As many of you JCAs have pointed out, J.Crew has not updated their sale section (click here) in awhile. Yeah, there is a small update each day, but it is really small. (Like the accessories section will jump from 3 items to 6, big deal.)I can't help but feel like something is up here. I remember certain items being in stock for all sizes {hello gorgeous Ikat Halter Dress (Item 15197; $225.00)} right after the "extra 20% off final sale" two weeks ago and then disappearing altogether from the site one day.
Is it because the "final" is gone in the sale section? Is it because some {pre-selected} JCAs are receiving free shipping (with no minimum) on their purchases until November 1st?
What are your thoughts on the sale section? Disappointed that it's not updating or happy (for your wallet) about it? :)
Alexis, you are so right. I think it is because they took away final sale, and gave free shipping. So, they give us a "perk" (which frankly, lack of final sale should not be considered since it is something we should have all the time) and take away most of the inventory. Lame. I'm thinking from now on I will only be buying JCrew from ebay or the clearance store in NC... reasonable prices and I don't have to deal with any of the online BS!!!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't placed an order from the sale section since final sale began. I placed on the other day and I am returning EVERY item from my order. The fit on everything I tried was off. Tees are too long for me and oddly shaped so the were tight around my hips and HUGE around my chest (and
ReplyDeleteI'm a 36D). The sweaters seemed a bit more fitted than normal and the color wasn't as shown. I'm SO glad that I didn't buy any of it on final sale, but I wonder if I will be able to partake in anything from J Crew for a while without DRASTIC alterations.
I picked up a bunch of tanks, tees and a pair of the peep toes at my b&m yesterday for some really great prices, in the 9.99 range for ruffle tanks /tees. Wondering if tgey're trying to encourage more sale shopping in stores? I posted before about the silk tiered cami being $49 in stores but still $88 online.... Such strange behavior Jcrew, what's up?
ReplyDeletePixelant, I see you are in the DC area, what store did you go to? I might have to go and check out the sale racks.
ReplyDeleteI smell conspiracy here. I have noticed the same thing with the sale section. I bet you the sale section will get updated after Nov 1st, and it will become final sale. Very frustating.
ReplyDeleteI'm the biggest J.Crew sale shopper, so I'm a little peeved that it's the same old crap that's been up for a while....however, I'm sort of glad to...means I can have a big shop after thanksgiving. Weeeee!
ReplyDeleteI think that it has something to do with the perks/promos plus the end of final sale happening all at the same time. I think that once all that subsides there will be a major update, and J.Crew is banking on people being so happy at that point they will buy buy buy without the free shipping, etc.
ReplyDeleteI wonder J.Crew will keep the sale section from being final during the holidays to encourage gift-giving...
I think b/c of the free shipping offer for a select few that is out there JCrew is not updating the website trying to get rid of stuff. Such a shame that they play mean games! I bet other are right. Watch for a hugh update when those free shipping cards expire.
ReplyDeleteI've been noticing this too and think it's just ridiculous! Those of us who didn't get any special deals also can't count on a restock, so we get nothing from J Crew...can't even buy decent sale stuff. Boo, J Crew.
ReplyDeleteJCrew just cancelled 2 items from an order I placed on Wed. Think it took them a while to figure this out???? Their stocking and customer service is just so shoddy these days.
ReplyDeleteYes, and I paid for shipping for my items. I did not get any of the free items as of late like others...
ReplyDeleteAnd even more wonderful, the order is still just sitting there open. I have 10 items in it still "waiting." with 2 cancels now. I wonder how much else will be cancelled. What makes me mad is the items cancelled were still up on the website for the next 2 days in my size! I was checking up on my order hoping this would not happen.
ReplyDeleteI'm disappointed that there aren't more seasonal items in it. It's called "Fall Sale," but there's very little from the actually Fall line in it. A handful of sweaters, and some chinos, maybe a long-sleeve tee or two, but that's it. I could be remembering incorrectly, but last year it seemed like there was a lot more to choose from, in a greater range of colors and styles.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure how useful "guessing" is, because there are undoubtedly multiple reasons. I doubt it has anything to do with trying to "get" the consumer, trick the consumer, or "get rid of crap."
ReplyDeleteHowever, the small updates are CONSISTENT with the many marketing articles earlier that said JCrew (and others) were going to decrease inventory.
Since most retailers were saying they, too, were ordering less and trying to have less overstock, we may be seeing what that looks like.
Just a thought ...
I noticed the same thing! I'm so tired of these games (although my wallet is certainly thankful!)
ReplyDeleteEveryone: Thanks for sharing! It's good to know others are noticing the same thing.
ReplyDeleteProfessor: I hear where you are coming from. The only issue I have is that some items (like the Ikat Halter Dress) that were plenty in stock one day have been completely removed the next. The Ikat Dress wasn't the only item I noticed this happen to either. That is what makes me suspicious. In this case, inventory was *not* low, but quite substantial and then all of a sudden it got pulled.
I have noticed this too - I am thinking it had to do with lower inventory. although I will say that I am majorly annoyed by store prices v online sale prices. The shoes i got (patent pearlized pumps) are on sale online for $125 but still $178 in stores- what is up with that ???
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone else. I remember when J.Crew would only do Final Sale at the end of each season and it was only up for a few weeks, not months and months. J.Crew's fit has become somewhat irratic and if I haven't been able to try it on I won't chance it with Final Sale.
ReplyDeleteI'm also waiting for some sort of percentage off coupon to come available instead of free shipping. And a percentage off not attached to getting a credit card. I also remember when they used to send me a $20 off a $100 purchase almost every other month.
Alexis, I am right there with you on the dismal sale section. Much of what I buy is regular price, but like everyone I can be tempted by a well priced sale item.
ReplyDeleteThe few times I had to make return J.Crew was very good. Here's to hoping the sale section will see an influx of items soon.
I so agree with this post and a lot of other JCA's comments. JC don't name it "Fall Sale" if you've only got few select items in limited sizes.
ReplyDeleteI was browsing some new arrivals and from the previous roll outs and amazed at how some items are already sold out in some sizes and how a lot of items are waitlisted. I'm worried about waitlisted items from the past since most of the times my order gets canceled.
I mean Mickey said they want to control inventory so that most customers buy FP, but JC's getting to be real expensive especially since I'm worried about quality issues (i.e. how long is this ruffle/chiffon trim, thin knits, etc. going to last me?).
O/T can anyone comment on the fit of the Printed antique-ruffled top (17338), TTS or SD? TIA!
I've been doing most of my shopping at BR, AT and Macys. J. Crew's prices are just too high. I have a few things in my cart, but I really want a 20-percent off. What the hell? I don't understand why J. Crew doesn't at least offer private sale codes to card holders such as moi and many of you. This company is not customer friendly.
ReplyDeleteOT for this topic but mentioned earlier:
ReplyDeleteI too like Boden but don't order much because they don't have petite sizes.
I sent an email to customer service yesterday asking about petite sizes and received this response less than twenty four hours later:
"You are certainly not alone in making this request, so there is good chance that this will happen at some point in the future. There are clearly a lot of customers out there with the same dilemma. However, due to the costs involved it does require a slow and careful planning process."
The girls' sale section is looking pretty sad. It all fits on one page. I can really only justify buying my daughter crewcuts on sale, but even what is available seems to be rpiced quite high with poor selection.
ReplyDeleteI was told by the associates at my B&M back in 2007 to not expect sale items anymore. They were told by corporate that JCrew was going to significantly reduce the number of items offered on sale. I still continued to see sales, though, and never thought much of it. Slowly over the past 2 years, there has been a big reduction in inventory resulting in the fewer number of sale items that I was warned about! I've since moved and my local B&M doesn't even have a sale section!
ReplyDeleteI agree that the sale section is dismal, and likely for all the reasons mentioned (final sale over, free shipping offers, low inventory). I stopped in a B&M yesterday, and spoke with manager. I asked if she knew if there would be a Mickey card next month or sometime soon, and she said it would be unlikely. Compared to last fall and even this spring, the inventory has decreased on all new items they receive in-store, so they can't even keep enough inventory in-store to have an offer like that. She did say that there would be a new roll out on the floor this Tuesday! Woo hoo!
ReplyDeleteThe inconsistant approach to sale items is very frustrating. I feel manipulated as a customer, and this is really turning me off to the brand. I think the bottom line for me is this: I am still buying stuff from J. Crew, but I am avoiding the overly trendy/costly pieces in favor of basics: Perfect Fit tees, painter tees, merino sweaters, wool pants, suiting pieces, and tights. My love affair with J. Crew's cashmere is over, largely due to the poor quality and bizarre and ever-changing sizing problems. AT, ATL, Boden, and even F21(!!!)are getting more and more of my business as of late. Sorry, J. Crew.
ReplyDeleteI am in complete agreement regarding the so-called Fall Sale. So frustrating to see only a couple of fall items on sale, not to mention the fact that more and more of the full price merchandise these days seems to be flying off the website, only to return months later, still at full price. I can't recall if the Ikat Halter dress was marked down before it disappeared but either way I have a feeling it will pop back up come resort season...
ReplyDeleteOn a good note I visited the 45th & Madison store in NYC yesterday and they had a bin full of the Cashmere three-quarter sleeve cardigans (item 18886) in several colors. They were marked $99.99 and rung up as such, but since I pointed out that they were $69.99 online I was able to get mine for that price. The pale apricot is really pretty in person :)
BTW if you ever see something cheaper on the website and tell an associate at your B&M, they do price match! Thank goodness for that.
I kind of wonder whether they'll keep a lot of past merchandise completely off the site until *after* the holidays, to encourage us to buy full price current merchandise (inventory strategy), and then to spend our holiday gift certificates on things we can't return... clearly, they know how to manipulate their customers and make them hungry for a decent sale.
ReplyDeletei think they're removing things from the sale section to make us think things are selling out at FP and that we have to buy at full price. I remember we also used to be able to search for items, even if they weren't in the sale section, like "coat" and last yr's coats would come up at a significant markdown. last time i tried that nothing came up. i think they are getting rid of that b/c they don't want us buying last yr's coat at 99.99 rather than a new coat for $320.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely disappointed in the sale section, particularly in the skirts and shoes.
ReplyDeleteSorry to be so OT but I'm wondering if any Canadian JCAs can tell me whether or not it is a hassle to get refunded for duty if you return something to JC (shipping via Canadian Post). I will have to pay a ton of duty on an order that I have now decided I don't want so I am just wondering how much trouble it will be to get it back.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone ever refused shipment? I wonder if it gets sent back to JC more or less promptly or whether it gets lost in oblivion.
Yes, I noticed the same thing, Cass. A week or two ago they "swept" the various categories of things from last year. I had been looking at a blazer/jacket that had popped back for a couple of weeks, thinking that it looked better to me than any of the new offerings. It had been available in four sizes one day, and the next, poof!
ReplyDeleteHaving stuff lying around on the site for over a year doesn't send the message of "buy now at full price" or "take advantage of the first discount."
I was interested in the comment made by the anchor during the CNBC interview with Mickey, that she had rediscovered JC this spring and now half of her wardrobe was JC. Perhaps these (customers who have means but also are increasingly money conscious, so they are buying JC instead of luxury brands) are the ones buying stuff up at FP. In any case, I am feeling a bit alienated as a customer by the games and also by the styles.
Thanks to everyone who responded to my Boden question yesterday. Their site (including ballpark stock numbers), and spelled-out CS policies, are a breath of fresh air.
gumdrops, I refused shipment a few weeks back on a preorder I had cancelled but that shipped anyway. I was no problem at all, and quickly processed on the other end. But I am in the US. HTH.
ReplyDeleteYes, I've been having problems with the sale portion of the website as well. I was looking at Jackie cardigans (in the nonsale part of the site) and some were marked down but they would disappear from minute to minute. Then, they appeared in the Sale section, but full price. I've always had problems with J. Crew's website though--I've made 4 or 5 online orders in the past 6 months and only 1 appears on the website.
ReplyDeleteGumdrops --> Good question. I've never returned a full order, so I can't say whether duty is refunded 100%. It should be, IMO -- whatever you were charged is what you should get back on your credit card.
ReplyDeleteI placed an order the other day and the tax (duty) was an additional $90. Which is why free shipping (a measly $23 for me) is pretty useless compared to a 20% off promo.
or is it because there are less items returned because they were Final Sale so there is little inventory to update.
ReplyDeleteGundrops: I have never refused a shipment, however I would not trust Canada Post to return the shipment, alot of parcels get mysteriously lost with them. If you paid duty to J Crew when you ordered they will refund you, if you have to pay it to CP you have to apply to get your refund back. I UPS everything back to them I usually get refunded with 5 days.
It's pretty disappointing to see so little available in the sale section. I have the same view as Professor, the changes in inventory are having their effect now. I also think that the B&Ms are keeping the stock in their sale sections and not shipping back to the warehouse because overall inventory is low in stores as well and they don't want bare racks. JMO since I don't visit every store.
ReplyDeleteNot sure what to make of last year's stock suddenly disappearing though. I bought two 2008 coats this summer and there were several other items I was considering too, which are now all gone. Maybe they will end up at the sample sales as a way of having a clearance sale.
I am very disappointed with the sale items and promos lately. I am a huge J. Crew fan and if I absolutely need to, I will buy an item full price every once in a while.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I REALLY look forward to the extra discounts, and there haven't been any goods ones lately. Even the sale items for EXTRA20 a few weeks ago sucked.
Last winter I recall multiple EXTRA discounts in a row. I got about $1,000 worth of cardigans already on sale for about $300 with the EXTRA30. I feel like J. Crew is heading in some kind of direction that will prevent them from ever having good sales again. I'm very concerned.
I got my rewards card today! With free shipping ending tomorrow, does that mean new things will be online Thursday? I need a holiday party skirt...
ReplyDeleteJules: My PS told me that almost all of the things I pre-ordered from the Holiday Collection preview will be available on November 4th.
ReplyDeleteMarketing games, marketing games, and tricks for us who want treats!
ReplyDeleteWell, I agree that the sale section is rather sparse, but I did take advantage of the FS to get a couple of items I've had my eye on -- the Hammered Metal skirt and the strapless Lorelei dress. I also got the crackled gold Spencer heels -- some friends encouraged me to get them, but I'll have to see when they arrive.
ReplyDeleteI think that there is no strategy, the popbacks were a glitch in their inventory system and now they got it fixed ... I think that we should all start to realize that when a sale item is gone, is gone for real. The few updates that we are seeing are probably just returns, otherwise they wouldn't be gone by the end of the day. And they probably pulled off all the merch from last winter because seriously, who's going to buy a $300 coat when we can get a very similar one from last year for a third of the price? Just my two cents ...
ReplyDeleteThe silk lumiere cami went back up to full price, $78, after being in the sale section for weeks at $59.99. All I can figure is that they're going to put it in final sale when that comes along. Someone said that the fabric was itchy. Does anybody know?
ReplyDeleteWhatever is happening, they're making money. The business press seems to indicate that their profits are better than the other clothing lines. So say what you will about F21, BR, Boden, etc.
Hey, if anyone wants to see a good film about the people who sew F21, check out "Made in LA."
They have to be calling it "fall sale" like department stores call it a Columbus Day event. No Columbus or fall items on offer, just the reason is the season, I guess. I'm a bit pissy at the Crew right now. There's just no way I'll be fully retrained as a full price shopper, and cutting the sale section will just make me find my bargains elsewhere!!! My last two orders had a cancelled item, two defective items, and a couple tops that fall under the "random sizing" category. I am only, out of thirteen items from two orders, really, really jubilant about one thing, the libretto necklace I bought in dusty blossom- it's absolutely gorgeous! The thing is, I'd never have paid full price for it, even as much as I'm in love with it. And loving this one item can't make me overlook the tee that has it's embellishment falling off or the dress with half the ruffles tacked down and the other half wandering aimlessly around my chest. Half or more of what I got is going back tomorrow, and while part of me hopes to find sale goodies to spend the money on, the other part is just getting fed up. I hate having to try on each tiny thing like simple tees, which I've been buying from JC for a more than a decade and should be able to buy blind. I'd like to be the one to do the retraining, but on JC! Stop making things that fall apart or are bizarro world sizes, get rid of final sale altogether, offer the full complement of sizes in all items, and DRUG TEST THE SHIPPING DEPARTMENT!!! ( After I got an empty box last year, I'll always be skeptical of their sobriety.) And the web design should be up to par with Boden, Anthro, etc.
ReplyDeleteOK, rant over. I'll be calming myself down by staring at my sparkly Libretto and matching it up with things I bought in the last couple years.
Cheesy Goodness: An empty box? Wow. I think we at JCA have now read it all...crazy!
ReplyDeleteRewards card arrived today (Pac NW).
ReplyDeleteCheesygoodness: I received an empty box last year too! Missing all 10 items I ordered, and sold out by the time I received the box, so completely unreplaceable. I'm glad I wasn't the only one. When I called CS, they were speechless when I told them, actually to the point that I think they though I was lying. In the end, I had all money refunded.
ReplyDeleteCheesyGoodness -- enjoyed your "rant." I can't top an empty box -- unbelievable! I have received items that I never ordered, however. This has happened about 5 times in the past few months. I've been ordering from J. Crew for several years, and it's only been this past year that I've started to have problems with my orders. You're right -- some drug testing is in order the shipping department! BTW, I recently picked up the the libretto necklace in dusty blossom, and like you, I'm in love! I can't wait to wear it.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that this started a couple days before Final Sale. It's been driving me nuts. I am over the games and have been shopping at BR and Ann Taylor b/c I have 40% off coupons. I won't pay full price for J. Crew.
ReplyDeletelove2shop, your bad experience tops mine, big time! TEN things, now that's incredible. My empty was just one big thing, a purse. And the funny thing is the UPS label must have been preprinted because it had the weight printed on it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the commiseration, you guys. Noone in my "real" life feels my JC pain.
Cheesy: I just hate it when they cancel the order after you've been waiting and often makes you miss out in other deals. I know what you mean about having to try everything you get to see if there are any defects or how it fits. I too have had so many defective items in the past few months. I've also had sizes messed up it my order. I don't think the receiving department checks sizes or shipping dept checks what they are sending out. I've had wrong sizes sent to me several times, sometimes the label said XS, but the tag said S.
ReplyDeleteAlso what's up with putting something for sale and then changing back to FP (recently the Tortoise skirt)?
I seem to remember their CEO talking a few times about managing inventory better during this recession and doing all they can to force people to by full price, not on sale. This may be a little of what we're seeing.
ReplyDeleteAt the store this weekend there were some great deals - so happy I didn't purchase some of the jewelry I wanted when it was full price. Bracelets at $4-$7.
OT: Has anyone tried on this skirt at Ann Taylor Loft before? I'm thinking about buying it but am not quite sure about the fit. Any advice would be appreciated. TIA.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=20924&N=1200042&categoryId=3364&Nr=AND(CAT_CLEARANCE_FLAG:Y)&Ns=CLEARANCE_SEQUENCE_NO&viewAll=true&defaultColor=Black&defaultSizeType=Petite
Michelle: I tried that skirt on and left it, because I am curvy with thicker thighs and the tulip shape just wasn't doing me any favors. I think some JCAs would rock it, but I think that if you have some curves you might want to try it on in-store before committing. HTH!
ReplyDeleteI am hoping for some opinions/reviews on a couple of items. Has anyone tried the stadium cloth boulevard trench in a larger size? I need a 10 for the bust room and I'm wondering of the issues with tight sleeves have been resolved. Can anyone comment on the fit of this coat in a larger size?
ReplyDeleteCan anyone also comment on the latest Jackie twinsets? I'm interested in the dried orchid and pink frost colors, are they pretty true to the catalog/web? How do the sweaters feel and fit this season?
Thanks so much for any help.
Thanks Liliac cupcake! I called customer service and it's actually not a final sale item like I initially thought so I bought a couple sizes to try on :)
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I've made an online order from ATL...don't know how often I'll shop online since their shipping costs are as bad, maybe even worse than j. crew's (if you can believe it)
This is off-topic, but I must say, so many of you all have the most darling photos on-line. I am particularly struck by Cheesygoodness, Pixelant and Rosa. They made me smile.
ReplyDeleteMichelle: I tried that ATL skirt on as well, and I also did not purchase it. I tried two sizes on and both did not flatter me at all. My body type is more straight (i.e., no defined waist), and the skirt puckered quite a bit. Gingersnap has it and wears it in one of her fashion posts...check out her blog. HTH!
ReplyDeleteShuLvr: I just got the new jackies in dried orchid, pink frost, and sweet papaya. I also ordered them in my usual JC size (I usually don't size up in the Jackies). The color of the pink frost and dried orchid IMO is pretty true to the web. I haven't checked the catalog yet. However, the sweet papaya is MUCH brighter and electric/neon. It really is more of the sweet papaya that the scattered petals tank came in, but it looks so much more shocking in a sweater/cotton though. I thought the sizing of these Jackies was a little more generous than previous seasons/colors. I am still happy with the size though, and if anything, they are a bit more breathable and definitely not considering sizing up. HTH!
OT: There are two other non-web/catalog jackies in-store. One is CPI (Crisp pink? very vibrant - a cross between the current sweet papaya and the bright fuchsia from spring) and another pale ivory version. I can't remember the color code, but it deifintely isn't online and it's not buff pink or champagne. It is a very pale beige mix with ivory.
Oh thank you Rip-A-Roo. That's my little baby dog in her Halloween outfit. She hates it, but she looks so adorable!
ReplyDeletelove2shop4bags - thanks for your review of the Jackies. The latest colors are great this season, so many to choose from that I'll have to pace myself. :)
ReplyDeleteShuLvr: I know what you mean...me too. Of those three jackies, I am only going to keep the pink frost. The sweet papaya was a definite no, and cool colors like the dried orchid don't look as well with my complexion. I have a few sweaters in cool shades of purple anyways. Also, the pink frost is just the perfect shade of pink...not too pale but not too deep or vibrant, so it stands out as pink but not overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteI also had many defective items this year, im addition to receiving items tagged with the wrong size. I am soo tired of this, I have cut down my shopping with JC. I look at other retailers first before ordering from JC.
ReplyDeleteoooh i'm so addicted to Jackies. I have a medium brown one that i got on sale this summer (not sure the official color name, haven't seen it in stores or online lately) and I just purchased the "weathered stone" but i have my eye on the orchid one...but I tend to look better in warmer colors too so that's something to think about!
ReplyDeleteI got a one-time use 40% code from BR today. It's for regular priced single item today only...and guess what!
ReplyDeleteAll the cute and lower priced scarves, bags, jewelry are not available. They are still showing on the web but you can't select because they are not available. I think they are learning from J Crew. This is so wrong... I was going to buy something I don't need because I hate to waste a coupon...but thanks I'm not buying anything
I agree with the limited selection. Oh, well I have saved money, or maybe I have just spent it somewhere else J Crew.
ReplyDeleteI think we all remember last year's Turkey and Hohoho promos. It was such a bonanza (can't believe I used that word:) The sale section was stocked well and with these doscount codes you could get amazing things. Now as the same time of year comes around I agree with everyone, I have stopped checking the sale section everyday lately, and I somehow doubt we can look forward to something exciting like last year's deals... :( Don't they know we'll shop more in the end if there was more choice, including an abundantly restocked sale section and the anticipation of frequent rewards. I mean I am not a business or shopping analyst, just one of many who used to buy lots and now hardly any....Oh and the empty boxes. That is awful...?!
ReplyDeleteI'm annoyed because I waited for the sale to purchase the Eden blazer in dark blossom. But, they raised that color back to full price. And today, I saw that they raised the price of all colors of the Eden back to full price.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to order it, but not at full price. I'm holding out for a better promotion.