A big "thanks!" to GigiofCa (click here to read her post), Heather:D, & AnneG who shared the following email from J.Crew. J.Crew Factory stores are carrying a big sale in all their locations, with up to 50% off select summer styles and up to 60% off for CrewCuts.I attended a (destination) wedding this weekend and took a side trip to visit a J.Crew Factory Store. I ended up disappointed. Although there were lots of sales going on (additional 20% off sale items, 50% off strapless tops, all dresses 40% off), I found some of the price points off putting. The following are examples why:
I found that the Factory version of J.Crew regular store items more expensive. For example, the Factory Store version of the Slub Cotton Ruffled Scoopneck Tee (Item 13657; $39.50, select colors like Navy for $19.99) selling for $29.50. I also found regular J.Crew items selling for more than what I paid for at the regular stores. For example, I purchased a simple white bangle for $9.99 a month ago. The Factory Store was selling it for $14.99. I left the store with just one item, a $20 pair of sandals (similar to the Carina metallic T-strap flats; Item 15791) for $20.
Are you planning to visit a Factory Store to check out the sale? Are there any items you are hoping to purchase while there? If so, please share! :)
I find the Factory Stores hit or miss, however, always fun to anticipate the treasure hunt! I agree that the JC factory store prices can be high, but the difference, I think, is that the quality of the J. Crew Factory Store items tends to be pretty high. This compared to some of the crap I see at Ann Taylor Factory Stores, Gap Outlet and even the Banana Republic Outlet. With additioal holiday discounts and some patience, you can find some good deals at the Factory Stores. I maybe go once or twice a year or around special sale times and usually always come home with a few things that I enjoy wearing. I live closest to the Leesburg, Virginia store and may head over there this weekend to check out the 50% items. I am intrigued by that!
ReplyDeleteI was just at a factory store over the weekend. The one thing that I love about the outlet is that if I missed out on something I can usually find it there a few months (or even a year)later! Unfortuantely, the quality is not always as good as the retail items so it is hit or miss.
ReplyDeleteNothing really caught my eye when we were at a FS about a month ago. The closest one to me is not that big of a store. They only had a handful of skirts and dresses on the floor. I only purchased a summery graphic floral scarf (ivory and light pewter) since I really liked the pattern.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to a wedding in central NY this weekend, so I'll be stopping by the outlet in Waterloo. I'm sure I won't find anything unless there's something fun that's non-factory. One never knows... like annegav said it is a treasure hunt!
ReplyDeletei agree tres tippy. you can usually find stuff from a few seasons back. if you have the patience and comb through the sale section, you can find at least a few great things. but the prices aren't the best. i think overall the term "factory" store is kind of misleading, and that goes for all of them, not just j.crew. i usually stay away.
ReplyDeleteHi all,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the snaps Alexis :}
Like many JCAs I've found the factory store to be hit or miss. Now that I think about it... maybe they should rename them to "JCrew hit or Miss/Mrs/Ms" stores (jk).
I may brave the outlets later this week since the Uni is closed on Frid (holiday came early this year). I don't think I could deal with the crowds on the weekend.
Oh & completely agree w. Annegav-- the other outlet stores are just sad. I had to buy myself an ice cream the last time I visited the AT & BR outlets. Soooo depressing I needed a sugar boost to recover my spirits!
On the plus side, the nearest factory store does stock crewcuts. Maybe I can stock up on gifts for the nieces & nephews.
Hope y'all find something fab this 4th,
Heather:D
hey JCAs, no outlet-ing for me, i wish I lived closer!
ReplyDeleteOT I just thought some of the ruffle fans (raises hand...) might want to know about the cute Voom by Joy Haan sale that ends today on ideeli. I have some pics on my blog. The sale is quite good, 80%+ off! : )
happy pre-4th o july. i'll be returning stuff at jcrew today, will report back!
Hi again,
ReplyDeleteI just realised that the last time I was at the factory store - I used my edu discount. Yep, it has been a while! Since then, jcrew changed some of the discount options. Does anyone know if they've changed the policies at the factory stores as well?
TIA,
Heather:D
I also traverse to an outlet store once or twice a year. I have have excellent luck 99% of the time, depends on the season though. The winter stuff is usually better than the summer offerings (ummm isn't that true at B&M's too?).
ReplyDeleteI will be going this weekend to the outlets in the Poconos (in PA), so hopefully will score something interesting.
I went to the Leesburg, VA J Crew Outlet last weekend. They were having 40% (I think) off of denim and 30% off accessories/jewelry. I bought the buttery twill cargo pants for $19.99. The fabric is just as soft as the Saturday pant. Love it. Not much in the men's section though.
ReplyDeleteHey all,
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if there are any Colorado JCA's but I was at the Loveland outlet yesterday and found some great summer basics. I got a few pairs of chino and printed shorts for $15, a beautiful fuchsia and white printed pencil skirt for $25 and a pair of bronze braided capri sandals for $7. Lots of other basics--tees, tanks and sweaters that never go out of style for around $8.
I also found the metallic linen Cosa Rosa jacket from last summer on super sale ($30 with an extra 30%). Sadly, the fit was awful!!
Happy shopping!
Back from palo alto B&M: dauphine patent sandals, many sizes, $29.99. 2 pairs of the posey peep toes in size 6.5 for $99. metallic bow leather headbands $4.99.
ReplyDeleteonly three balustrade minis left at full price (size 4), and a few ikat minis.
a few dressy jersey strapless dresses in charcoal, blue, black, larger sizes. HTH!
no sale restock yet, but new markdowns on sale items :) you may have to click through to the item page to see.
ReplyDeleteI went to a factory store last weekend and found the greatest find! I had been coveting the Antonia dress in the florentine type print since it first came out but never could force myself to pull the trigger. Lo and behold, it was in the sale section for $32! And there were no diamonds on the label either so it was definitely from a retail store. Like others said, be patient, peruse the sale section and you may find a treasure.
ReplyDeleteI visited the outlet store at Woodbury Commons yesterday and I definitely hit. Picked up a bunch of Jackie cardigans for $34.99 and perfect-fit tanks for $8.50, got some cute accessories and jewelry for under $20, jeans for $35.70, and even found a cute tank in the abstract rose print (never connected with the strapless dress I was desperately seeking!) which was admittedly a bit of a factory splurge at $34.50 but very cute and flattering. I also saw a whole wall of long jersey dresses similar to the grecian dress offered this season but found that they only carried sizes M-XL with a couple smalls thrown in. If anyone is interested, they came in two colors, a lighter "weathered stone" type of color and a teal and were priced at around $59 plus a possible additional percentage off. One thing I did notice about the store was that they tend to carry larger sizes in most of the items but with a little searching I was able to walk away with a number of XS items.
ReplyDeleteI also want to mention that the Betsey Johnson outlet is having a HUGE BOGO sale on all items except jewelry and select shoes through 7/6! I seriously got two of the nicest silk evening dresses. Paid for one of them. Fabulous.