Wednesday, January 21, 2009

J.Crew's Website & Tech Difficulties

As many of you have noticed and mentioned, J.Crew's website has been experiencing some "technical difficulties". :( From the comments, it sounds like the website issues started this morning and has been fluctuating back and forth from "up & running", running slowly, and "site down".

The website issues this time around stem from the First Family wearing several J.Crew items. According to one article (click here), "It turns out that the first daughters did some success dressing, as well, and interest in their attire led to the crash of the J.Crew web site, as shoppers tried to grab duplicates of the head-to-toe outfits."

Has the website issues today impacted your shopping and browsing of JCrew.com? Are you trying to shop or avoiding to shop online or in their stores today? :)

61 comments:

  1. I got tossed out of the system mid-shop earlier today. J.Crew really needs to reconsider their current IT structure ...

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  2. Little do others know that this is an all too frequent occurrence with J. Crew!

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  3. Yes! I have had issues all day, and I have now stopped trying to connect.... I'll try again in a day or two, hopefully this madness will have gone away!

    What I find interesting about the article is that people are trying to get the girls head to toe look, but JCrew clearly stated that those particular items were created specifically for them, and were not available at the present time, but may be so in Fall 2009.

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  4. who would guess that the kids outfits would cause such a stir, especially when they aren't even available online.

    JCrew really needs to get its act together and fix this website. The have problems almost on a daily basis it seems. So, heavy traffic causing this is only a lame excuse!

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  5. Really? after 8 months of hit or miss (mostly miss) website performance, somebody's going to blame the Obamas on why the site is down?

    how about: the site is down because the site doesn't work.

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  6. The website stinks...I miss the days of old! I just went to the store today and got the new Keegan jacket (in Khaki...also comes in white) and the Annie blouse (comes in four colors: light blue, light green, blush and cream -- I got the blush, the SA said people are buying them in twos and threes!). I love shopping in the store, but I have my eye on a few Spring items that are possible collection pieces. Who wants to go to two stores (especially in this arctic weather)? I can't wait til the website is updated. Anyone have any idea when that'll be?

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  7. anon 4:49 Can you describe the Annie blouse?

    Updates according to a post that I read on this blog Jan 31.

    No further comment on the website it just plain sucks!

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  8. Anon at 4:49

    What does the Keegan jacket look like?

    What else did they have in the store?

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  9. Kate - I sent Alexis a pdf photo of the Keegan, it was in Feb's People Style Watch magazine. She said she will create a post tomorrow. It's a cotton jacket, looks to hit about the hip, two pockets with buttons in the front (side), looks double breasted, and has the most adorable ruffle trim at the neck (it looks like you can remove this, from what I can see there are inner buttons, almost like a standing collar, plus it has a collar flap. Priced at $158

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  10. I think that Shannon has a pic of the Keegan on her blog:
    http://jcrewreviews.blogspot.com/

    I haven't figured out how to hyperlink so please forgive me:)

    The Keegan is super cute!

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  11. Thanks Marietta and Emily. The Keegan is cute!!!! It probably would be a bad idea for my wallet and me to go to a B&M tomorrow:)

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  12. I was looking in the Sale sections when the Sequin Henley Popped up- orig $45 sale $169.99
    Maybe me take a double look :)

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  13. I just wonder what all the new visitors to the site think about J.Crew having so many issues with its website...that and Final Sale...

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  14. I work for an online/sofware company and I couldn't imagine our business being very successful if our site was constantly down or not performing properly...they must have some mediocre talent in their web development department.

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  15. J.CrewAdorer - Ha! As annoying as that must've been, I also have to laugh. It's such a joke. Half the time when I search sale stuff I get random guy and crewcuts stuff mixed in.

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  16. So disappointing. After many minutes spent trying to get JCrew's website to work at any rate faster than a snail's pace, I placed a big order at another retailer today because they sent me a 40% off coupon in the mail (for full price and clearance). Sorry JCrew. you lose!

    On another note... I'm dying for another merino glass button cardigan. Does any have any in size XS or S, any color but champagne, that they would like to get rid of?

    emilyeeg at gmail.com

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  17. I LOVE the Keegan, too! How cute, and seems to be reasonably priced.

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  18. I was able to check out with no problems earlier this morning. It was around 8:00 AM right after the sale update. I only had 2 items though.

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  19. Off topic, regarding the steamer discussion late last week- I received my Jiffy Model 2000 steamer via UPS yesterday. Holy smokes! Why didn't I get a steamer sooner? It works like a gem on my sweaters and J.Crew "party" dresses. I have no intentions of ditching my iron though, since I do need a pressed look for other items in my closet. The real test will be whether or not the steamer can handle a Victoria and all the pleats that come along with it. I'll post a report once I reach that bridge...

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  20. *I bought the sparkle cocktail ring and the pillow ring this morning, along with the Paris stripe scarf. Fortunately i was able to check out alright, but when I went to double check I ordered everything correctly the website went down again.

    *I am not excited about new people starting to shop at J.crew that just found out about it yesterday from all the advertising. I feel like it adds competition to the mix, and with more eager shoppers the prices don't have to go as low to sell. Refresh me if I am wrong though, I never took a business class

    *Lastly I would like to say that my black argyle cardigan came in the mail yesterday and I LUV it. It is the wool cashmere mix one for 29.99. I recommend it to all. Not itchy with just a tank top, and classic so I can wear it for many seasons. And the prices is great!

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  21. Anon at 4:49...I think we may be twins because I bought the Keegan jacket and Annie blouse today too! I got the white jacket and spearmint blouse though. Can't wait to wear them both.

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  22. I want the ANNIE but I will have to wait for it become available online before I can even consider it. The next time I will be near a J Crew is 02/16 when my hubby has another Dr appt in Tampa

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  23. Agreed. New shoppers did not crash the J. Crew site. J. Crew crashed J. Crew's site.

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  24. I'm not stunned that the site has gone down (after all, that is nothing new) but how foolish of JCrew not to have rushed Malia and Sasha's coats into production. They could be selling thousands at this moment if they had.

    Next Fall may be too late for them to capitalize on the publicity they received yesterday and today.

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  25. Neiman Marcus is going to be running their "Last Call Sale" online. I believe it will start tomorrow. It's an extra 40% off sale prices. I got an "early shopping" email for customers.

    I checked out the handbags, I didn't look too closely at the women's clothes because I don't need anything for myself after my purchases at J. Crew. I was able to get my daughter a John Galiano shirt for $18, a Marc Jacobs sweater for $39 and Juicy Couture sweater for $28 and 2 dresses for about $15 each. They normally open the sale to the public the day after I get the email.

    Unfortunately, Neiman's isn't as good as J. Crew with updates and they update CONSTANTLY during the day. So, if you check in the morning and see nothing that you like check back later and you will probably see something. Also, they are current running free shipping on any order. The code is on the website. Enjoy!!

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  26. JCrewAdorer:
    in regards to your ebay hyperlink,
    HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. I say ew too. And did you read the title where the description is? it read: "ONE OF A KIND."

    LOL no wonder. it might be made of tin or aluminum. i like metallic stuff but wow, thats gone overboard!

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  27. Argh, eww indeed. It looks like matted up, narsty steel wool. Gross.

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  28. oh goodness - someone posted that in the weekly exchange! I feel bad now for saying it was so icky.

    Sorry poster, if you're reading this, but that sweater is kinda unappealing...

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  29. Remember during the holiday promos, the same issues occurred. The website cannot handle the traffic.

    Perhaps they should have put something on the splash page with a picture of the Obama children's outfits and people could click on that and be taken to a page that tells them all about the outfits and tells them they are not available exactly as shown, then let them click through to crewcuts.

    Now that I think about it, that probably wouldn't help things anyway. The website is in serious need of work.

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  30. Hi! Can someone tell me which stores had the Annie cami in stock?
    Thank you!!

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  31. SORRY! No offense. Its just not our style. Right Pudding?!

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  32. Anon at 4:49 and 6:56 - I picked up the Annie tonight as well, in the light green.... so pretty! They have them at the 17th & 5th B&M. Unfortunately, they did not have the Keegan, I would have loved to see it in person! :-)

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  33. Anon @ 8:27:
    San Diego, CA store had the Annie as of today. They had light blue, chartruse-y green, ivory/blush and white. I didnt have time to try but it was really cute. Good luck!

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  34. Love the Annie!! It was the one new Spring item that just jumped out at me. I loved the spearmint and the print one (yellows and cream)
    Twiga

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  35. Site is down again now...

    What a train wreck!

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  36. One more question about the Annie cami - someone mentioned it came in a blush/ivory color. Was this a print with blush and ivory? I live nowhere near a B&M but I have a personal shopper through the website and he is able to have these items shipped from the store. I'm trying to decide which colors to choose.
    Thank you!!

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  37. Yes, thank you Ashley. I didn't mean to offend anyone. Everyone has their own sense of style. Good luck with your sale!

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  38. Groan! just getting ready to check out and the site crashes. Had 12 items in my shopping cart and it was totally dumped. I'm logging off and going to bed. Not worth trying it again. Loser.

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  39. Site is down and I hate that it removes things from my cart without warning. GRRRR.....

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  40. I am off to bed. By this time tommorrow, JCrew will probably have sold out of and rmoved everything from my shopping cart.

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  41. Anon @ 8:42 - I didn't notice any Annie's that had a print, only solid colors.

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  42. Anon @ 8:27, the Philly, PA store had them on the floor today as well.

    Anon @ 8:42, i believe the blush/ivory is a solid. the annie comes in a print, but the print colors are bright yellow and tan.

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  43. Site is up and down so much this evening I am getting seasick.

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  44. Smarty - did the San Diego store have anything else from the new collection? I'm heading down there tomorrow to return some things and am just curious as to what they've gotten in. Last time I was there (about a week and a half ago), the store looked pretty bare and the new items seemed really spread out to make it seem like there was a lot in the store. Hopefully they've gotten other new things in. Thanks!

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  45. The site just crashed again. When I wake up in the a.m., it better be up & running and my stuff BETTER still be in the cart!!!

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  46. hey everyone,

    just wondering if any of you have had any experience with the BELMONT boots? I think it was offered last year.. or the year before.. but it looks like my dream boots.

    anyone out there willing to share would be great :)

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  47. maybe this has something to do with it too: apparently jcrew stock is up after the inauguration. all those people looking to prop up their new investment?

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/21/AR2009012103278.html

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  48. eeps - I was hoping the whole market would take an upswing after the inauguration! Not that I think Obama can totally fix the economy, really, he is a politician after all, not the saviour of the world. But optimism usually gives a positive swing upward.

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  49. If you are tired of the crashing website, and would like to save time and money -- head to Old Navy. They have some very J.Crew-like items in their new spring line.

    I picked up an great blue and white striped, double-breasted sweater. It's not quite J.Crew's quality, but it's a great casual sweater to wear with jeans.

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  50. President Obama also wore J.Crew! At the Inaugural Ball he wore a one-of-a-kind satin tie by J.Crew.

    http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/barack-obama-wears-jcrew-inaugural/story.aspx?guid=%7B3E7EA339-43B8-4D0C-AE25-21533ECFB186%7D&dist=msr_2

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  51. Hey Everyone,
    I know some people were interested in hearing about the inauguration, so I post some info/ photos on my blog.
    http://readthingshere.blogspot.com/

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  52. For those interested in the Annie- Alexis had a post on 1.9.09 featuring it. Type in 'Annie' in the search and it should pop up.
    Super cute.
    Twiga

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  53. Got my cart dumped as I went to check out this morning, too.
    The website issues are awful, & if they don't finally get it fixed, then I'm done wasting my time on it.
    Other stores have websites that work.

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  54. Anonymous at 10:16P. Read your blog. Funny. Hopefully the tootsies have revived. I spent 3 weeks in DC during the spring of 2007 and loved every minute. Wish I could have been there. Actually, I wish DH and our family could move there. The history, the charm, the sights...anyway I can't wait to return. Thx.

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  55. As a SA I can let everyone know that our first shipment of spring goods were put on the floor last Friday and the second shipment goes out tomorrow. Rollout is suppose to occur in every store on the same day and as a rule does.

    The Annie comes in 5-6 colors and is a leaner cut that previous camis such as the Elizabeth. We do not have a print in the stores right now, though one may be available online at the end of the month. The Keegan jacket will go on the floor tomorrow in Stone and White. The inner ruffle color does unbutton and come off.

    There are some really beautiful cotton pencil skirts, one particulary lovely yellow and grey print. And the new cotton tees and tanks are super soft and come in lovely soft colors. The other stand out is that printed cardigans have returned in non-animal prints. And as in spring seasons in the past, one print is repeated in a variety of items.

    As for the Zebra tee, with the Spring Look Book came a list of each item with the colors it would be available in and when it would go on sale. The sheet says April for the Zebra tee, and does list other items as not going into production.

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  56. Spoke to my personal shopper tonight and was informed that we should be receiving the catalog around the 31st and new arrivals (including the Annie cami in solids and prints) will be available online toward the end of next week. He also mentioned that the Annie cami is called something else in the catalog and online - the Silk Garland Cami. Thought everyone might like an update. Cannot wait!!!

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  57. Anon at 10:43pm aka JC SA: thank you for the helpful update!!!

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  58. Anon at 10:27, thanks for reading my blog. Hope you will come back and read often! I know I was excited to read about the J crew sample sale on others blogs (since I obviously was at the inauguration and couldn't go), so I was thinking people might want to hear an eye-witness account of another fun event!

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  59. anon @ 8:42:
    I posted that the Annie was blush/ivory...my apologies for the confusion. It is a solid, but seemed to me to be a *slightly* pink toned ivory.

    megan:
    SD store had some new arrivals out today (dresses, new ruffle-y tank, Annie and new colors of the Michelle cardi). They also had a *cute* pencil skirt in navy and khaki that I picked up :) They did say the rest of the new arrivals were going out tonight, so you will get first dibs tomorrow! I'm heading out of town for a few days(to a place with no JC), so please report back!

    anon @ 11:58:
    Cute blog! I totally agree with you about BR. I have been sadly disappointed on my last few visits. I hope things will improve in coming collections.

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  60. This made the nightly news on NBC last night, it showed the Stay Tuned message, Brian Williams said it was due to the high traffic to the site from people checking out the Crewcut outfits that the Obama kids wore.

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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! :)