A big "thanks!" to Girlification of Jules (in this post) who shared the following:OMG - I just got a gift from J Crew - Heirloom Flora earrings. It came with a cardboard folder that says "We hope you enjoy this gift (just our little way of saying thank you)" and a card (like a rewards card) that has "a number to call your own..." and a toll-free number on it. It didn't come with free shipping, but it does say at the bottom of the folder "PS keep an eye out for emails introducing our special benefits." My husband asked "Why did they send you that?" I said "because I spend too much money"."Thanks!" to many of you who also shared this fantastic news about getting the Heirloom Flora Earrings (Item 19493; $45.00), including: JCrewJunkie; Geneva; Lisa; Danielle; cortney_joy & Ruffles (in this post); ShuLvr (in this post); as well as audreybella, Victoria, Tamara, & Angie (in this post).
"Thanks!" to Geneva for also sharing the image above. Also, "thanks!" to RatsOnParade (in this post) who shared images of the gift J.Crew sent to customers over at her blog (refer to her "Aw shucks, J.Crew. You shouldn't have!" post).
J.Crew has sent gifts to its customers in the past, ranging from necklaces to scarves to wallets. I think it's a wonderful marketing move (to treat customers) on J.Crew's part.And of course, check your mailbox to see if you got something special! :)
i'm wondering if they are sending these to some customers and just the card to others. I got the card with the VIP number, but not the earrings. Boo! I'm envious! :)
ReplyDeleteI've been JC card holder for 7 yrs and have yet to receive any gift from them. I haven't received their VIP card and not even a Mickey card this year. What a way to treat their loyal customers? If I didn't know JCA blog, I would have never known about some of these gifts JC has been sending.
ReplyDeleteIt's my birthday and BR sent me a gift card to spend. Woohoo!
It looks like I am out of the loop of the gift giving! I did get a free shipping card that is good through October 11th...but no earrings! :::cries:::
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI'm a silver cardholder and it means nothing. No birthday perk. No free shipping. No private sale. It's not private if everyone has access to the code. It should be a crewpon that has a personal code on it. Some should be multiple use and some should be one-time only. Once in while I wish I hadn't opened the card. Yes, there are the "rewards" but they are pretty much on lockdown with their quarterly system. You have to wait until the quarter ends, which I understand. But then they expire within 45 days. Also -- if I didn't have a PS, I wouldn't be invited to any of the store events. In contrast, I could go on and on about the beauty of being a Banana Republic Luxe cardholder. Truly private sales. Truly private events. Free shipping. Birthday perk. Rewards with a 1-year expiration date. And so on...
ReplyDeleteI spoke to CS yesterday because I was trying to find out the status of a waitlisted item that I ordered earlier in the year and she mentioned that I placed 60+ orders between January and May (I'm ashamed!) so she was having a difficult time finding it. I haven't spent that much money lately, but I still have never received catalogs, free shipping offers, Mickey cards, gifts, etc. and I'm a cardmember! I do wonder what their rhyme and reason is behind their perks. It's frustrating!
ReplyDeleteBoo, I got just the card with the VIP number. Is there anyone out there who received both the free shipping card and then (separately) the earrings? I want to know if I should give up hope on the gift or if I may still have a chance.
ReplyDeleteI actually hope they don't send me earrings. I cannot wear metal and I'm sure they won't send platinum :)
ReplyDeleteA necklace I can wear outside of my shirt though...
I wonder if jcrew does this so that he can get the jcrew chatter going (especially when things get a bit drab around here, etc.) I'm sure some big brother gets a kick out of stirring the pot. Why else would they reward a few and not others?
ReplyDeleteNever conclude there is no rhyme or reason.
ReplyDeleteIn consumer marketing, it's carefully thought out. Not transparent, but nonetheless reason-driven.
Congratulations to all earring receivers!
I did receive the earrings and card with the VIP phone number--a nice surprise. No free shipping, though...and I did not receive the note cards that were sent out a few months ago. It seems impossible to understand or predict these decisions by JC!
ReplyDeleteI forgot to say--the entire thing came in a white box. Inside was a gift box with a grosgrain ribbon around it, containing the earrings. The note, with the VIP phone # card enclosed, was under the grosgrain ribbon on top of the package.
ReplyDeleteAw, what a fun perk! I love that they do this for random people. I'm sure it'd be nice if they did it for everyone, but I'm sure they have a reason for picking who they did.
ReplyDeleteJust curious, but did this only happen for cardmembers? I'm against opening up new cards at stores just to keep my credit healthy. But I've been contemplating it lately given how cute their fall stuff is and the uptick in my jcrew spending (especially given my lack of interest in all of BR's 2009 stuff...).
I got their free shipping + 10% off coupon in a catalog they sent me, which I thought was weird b/c I asked them to stop sending me catalogs since I look at everything online and my mailbox is tiny (but I don't mind one with a coupon in it!). Does make me curious how they pick people for their promos!
Congrats to everyone who received the earrings, they really are quite lovely. :)
ReplyDeleteOoh, for the first time, a giftie that I'd really like. Though I spend a lot at JC as a % of my disposable income, I'm sure that it's nowhere near enough to merit a tangible reward like this.
ReplyDeleteOh well, I did receive the free shipping with log-in (which is still working for me). It would be interesting to know how they allocate little these little bonuses.
Congrats to the lucky giftees! The earrings are really pretty. I haven't gotten any surprises from JC, no note cards or FS deals, but I'm glad that at least some people are getting them. Hopefully there will be a big send out of red cards or the equivalent soon, so more of us can bask in the JC love.
ReplyDeleteCurious -- are those who received the card and/or earrings JC Credit Card holders? Or are regular Joes getting them too?
ReplyDeleteI'm totally envious, I've spent about $3,000 on JC since May, I'd love to receive a little "thank you"!
i entirely echo gigi and professor's comments...
ReplyDeletewhile i've only been a JC cardholder for less then a year, i spend...and i spend big. we're talking lace tiered camis, french serge opera coats and other assorted overpriced items. i'm a sucker for the collection items and clearly a sucker for jc in general!
however, i have yet to recieve any special perks of being a cardholder--no gifts, no free shipping codes, no coupons stuck in my catalog (heck, i didn't even get a catalog this month!) on top of it all, apparently i'm a 'preferred' cardmember (whatever that means?!)
i agree with professor--there's definitely a method to their madness and i hardly think these perks are randomly given out.
i've complained several times to CS, but so far it's got me nowhere and after the next quarterly rewards are handed out, i might think twice about being a jc cardmember!
like gigi mentioned, other shops such as BR luxe, are fantastic--not only do they offer fantastic perks, but they are equally doled out (my luxe member friends and i always receive the same perks--gotta love equality!)...i just wish i enjoyed BR apparel as much as JC!
not going to stop shopping JC, but not as sure about keeping my card open! at least then i will know why i'm not receiving these special extras!
Congratulations to all those who got goodies!
ReplyDeleteI am a silver cardholder since 2004 who spends a little too much. But since they updated their system last year, I hardly even receive an email from JCrew. They no longer send me any promos. I have given up trying to update my details. It is like I dont exist for them except when I receive my JCrew Card statement!
So, I dont expect to receive this or any future promotions from them.
I received the earrings and the card along with a special credit card that has a special 1800 number and log in to jcrew for free shipping...I was happy to get the gift but know I spend way tooo much $$ at Jcrew!
ReplyDeleteI have a silver card. I got the earrings this time, and maybe the purpose is to "gift" customers intermittently, to get us talking and feeling like we're missing something if we're not the chosen few. I certainly have felt that way! Seems like it simply makes loyal customers feel BAD vs. reliable benefits like BR luxe etc. as Gigi said. Even Land's End gives me free shipping every single time! It's nice of JC, but those other perks are actually worth more over time than one pair of costume jewelry earrings.
ReplyDeleteCliquot: I am a card member and I've also been spending way too much at J.Crew as of late. I remember last holiday season receiving the luggage tag and someone mentioned you have to be on a whole other tier to get to the scarf level. One can only imagine what that must be!
ReplyDeleteCliquot - I am not a cardholder and I received the card with free shipping.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to those who received the earrings.
So, is this what's getting mailed instead of the 25% off card? B/c I'd rather have 25% than free shipping. Not that I'm not grateful, b/c I am - the fs saved me on the toothpick jeans! :)
I have been a J. Crew cardholder for nearly 10 years and have never received any of these fancy gifts or special offers either, and I have definitely given them lots of my business!
ReplyDeleteI am a silver cardholder, too, and I did not receive the gift, or the free shipping perk.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure how much you have to spend to get gifts, but I'm guessing it's at least $1000/month. I have a friend who spends about that, maybe she got the earrings. I never asked her if she received the note cards.
ReplyDeleteSilver card member for 4 years and have had the JCrew credit card for 8 years. No special perks or gifts....I agree with GigiofCA. Other companies give great perks to all card members that are special. JCrew's method just breeds ill will towards them!
ReplyDeletejcrew1985
ReplyDeleteI used to spend more than the amount per month that you listed-for over 2 years in fact. I have never once gotten a special gift and I am a card holder for many years. Recently though, in the past few months, I have cut back of my own desire, to spending a couple of hundred (to nothing last month) per month.
Would love to hear about the earrings...had been thinking of ordering them! How do they look? Feel? How big are they? Would they be worth the $? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all who received the earrings! What a nice surprise to find in your mailbox. :)
ReplyDeleteOT: I made a quick stop by my B&M in Orlando today and it was really busy. They had the Contrast stitch perfect shirt in a size 2 and 4 if anyone is still looking for one. I finally saw the Perfect Pencil skirt in Bright Blue, which must have been an online return. The color isn't as nice IRL as it is online (IMO) and it's no longer on my wishlist after seeing it in person. I tried on the new graphic tees but didn't get any of them. I did however come home with the new Cupcake tank in the ivory/cream color, as well as the Jaspe hoodie and plan on wearing them together. Also, the Antique Gold Manor bracelet was just marked down to $29.99 in the store today.
I forgot to mention that there isn't anymore Final Sale in the store now. I'm not sure how long this has been going on because I haven't bought anything from the sale section there in quite awhile, but the manager said Final Sale is only for online right now. :)
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY jcmama!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a really nice gesture--congrats to the recipients! I don't expect to receive the earrings, even though I believe I have spent way too much money on JC over the last yr. I have cut down on purchases the last few months...although I was just there last Saturday and spend $400. I'm sure I will not be there again at least until the next collection comes along.
ReplyDeleteThis is pretty cool. Congrats to everyone who got the earrings!
ReplyDeleteI am happier with the free shipping til the 11th, and now my goal is to use $45 worth of shipping, hehe!
I have been a card holder for quite a while and while I do not put every purchase on the card, I do spend way too much at JC. I did receive a 20% off for a month or so card last spring,but that is really the only perk I have ever gotten. And, as I mentioned on another post on another blog...I tried the "update your profile" on the JC site and all it did was wipe out my shopping cart! I still love JC clothes but am starting to wonder if my idea of "way too much is not quite the same as their idea of "enough to get Free Shipping, % off or earrings"! i also wonder if my "return" record is monitored. I often order ride-alongs (when shipping is free for $150 or over)and end up returning half of each order...but the bottom line still adds up!
ReplyDeleteIn contrast, since October is my birthday month, I have recieved coupons good for $10 -$20 off during October at Gap, Victoria's secret, Ann Taylor, and J Jill, etc. Plus I got a 30% off all FP merch at Gap good from Oct 1-5.
Uneven marketing stratagey at best.
Exciting to those who got the earrings! I doubt I will get them because I probably don't spend enough at J Crew. Even though its still my favorite store, I do a lot of buying and returning, LOL! But I did get the VIP card and free shipping so who knows how they decide who gets what.
ReplyDeleteWow, looks like we have a lot of October bdays here! I also got a nice $15 gift card from BR to spend on this month. It's not a lot but its a really nice gesture. I wish JCrew did that!
I was so surprised to get the VIP card and a sterling silver tie clip yesterday. Quite nice indeed! Thanks Mickey!
ReplyDeleteMickey- where is the love??? Congrats to all those who received the special treat. I am a cardholder and the SA at my B&M let it slip that I am in the top ten customers for sales in their store- yet alas, my mailbox remains EMPTY.
ReplyDeleteOT - Pearl cluster necklace (14503) on sale for $75.
ReplyDeleteNo gifts or gift cards for me. Hey JB, that tie clip sounds great; maybe I'll get lucky and get one.
ReplyDeleteTo all of those who did enjoy and maybe the rest of us will get lucky next time.
Hey guys -- I got a pair of the earrings too and I was very touched, especially since I've never received anything from in the past. I remember being slightly envious of those who got the ribbon necklaces last fall!
ReplyDeleteHowever, I'm probably not going to wear the earrings much, and from the comments here, I think some people who did not receive them would appreciate them more than I do. So I thought I would give them away if anyone is interested -- please just visit my blog (http://goldenmeans.wordpress.com/) and leave a comment on the relevant post if you want them :)
I'm a card holder and did not receive any gift, toll free number, or FS with no min. either, and don't expect it. Congrats to those who did!
ReplyDeleteI agree that the (more consistent) perks from other retailer cards seem much more attractive than the JC ones. Granted, I probably don't even come near the "tier" for these things if such tiers exist; my JC budget was $500-800/mo, until I cut back in July to about $400/mo. Waaay below what jcrew1985 estimated, but still not chump change to me. I also believe in what professor said - there is method to the madness. Marketing is strategic.
I was surprised to receive the earrings and i can't deny it made me feel special! I've been a cardmember for over a year now and it's just the regular green card. This is the first time i get something from them.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea what the selection process for the gift is but i'm happy to have been included this time.
Congrats to all who received these lovely earrings. I am still a J. Crew newbie and have spent very little money there so I have no expectations of receiving anything.
ReplyDeleteSince I have "so little time in" at J. Crew, I can't speak about their decisions regarding who got them and who didn't. I *can* tell you that Neiman's will send me a gift (a nice one!) when I haven't gone into the store for a while. You see, I have to go in person to pick it up and (I think) they count on people they gift buying something else while they're there.
Anyway, I bring this up because I notice that in most of the comments where someone did *not* get the earrings, they *do* say they spend a lot at J. Crew. While those who *did* get the earrings don't say either way. Just curious if J. Crew is trying to bring (what they may perceive as) former customers back into the fold. Would love to hear from commenters, who got earrings, if this might be why certain people got them.
Carole
sasy.com
http://thirtyselvedge.blogspot.com/2009/10/thanks-mickey.html
ReplyDeleteApparently women aren't the only people getting gifts from corporate! (note - the above link is not my blog)
sasyone - I did get the earrings and have been spending a lot lately. I lost 15 pounds since Feb. and needed all new pants - denim, shorts, chinos, work pants etc. I also got a campo messenger bag and some metropolitan suede booties so that is a lot right there. Plus I needed some new tops and sweaters to go with all those pants... And my husband sometimes gets tees there which go on my card too.
ReplyDeleteI received the earring and was very surprised. This time last year I was ordering up a storm. Around June I cut myself off, and besides a $2.00 charge (to my J Crew card) I have not been back. I think it was their way to say "we've missed you (and your spending habits) here's an example of what you've been missing."
ReplyDeletei'm wondering Alexis if you've recieved this thank you gift from J.Crew because if anyone deserves one it's definetly YOU!
ReplyDeleteSofia: Aw thanks! Unfortunately, I was not chosen to get the earrings or the free shipping (with no min) offer. However, I am very happy for those who did!!! :) (I do think its a good marketing move to surprise clients with those offers.)
ReplyDeleteAlthough, I did get sent a September (not October) catalog last week with a one time free shipping code offer that already expired two weeks earlier (September 6th)! Weirdly enough, I was happy I even got the older catalog. LOL!
To be completely honest, I believe J.Crew views this blog as a thorn on their side. So I don't hope for much love from J.Crew to me. ;)
i got the earrings + the card and i'm a JC cardholder. one thing i'm curious is do they have many "types" of card level? like silver, gold, etc...mine is silver.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday JCMama and all the October birthday JCAs!!! :)
ReplyDeleteltjie - There are 2 levels on the card; green & silver. You can read more about the cards on JCA here and here
ReplyDeleteI just received the earrings and VIP card :) I am a silver card holder, and I will just say that I am a very active spender. I was very touched to receive the earrings, and I am very impressed with how pretty they are in person. I thought they would be too heavy, but they are not. They have some weight, but it's a less than what I would expect. The size is great too ... not too big and not too small (I am very picky about wearing large earrings; I don't think I pull it off easily). They add just enough sparkle to any outfit :) I will be keeping these!
ReplyDeleteI am on the West Coast and just recvd the earrings today w/the VIP card. Yay! ITA w/lilaccupcake's description about how pretty they are, lightweight, not too big.
ReplyDeletethanks gigiofca for the card info. my old card was yellow but that was from 17 years ago when i was in college - it was inactive for long time since there were no perks before...but i started using them again from 2 years ago after i was told that you can get points and that's when they sent me the silver right away. i thought the old card just needs to evolve LOL. now i know the difference. thanks again.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I received them today, too. I went ahead and wore them (and my bro took pics). (You can see the pics on my blog.) I also spent some time trying to figure out how I got them (I am assuming the Credit card, but it isn't 100% sure).
ReplyDeleteThey are really pretty, and I did receive a compliment from a stranger already, so if viral marketing is the ultimate goal, J. Crew is actually doing a smart thing. :) Just my two cents.
I received the card today (I'm on the west coast), which doesn't leave a very big window for taking advantage of the the free shipping benefit. Fortunately, I'd already used the free shipping option when it popped up on my account last week. Ordinarily I'd be pleased to be included in the mailing at all but know that I've heard about the earrings I feel left out, LOL. I used to think that I spend a lot at JC but I really can't compare to some of the other JCAs :-) Enjoy the earrings!
ReplyDeleteMonday's mail: Earrings! I have the loveliest jewels dangling from my ears--in the exact colors I've been wearing this year. {Sigh.}
ReplyDeleteFor those looking for data (which I am convinced we won't be able to accurately interpret): I have the JCrew silver credit card, use it a lot, got the stationery earlier this year, still get the catalogs regularly. Also received the VIP card.
As a teacher, I could not have had a worse 2 weeks, so this is so utterly welcome.
However, I'm in the group of JCAs that will be loyal because I love the clothes, the styling, and feel I'm getting a deal from JCrew with the price (plus educator's discount). I am utterly grateful for the rewards I get for every $500 I spend, which is why I have the JCrew card. I simply don't enjoy BR and the GAP or Ann Taylor, though I love those clothes on others.
Thanks again, Alexis, for creating this special place to share JCrew enthusiasms and thoughts.
I opened up my mailbox today and was happy to find the free shipping card! Unfortunately, the free shipping expires on the 11th so it doesn't give me much time to use it.
ReplyDeleteOh, this is totally weird - What fell out of my mailbox today ? TWO white boxes - for a minute I was confused and then I remembered - they must be from J Crew and sure enough - one was addressed to me, the other to my husband...hmmmmmm....and inside - both boxes - the earrings!!!!! No rhyme or reason, really. My husband never shops at J Crew, but does have a credit card in his name, I'm a great customer and always uses the card with his name, but the second box was addressed to me! Go figure! The worst part? I bought the earrings as soon as they came out because I loved them so much. Now to chose the lucky girlfriends who will own them tomorrow!!!
ReplyDeleteOK- Mickey showed me the love! The ribbon-tied box with the pretty earings arrived today (Midwest) with the VIP card. It put a smile on my face.
ReplyDeleteI'm on the west coast and my earrings arrived today! Yay!
ReplyDeletejust got a silver tie clip (very nice) and vip card in the mail today... the packaging even showed lots of class.. i was blown away to get such a nice gift, but must admit to spending much too much with JC this year...
ReplyDeleteI also got the earrings today. I was surprised to get the gift because I am not a cardholder and I did not even get the ribbon necklace last year which J.Crew sent out for some JCAs. Although I don’t usually wear earrings, it is a nice surprise:) Thank you J.Crew for this lovely gift!!
ReplyDeleteLadolcevida -- I'd be happy to take a pair of those earrings off your hands if need be! ;)
ReplyDeleteStill no earrings...but I was in AT today (using my birthday $15 off coupon!) and when the SA asked for my e-mail and I gave my usual answer of" I'm already receiving your e-mails" she said that I should always give it when checking out as they "reward" those who shop and update their e-mail addresses. If JC has a similar policy, that could be key to why I have not received the FS or earrings! I did not buy anything at JC today...only looked. The Fleur de lis tee was the only newish item that caught my eye!
ReplyDeleteyea! I found this special gift from JC in my mailbox this morning! I would never spend money on earrings (I'm more of a Forever 21 kind of girl when it comes to fashion earrings) so I'm really excited to add these to my JC collection!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a cardholder and I haven't spent much on J Crew this year and I got the earrings and card. I don't wear earrings -- Would anyone like them? Since I didn't pay anything for them, if you'd like them, then email me with your address and I'll ship them to the first person I get email from (at no charge - must be a U.S. shipping address) lwaldal at otivo dot com
ReplyDeletelwaldal, you have mail!!
ReplyDeleteI got the earrings yesterday and I am surprised, because I have completely ceased all purchases from J Crew until 2010 (I go in spurts). I also got the notecards a few months ago. I think they like when you're on a spurt and they want to convince you to keep going, not take a break. I have the silver card and while the gifts are great, I would love some bennies like the Nordstrom card comes with.
ReplyDeleteI got mine today with the VIP card and they are so pretty!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I lost any hope that I was going to get these earrings! However, after a realllllyyyy long day at work, I arrived home to a super suprise! The earrings were wrapped quite lovely, and included a card with the "VIP" telephone #. Aw, JC, you shouldn't have! :-)
ReplyDeleteSo, if you haven't received them, hold out some hope! I'm in MD, BTW.
I received mine today as well--they are so pretty! And I totally wasn't expecting them since I believe I slowed down over the last few months.
ReplyDeleteThis honestly makes me so angry. I did not receive either a VIP card OR a gift, and I've placed literally dozens of orders this year alone - one of which was FOR THESE EARRINGS which now everyone has, for free. I've been talking about writing to corporate for awhile and I'm finally going to do it, to explain why they are losing my business. This is the last straw for me.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI came home today and found the box with the earrings from J.Crew waiting for me. I am really surprised because I didn't think they would arrive this late in the week, but it appears that some of the packages are still in transit.
ReplyDeletei received the earrings yesterday - first gift from jcrew besides the (lovely) 25% cards last year!
ReplyDeleteFor the data people: i have a physically green card but I think my statement says silver, I use it for all purchases in store and online. peak of spending was probably late fall/winter almost a year ago.
Congrats to all those who received the earrings this week!!! It's exciting to hear that customers are still receiving them. And it makes me hopeful that *maybe* J.Crew will send a pair my way too. {fingers crossed!}
ReplyDeleteI got my free earrings today, so now I feel like a jerk for getting mad earlier! I maintain that J.Crew has a very skewed method of selecting who gets what promo however, and that I often feel taken advantage of because of how much I spend without getting the same rewards that infrequent shoppers receive.
ReplyDeleteNow if only I could go back in time and buy the crystal thornbush earrings instead so I wouldn't have 2 pair of heirloom Floras...
I know I am super late on this one, but I just got home from vacation to find the earrings in my mailbox! For everyone's information, I have had a JCrew credit card for 2 years and have only put 2 things on it. I use my mastercard usually and spend about $200 a season (maybe more) so NO IDEA why I got picked! Definitely don't qualify as a "big spender!"
ReplyDeleteFor any JCAs in Canada, I just got a pair of earrings in the mail today!
ReplyDelete