test new product offerings, to sell specialty product lines such as J. Crew Collection and Wedding, to offer extended sizes and colors on various products and to expand customer files to drive targeted marketing campaigns by collecting customer data to further segment customer groups.

    We currently obtain customer information for 100% of our catalog and Internet customers. As of February 2, 2008, our customer database contained approximately 24.3 million individual customer names, of which 3.2 million customers had placed a catalog or Internet order with us or made a store purchase from us within the previous twelve months, and 3.6 million email addresses of customers who had agreed to receive promotional emails from us.

    We maintain a database of “customer records,” which include sales patterns, detailed purchasing information, certain demographic information, geographic locations and email addresses of our customers. This database enables us to see how our customers use our various sales channels to shop and facilitates targeted marketing strategies. We segment our customer files based on several variables, and we tailor our catalog offerings and email notifications to address the different product needs of our customer groups. For example, we currently send targeted emails to such customer groups as purchasers of men’s merchandise, women’s merchandise, kid’s crewcuts merchandise and sale merchandise. We focus on continually improving the segmentation of customer files and the acquisition of additional customer names from several sources, including our retail stores, our Internet website, list rentals and list exchanges with other catalog companies.

    In fiscal 2007, approximately 57% of J.Crew Direct net sales were generated by customers who had made a purchase from a J.Crew catalog or on our Internet website in the prior 12 months.

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  128. J.crew offers one day free shipping now on orders of $125 or more (ends tomorrow 11/30)

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  129. Why are Green Dino's code (SHIP100) and my code (SHIP125) different? Does everyone see different code?

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  130. I see "ship100" also.

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  131. weird... I see "SHIP125" :(

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  132. Thanks Anon 12:53. I'm not going to rush out there if that's the case. While we're on the subject of Astrids, there were about five floral-ruffle ones at the Grove store on Friday at $80.

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  133. slightlyoldersally,
    just to reassure you that there was no sneak attack by moths in the brief time the sweater was in your home: it isn't actually flying moths that make the holes, it is larvae of the moth (ie they lay eggs in your woolies) which eat the wool etc before hatching into moths. Now flying moths are evidence of a moth problem but it takes time to go through the life cycle!

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  134. I went to a J.Crew shop today and saw one sweater had a moth hole, though it was a new item...

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  135. I can't wait until j.crew rolls out their new line of moth balls, found specially in the mills of Timbucktoo, hand harvested by migrant workers known for their skill of picking out the best moth balls. Now J.Crew, don't go getting any wise ideas and stealing my invention...$49.00 (btw, did I mention that the mothball box is a collection piece?)

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  136. wise ass,
    That's a good one:)

    Also, I don't know why Alexis keeps posting these type of "deals" Just leads to hurt feelings...who cares if someone gets this discount card. I don't really want to know and it just upsets people who don't get them. I think she would get it by now...

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  137. I received the card and shop online and at the B&M. I also return alot too. Maybe this coupon for the B&M is sent at this time to those of us with the same spending/returning habit so if we placed orders during this past website promo., we'll have more incentive to buy at the B&M if we go there to make returns. Just a thought (a little wordy, sorry!).

    Also, I see freeship for $125 on the site this am.

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  138. anon at 7:47am, Don't come on the board if you cant handle it and you are going to be overly sensitive. GET OVER IT, life moves on. It's JUST a card.

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  139. It upsets me that I don't get these, but I still want to know about them. Alexis, keep posting. :)

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  140. 8:33
    Life moves on-- really? I never knew that:) What an eye opener! Thank goodness you posted today...

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  141. People grow up!

    fs on $100.00 just for today code ship100, and ship125 for $125.00.

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  142. Anon @1:55

    Thanks for the info regarding how JCrew conducts marketing promos. I have to say, I can't believe they can get their sh*t together enough to do something so complicated. Their IT systems are horrible, look at the web site, the inventory, etc. They probably think they are sending promos to a select target group, but knowing them, they are sending them out totally random. Would not surprise me one bit.

    BTW, I see ship125 on the website. Maybe the ship100 was an error and they have since corrected it. Whoever made the comment about the clowns running the show there, you're right on target IMO.

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  143. Re: Cabazon. I posted that I LOVE Cabazon - relative to my own outlets. The items there are factory quality, but that's frankly what I expect. It's not a miracle store, but I tend to do better there than at other outlets. It might be the Tod's effect (bc there is a Tod's outlet there too). I go at random times of the year and stock up on staple pieces, hth.

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  144. The metallic vita cami was on sale in my BM for 59.99 plus additional 30% plus they stacked my 15% educators and the old 10% card for giving them your email address(which expired yesterday)- came to about $30 - now that's a deal!!!
    Bought the navy, wished I'd bought the silver too :). Noticed this am it's still full price on the website. Bought another tissue tneck and a couple of the new ringspun t's - they stacked the 10 and 15% discounts on those for me.

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  145. I went to my B&M yesterday w/ my 25% off card. They didn't have one of the sale items I wanted so my SA ordered it on the red phone for me and told them to apply the add'l 30% off and my 25% off! (It was the hammered silk cami for $15.74. I did have to pay shipping). It was nice to know that at least they could call from the store and apply the 25% off if I couldn't do it on the internet.

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  146. I love the Duchess Dots skirt. I went to the website to order it and I cannot find it, even with a search. Does anyone know, does this mean it is not yet available, or already sold out? Usually the sold out items are still viewable on the website along with the “Wish we made more of this item…” message.

    :(

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  147. Anon @10:00: It appears as if the skirt is currently sold out...here is the link and item number: Dutchess Dots Pencil Skirt-#99738 . HTH!

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  148. Thanks FFM. I'm sorry to see that it is already sold out. I guess I can comfort myself by saying that many people already have the item so it wouldn't be unique.

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  149. Anon @10:00: I bet more will appear on the website...just keep watching, and good luck!

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  150. I ended up getting the 25% off card in the mail yesterday.

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  151. Anonymous 1:47,

    YOU ARE THE BEST! Thank you!

    I play the online game of chicken too so watching the available quantity click down will help my decision process.

    Now I just have to work up my spreadsheet....

    Good luck with your purchases! I really hope you love the Issy!

    Best,
    M

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  152. Do we know what to expect for Cyber Monday discounts?

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  153. IIRC, they haven't had any "cyber monday" (ugh, what a noxious made-up term!) special deals in the past.

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  154. Duchess Dot - I saw it over the weekend. Check either the south coast plaza store in CA or the Americana at Brand at Glendale. If it's still full price, they will probably do a 'we'll find it for you', in which case the shipping is free!

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  155. Mena,

    The spreadsheet...don't go there...it is a slippery slope...I even calculated a desirability factor based on quantity and % off original price... :-)

    I spent WAY too much time and WAY too much money on J. Crew this week. I blame...the spreadsheet!

    Good luck with your deal hunting!

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  156. I don't do a spreadsheet, but I keep tabs on my macbook's stickies program. Glad to see I'm not alone in my obsession at the inventory numbers game!

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  157. kitchy7
    In my earlier response to u with regard to waitlisted item shipping--I meant from my order placed first thing Tue AM of the TURKEY code. I am getting a t-shirt that was waitlisted but all the rest of my large order is without tracking. What about the rest of your order--tracking yet?

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  158. FYI- I called customer service to inquire whether we could use the coupon from the red phone in the store. She said that it was luck of the draw-the customer service agents are told not to honor those coupons, but that some will honor it nonetheless. The reason why I asked is because I have been eyeing a top that is only available on jcrew.com or the catalog.

    P.S. Just got the astrid berry trim jacket for $100!! The store offered 30% off the sale price and then an additional 15% for a student discount. I'm so pumped. Just thought I would share :)

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  159. Cyber Monday is a thing of the ast according to abc new this morning, that term was made up when cuonsumers did not have a computer at home with fast internet access.

    However I am pretty sure J Crew will come out with another code for tomorrow morning.

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  160. ^ ast should be past.

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  161. Anonymous at 10:00am

    I saw the Dutchess dot skirt in my b&m yesterday, Short Hills, NJ...maybe you could call and have it shipped from there?

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  162. Anon 9 am,

    I don't think that the same departments handle the website and inventory systems and list selection for a promotion. The list selection is probably done by the marketing department, not IT. There is commercially available software that can help with list selection and both that and the email mailings can also be outsourced (although I don't see the mention of any other company on the J. Crew mailings.)

    Catalog retailers have been maintaining and segmenting from customer databases for years. It's very expensive to produce and mail catalogs so they have to make sure that each mailing is as profitable as possible.

    Anon 1:55

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  163. Cyber Monday is a thing of the past according to ABC News this morning.

    This opinion does not seem to be universally held.

    This from the Chicago Tribune:

    "With Scrooge paying a visit to online retailers for the first time since Internet shopping entered the retail landscape, the pressure is on merchants to make the most of Cyber Monday.

    "A record number of retailers are expected to offer online deals as workers return to the office after a weekend of shopping, according to the National Retail Federation. An estimated 84 percent of retailers will have Cyber Monday deals this year, up from 72 percent in 2007, the Washington, D.C.-based trade group said."

    This from a press release today by comScore, a company that tracks online traffic:

    "The Monday after Thanksgiving, popularly known as "Cyber Monday," represents the first significant spike in online spending activity for the holiday season. The phenomenon results from Cyber Monday being the first working day following the Thanksgiving holiday and the fact that purchases from work still account for approximately half of all e-commerce spending.

    "Interestingly, Cyber Monday has historically proved to be an accurate bellwether for the overall performance of the online holiday shopping season. While the year-over-year growth rates for individual online spending days vary quite significantly throughout the season, during the past few years Cyber Monday has been within a few percentage points of the final holiday season growth rate.

    Cyber Monday Growth Rates
    Non-Travel (Retail) Spending
    Excludes Auctions and Large Corporate Purchases

    2005-2007
    Total U.S. - Home/Work/University Locations
    Source: comScore, Inc.
    Growth Rate vs. Prior Year
    Cyber Monday Full Holiday Season

    2005 26% 25%
    2006 26% 26%
    2007 21% 19%

    "With so much volatility right now in the variables that influence consumer spending, predicting where this online holiday season will end up has been far more challenging than in previous years," added Fulgoni. "That said, Cyber Monday may well prove to be an important indicator of whether the decline in spending that we've seen during the first few weeks of the online holiday season will continue for the balance of the year."

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  164. covert5 -- nope, no tracking numbers for all of my other items, just open status. only a tracking number for one of my waitlisted items. how backwards!

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  165. write ABC Good Morning America weekend not us.

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  166. Used the 25% card on top of the additional 30% discount. I thought the card was re-usable but they kept it. Emailed customer service and they said it is a one-time use. Being familiar with marketing, they really should specify that is a one time use (usually reviewed by their legal dept). Saying "enjoy 25% off anything you buy at any of our JCREW retail stores from now until Dec 15th" is too vague to say it is a one time use.

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  167. What is it with all this CODE STACKING? I thought they had officially done away with it! O.K., maybe I'm a little bitter because I did not get a 25% card and I'm not an educator, but I wish JCrew would get CONSISTENT!

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  168. Anon 3:06,

    The topic of Cyber Monday has been discussed by a number of people on this thread. Why are some points of view allowed, but not others?

    If you aren't interested in a post, just skip it. Maybe the information is useful to someone else, hmmmm?

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  169. yeah yeah, alexis...rub it in our faces that we didn't get one. that's what you do best anyway to start a war...

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  170. Even if I don't get something, I like to be well informed. Thank you Alexis for posting information like this. I for one like to be educated about things.

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  171. Used my 25% off today. Also was able to stack it w/ a 30% off sale.

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  172. Anon at 7:47 AM: You raised a good question... why do I publish these types of posts. The sole reason is so Aficionadas and Aficionados can "keep an eye out" for the promo in their mailbox. If it wasn't for the fact that I was alerted to this promo, I would have thrown my card away yesterday on "junk-mail" instinct. :)

    I honestly don't publish these posts to alienate customers or make them feel bad. And the last thing I want is a "war" (as Jen wrote in her comment) on the blog.

    I just want this blog to be informative. I apologize if this post upset anyone- it truly was not my intention to.

    Lastly, I have mentioned this before- but I am having a hard time figuring out which topics to post. I really do try my best to avoid "controversial" topics. :)

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  173. Unbelievable how some people speak like 6 year old -- so selfish and self-oriented, just like 6 year old's mental capacity.

    Couldn't they see what was the good-hearted intention of this post? People who were about to make a purchase could benefit from Alexis' post by waiting for the card, in case it arrives.

    Sure you can be disappointed if it does not arrive, and you could complain it to JCrew for excluding you from the offer. But it's just unbelievable some people would actually direct the blame to Alexis for sharing the information to begin with. Yeah, you guys might as well blame the journalists for reporting the genocide at Sudan because knowing such facts makes you uncomfortable. Totally 6-year old mentality.

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  174. Not posting to make anyone feel bad, but to update anyone wanting to use the 25% off merchandise (sale or not) in store:

    I went to my B&M specifically looking for the Issy sweater. They had it for $148, but it was near a sign for 30% off. The only sizes they had were S and XS, so I asked the mgr. if I would be able to order over the red phone. I also told her it's $99.99 online. She checked for the sweater locally first, but when she came up empty she called on the red phone. She got me the $99.99 site price, 40% in store discount (for outerwear? Not sure that the Issy is outerwear, but okay), and then *she let me use the 25% off on the red phone as well*. I had to pay shipping, but $44.99 for a $148 sweater isn't bad.

    The manager did let me keep the card as well, but I only found a couple of hats and a skirt to finish using the 25% discount card. I did use it on sale items and it worked no problem. The cashier then took the card from me at that point.

    HTH!

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  175. alexis: *thank you* for posting this :) because of your post i actually was keeping an eye out for this coupon and was happy to get one yesterday. if it weren't for this blog, i may have thrown it out with junk mail too...thank you again!! :) :) and *do not* feel bad...it's a blog about *all things jcrew*...:)

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  176. Alexis, please do not feel bad about the negative comments here. You did absolutely nothing wrong by posting the info and this is hardly a controversial topic. In fact, by reading about the 25% off card here first, I knew to wait for mine before I made any major purchases this weekend. You've saved me a ton of money so a big THANK YOU to you!!

    Jen, do you seriously think that posting info regarding a 25% discount card is just cause for starting a war? Seriously?? Totally ridciulous.

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  177. Alexis: IMHO, you shouldn't feel the necessity to apologize for posting this information. Through your blog, I feel very fortunate to have a set of "eyes" and "ears" from which to discern JCrew marketing tactics and promotions. Thank you for doing this for us and I'm sorry you are having to deal with some unpleasant posts :( ...

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  178. BTW: Regarding sizing..."Vanity Sizing" really messes up ordering online for me! I just put my newly acquired grey felted wool mini (08) in size 4 next to my black felted wool mini from last year (size 8). The difference is about 1/4 inch at the waist!

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  179. I got my 25% card in the mail today, and I took it as you could use it as many times as you wanted through 12/15. So I called CS, and the first CS I got said ABSOLUTELY she took it that you could use it over and over. Then she put me on hold and checked with someone else and they said no, only once. So which is it???

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  180. I received the 25% off coupon this weekend. I was allowed to stack it with the 30% off sale items but not with the 20% off promo for full priced sweaters.

    The manager said I could re-use the 25% off coupon thru 12/15.

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  181. I received a 25% off card in the mail yesterday. Hopefully, everyone else will get one during the week. I assume I can only use it once. After all, would J Crew really be that generous?

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  182. Anon @ 1:55

    I've worked in IT for almost 15 years. The department that manages the IT systems is the IT department, regardless of the business function. JCrew is a retail operation and if their retail IT systems, the IT systems supporting their core business (including inventory, shipping, accounting, customer service, etc) are terrible, it's likely their other systems are terrible too.

    You say,
    "There is commercially available software that can help with list selection and both that and the email mailings can also be outsourced..."

    You're right, there sure is. And there is also a lot of commercially available software and many skilled consultants that can help with the presentation and management of an online retail store, too. And look what a wonderful job they have of that. Obviously, whoever provides IT for JCrew is doing a terrible job. If it's provided internally, the CIO should be canned. If it's an outside job, find a new service provider, please.

    There seems to be no rhyme nor reason why some people get promos. Market selection indeed!

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  183. Anon @ 8:23

    Good point! I wonder if Anon @ 1:55 thinks that the Marketing department uses paper and pencil to collate the list of potential marketing targets.

    Hmmm, I imagine they might use a computer system of some kind!!!

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  184. In response to Kara: at my store they did let me stack my 25% off on top of the 20% off sweater promo.

    Also, if everyone flips over their 25% off card and reads the back it details what/how it can be used. It says, 25% discount applies to total purchase, including full price and sale merchandise. Mine also worked when my SA called in a red line order for me from the store. I was also given my card back w/ the understanding that it could be used as many times as I'd like until 12-15.

    Good Luck Ladies!

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  185. I am surprised to see so much negativity and entitlement from a site that claims to be for "devotees or fans" (that IS the definition) of the brand.

    J.Crew is a company attempting to give quality product that exceeds most of what I have seen out there and at affordable prices. There are advantages to being "a client", having a personal shopper, and being a "face" in a "B&M" store because the company also values great service. There is also an online component that allows those not near a store to access the goods and there are even personal shoppers available to those online customers via the phone. These relationships afford privelages such as "thank you" discounts and advance notice of desirable items.

    At the bottom line, its shopping folks. Sometimes the deal is in your favor, sometimes you miss something you wanted. Sometimes (in a crazy scheme to make a profit) things go on sale when you paid more two weeks ago.

    Alexis- you do a great job keeping true fans informed.
    I just hate having to scroll through the negativity (and people who compare J.Crew to Talbot's and B&R :P) to enjoy this information.

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  186. Hey Megan, I totally agree with you. Why the negativity, people? Take your prozac like Megan, and JUST BE HAPPY. :)

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  187. Does anyone know if Jcrew.com or catalog will honor 25%? I want to purchase a suit but petite is not offered in stores.

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  188. I just got my 25% off card in the mail yesterday. I hadn't gotten the $25 off coupon in my catalog, nor the 20% off that others have received, so I wasn't holding out much hope for the 25% off card. But it finally arrived! Thanks so much, Alexis, for posting to let us know the cards were *out there.* :)

    **FYI, I am a cardholder, though I haven't hit that $10k "special cardholder" threshold.

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  189. What's the $10k special threshold mark? And what do you get? Thanks!

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  190. Anon 8:23,

    I have close to 2 decades of work experience at a number of companies in a number of different industries and I would not make a blanket statement that just because one IT function for a given company is subpar, all are. Or in this case, just because one department in a company is subpar, all are.

    I don't feel that database marketing is an IT function per se. Yes, it requires IT support, but it is a marketing department that is determining promotions and the associated mailing lists. What does that have to do with the website?

    I have read that J. Crew does most/much of its IT in house. I think they used to outsource some functions to EDS but have taken some of that back. Not sure what or when.

    I disagree that there is no rhyme or reason to who gets mailings. I think it is based on your history with the company and the particular factors that J. Crew deems most important in predicting future behavior - whether size of purchase, frequency of purchase, time since last purchase, zip code or what have you.

    Anon 8:27,

    I am not in the industry, but I have taken some database marketing classes where we selected lists for sample mailings ourselves and then assessed the results against the actual responses. Of course, I don't think they use paper and pencil - whatever gave you such a silly idea? Although I am sure we weren't using full databases the size of J. Crew's customer database, we were able to run our own regressions and SPSS jobs and analyze the results ourselves to make decisions on which customers to mail to. We also played around with some software - I think it was called Model Max. No IT department was involved and that was almost 10 years ago.

    My main point is that just because J. Crew has had website problems does not mean that their database marketing people are incompetant. That's quite a leap. After all the website may have had problems, but the people doing the merchandise design seem to designing desirable clothes if the comments on this blog are anything to go by.

    As a sidebar, one of the things I remember from the class I took was how much info marketers can tell about you from your zip code. One company, Claritas, has an online tool that shows how they would "segment" your zip code. Try it out and see how well they describe you:

    http://www.claritas.com/MyBestSegments/
    Default.jsp?ID=20

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  191. Alexis-you're doing a great job with this blog! I am saying this without any bias because my fiancé, who is NOT into JCrew (at all) commented how he "heard about this blog because of its following"...

    With or without censorship on your blog, people will be posting negative comments. I am really grateful (as I am sure many other people are) when you inform us about current promotions and coupons. I get a bit bitter when I don't receive them-not with you but with JCrew ! :/

    Thanks for this JCrew "oasis", I'm a true addict :)

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  192. Thank you to everyone (including Anon at 5:31PM, ccbmum, Anon at 5:58PM, audball, Megan, RatsonParade, & SanFranciscoofCA) who have been so kind to me in their comments- I really appreciate it. :)

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  193. Alexis-thanks for deleting all those rude comments, this really isn't a place for them :)

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  194. I just got one in the mail...it applies to sales stuff too! I'm thinking of breaking down and getting the long puffy coat in tawny color since they are refusing to include it in the outwear sale. I'm thinking this card is meant for multi use...that's dangerous!

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  195. Today I checked my mailbox and I received the red card from Mickey AND a 15% off brochure from Madewell.

    I was pleasantly surprised because I also received the $25 off $125 card that was mailed a couple weeks ago.

    I'm not sure exactly why I get the offers but I am happy to have them!

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Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)