"Thanks!" to many of you, including Desert Flower & Marietta, who shared with us the latest news from J.Crew this morning.J.Crew is reminding us that the offer for 20% off any purchase (sale & regular merchandise) on all orders of $150+ with promo code SUMMER expires tomorrow!
Also, as some of you have noticed, there was quite an update this morning. Not only was there an increase in stock available, but some items have gone down in prices. For some of you with free shipping in your accounts, this offer is fantastic. Congrats! :)
Will you be taking advantage of this promotion before it ends? Are there any items you are interested in getting?
There was a heavy restock in the sale section and a couple new pieces in jewelry I wasn't expecting to be on sale so soon - Trap glass and Prism necklaces.
ReplyDeleteNothing I'm really craving at the moment so I'm skipping this promo.
I am also skipping this promo I just received my Birthday order from last week and the Fatique Safari pants fit totally different from the Pearl ones I received a couple of weeks ago, both were the same size.
ReplyDeletecasual-crew,
ReplyDeleteI HATE when that happens. So sorry about your pants.
Ok, now I'm a little miffed I didn't get free shipping on my account because I would otherwise place an order - I'm further motivated *not* to place one knowing that others won't have to pay for shipping (that's for the benefit of whomever is reading this at j.crew: Listen up, your random favoritism is a turn-off!).
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm a little upset because someone ate all the cookies, so now I sit here with a cup of coffee and nothing to accompany it, lol.
I placed an order, with the free shipping on my account + 20% off promo it was worth it to grab a few sale items.... purchased the Papillon waterfloral pastiche blouse (been waiting for this to go on sale!), Crystal colletto necklace in pale lilac, and the Majesty stone cocktail ring in metallic blush.
ReplyDeleteLa Belle Helene - I'm so sorry that you didn't get FS :-(
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have to laugh at your cookie comment, bc I just put out two boxes of Girl Scout cookies at work, I would totally give you some!
Thanks, Marietta :-) I'm happy for those who did; my beef is with j.crew & a seemingly mindless marketing dept. I mean, we've had so many posts on this: It doesn't matter if you're a cardholder or not, or whether you spend a lot or not ... just, no rhyme or reason.
ReplyDeleteI did take advantage of the restock and new markdowns, but only because I have free shipping on my account. I've been waiting for the Beaded Bazaar Shell to get marked down and took advantage of the additional 20% off promo to order it...can't wait to get it! :)
ReplyDeleteLa Belle Helene,
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain. Have you ever gotten the free shipping on your account the other times? Just wondering how all this works. It does make you feel bad!
Just wanted to say that just because you didn't get the perks doesn't mean the marketing plans/ incentives are "mindless" or without thought as far as J. Crew is concerned...
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteYes, I believe there is a plan behind who gets the perks and who doesn't. I remember the first gift that was sent out: the beaded/stone necklace around Christmas 2008 I think??? It was for JCrew cardholders only. That is the one and only time they did that criteria for a gift. The other gifts and red cards have been for how much $$$ you spend along with other factors I am sure.
I wish they would do another cardholder gift:)
Hey, I've been a JC card holder for 4+ years and have yet to receive ANY gift from them. I had a baby in December 2008 and I did get the RED card but never used it.
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain La Belle Helene. Being left out when others consistently get these offers. No offense to those who got this wonderful offer. I'm happy for you but when you spend $$ with a company for so long you would expect more from them.
I would have totally placed an order this morning but I'm not without free shipping.
Ok, Laura: What's the thought, then?
ReplyDeleteBecause as has been shown on here over and over: It's not based on being a card-holder, it's not based on how much one does or does not spent. So I'm curious to hear what you think is behind their selection criteria?
Genny: I got that fab red card a few years ago, have never gotten anything on my account. And to reiterate: Glad for those who did, just questioning the strategy of a company that does this knowing it will get posted on here & elsewhere on the Internet, meaning people find out they were excluded (because let's face it, the birthday promo proved in spades just how closely jc reads this blog).
FFM - I purchased the Beaded Bazaar Shell when it first came out, but I returned it because the fit was way too boxy on me, plus the stones at the neck were kind of heavy, so the top didn't lay flat. I hope it works out for you, you got a great deal on it!
ReplyDeleteI had just place two $300+ orders when I got the 20% off email. I figured they wouldn't have a problem giving me a price adjustment because my shipments hadn't even arrived yet. When I called the cardholder hotline, they gave me the price adjustment, but they told me it was just this one time, because it wasn't a SALE it was a PROMOTION.
ReplyDeleteIt kind of bothered me because I spend a good amount of money with JCrew, and I had just dropped over 600 bucks DAYS before the "promotion." It makes me afraid to buy stuff at full price. Though then you have to worry about it getting sold out.
I received the JC stretch bistro pants in black and dark pewter from the birthday promo earlier this week. I'm fairly happy with the fit, so I think I'll keep them. The waist and hips are perfect. Although the thighs fit a bit closer than I prefer, the fabric is very stretchy, so I think they'll be fine. They're slightly long, but I want to wash them before I decide whether to hem them in case they shrink a little.
ReplyDeleteMy closet is overflowing and I need absolutely nothing, so I'm skipping this promo. I may pick up a LE Canvas heritage cardi with the LE 30% off promo and my $50 gc from Amex, but otherwise I'm only doing returns this week.
Casual-crew, I also hate when that happens. Hello? Quality control? Doesn't anyone check the measurements during production???
La Belle Helene, I never get free shipping either. They offer me free gift boxes occasionally, but I never accept them. I used to get the red cards regularly but, other than a coupon for 20% off my first personal shopper visit, I haven't received a personal discount in a long time. I haven't even received a catalog lately.
jcrewph,
ReplyDeleteYou should have gotten the necklace if you were a cardholder during the necklace give away. I have been a cardholder since they first offered them many years ago--around 2004 I believe. Anyway I did email and ask about the necklace right when it was being discussed on this blog (maybe it was fall/winter 2007 even) and was told I should have been sent one since I was a cardholder and it was a cardholder only gift. They apoligized and sent me the necklace overnight. That is the only time I ever questioned or asked about any of the gifts as the other ones they have sent out earrings, and journals, etc. etc. were not card holder gifts but based on spending and who knows what else. I do spend a lot but when I read and think about what others do buy/spend from JCrew I know I am no where in that ballpark:)
Jeanne,
ReplyDeleteDon't get me started on the catalogs!! Why did I get them no problem after my recent move this fall for a few months??? Now the last two months--NOTHING!!!
Darn, there are a few new additions to sale which I would gladly order if I'd gotten the free shipping. I guess I'll keep my fingers crossed that they stick around until the next % off sale with FS.
ReplyDeleteI have also never gotten a gift or discount of any sort, and the amount of money I spend at JC varies wildly from month to month. Another JCA posted an email she received from JC basically saying there is no rhyme or reason to who they give these perks too.
Marietta: Thank you for letting me know about the shell. I do hope it works for me since the print is one of my favorites. (I'm actually wearing the Bazaar Tunic dress today). :)
ReplyDeleteGenny: I wouldn't have know about the necklace gift for cardholders if it was not for JCA blog and back then I didn't know about this wonderful blog. :-)
ReplyDeleteI haven't received the two previous catalogs and no coupon or anything.
La Belle Helene, I feel your pain. If I had FS, I would have placed an order this morning with the big site update. As it was, the shipping costs made me hesitate and ultimately not pull the trigger.
ReplyDeleteI've run the gamut of emotions expressed here: happy (but somewhat guilty and worried) when I have been included in a special offer (the red card or FS on my account this past fall); lukewarm when I have been given free boxes and monogramming, or the hotel offer; POed (and a bit embarrassed about it) when I have been excluded entirely. And then, as others have said, I figure that the amount you must have to spend to get all these perks far exceeds my willingness and ability to buy, and on principle I will not sign up for the credit card because of the outrageous APR, and I have had really bad luck with online PSs so I no longer have one, so I think that I am excluding myself in some ways, too.
Anyway, I appreciate everyone's honesty here. The fact is we are all human, and feelings are hurt when we are excluded, especially by our beloved JCrew to whom we are loyal. Maybe the FS offer will be rolling like last fall, and we will be included this next time. We can always hope!
I am still very grateful for the *wonderful* birthday code that recognized Alexis and us all!
I agree with the other thoughts here - the free shipping is a big deal, esp since I think the usual rates are quite high. I did use the birthday promo and really was happy about that.
ReplyDeleteThis is a bit random, but I need some advice! I just picked up the Bridget Poplin dress in soft violet at my B&M on sale..it fits like a glove and I was planning on wearing it to a wedding this weekend (paired with the evening primrose cardigan).
ReplyDeleteBut a friend just told me it's too light to wear to a wedding. Is this true? I've only been to one other wedding before so I'm a little clueless! ACk help!
Kristen, I think your friend may be referring to the old adage that you don't wear white to a wedding. The general principal is you don't want to compete with the bride. I see nothing wrong with wearing a soft pastel like your new dress. You can further distinguish your look by adding accessories like a patterned wrap or cardigan, some jewelry, etc.
ReplyDeleteKristin,
ReplyDeleteThe dress sounds lovely and appropriate for the wedding. As long as it is not white you are fine. Even if it is light colored. The only reason I could see not to wear it if the bridesmaids were wearing the same color as your dress! Hope you have a great time.
I'm a cardholder. And while I've received Rewards Cards, I've never any of the 'gifts' discussed here or on any other J Crew Blog - not a necklace, not stationary, not a tote bag - nada.
ReplyDeleteLilyBart,
ReplyDeleteThere was only one gift ever for just cardholders and I think that was back in fall/winter 2007. So the other gifts were for the big spenders:) Also, I don't think JCrew gave all the cardholders gifts. I think there was some criteria on how long you had had your card and how often you used it.
Desert Flower and Genny- thank you for the advice! The dress is REALLY light..like as light as you can get in the purple hues before becoming white..but I think it'll be OK, especially with the right cardigan and jewelry. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteI too picked up the beaded bazaar shell- I love this print and with this promo I had to have it. I also picked up the trap glass necklace- I LOVE this one! It looks much better on than it does in the case. I had to see it on someone before I even gave it a second thought.
ReplyDeleteI have a theory. I think the marketing department is doing experiments, to see how free shipping affects sales, revenue, etc. They distribute the perk to a random selection of people, card-holders and non-, high spenders and low spenders, etc. Then they see who increases their spending as a result of the offer, and in what demographics. I hope that the info they glean will indicate that they should reduce or remove shipping costs more often. I think it's insulting to say it's a "customer appreciation" promotion when not all customers are appreciated. Just call it what it is-- a random benefit.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, good points, all of them. It's the best explanation I've heard yet.
ReplyDeleteTee hee, I feel like writing to j.crew, "I was going to do you a one-time favor and place an order and pay for shipping, but since you don't appreciate me, I won't."
I'm excited to say that my box o' goodies is sitting on my front porch as we speak! Another 2-day turnaround from Lynchburg to me, and I surely do appreciate it. This one is mostly tees for my son, but I did pack in some painter-type jeans and 2 more colors of the grand ruffle shell as ride-alongs. If I don't love them, they're going back.
ReplyDeleteAlso forgot to mention I snagged the palmera cami in the slate print in-store the other day for $29.99 and I really like it! It fits well, no side zip so it's easy to tuck in, and I've received several compliments already today. Yay!
Laura, I disagree. It *is entirely* random as to how J Crew doles out these perks. Knowing how this stuff works behind the scenes at several large global retailers, I can assure you that if HC had an efficient and effective system in place for managing their marketing and customer loyalty efforts, we wouldn't all be scratching our heads about how it works. Apparently the company thinks it's not a good use of their money. What a shame, because they could REALLY be raking it in if they handled just these 2 areas properly! Not to mention size and style profiling by store, etc.
ReplyDeletePretty sad when places like Kohl's and Wet Seal have these systems in place and the Crew does not! And if they do, then their software is crap and they need to replace it ASAP.
*steps off my usual soapbox*
That's JC, not HC. Bleah. I wish we could edit our posts. lol
ReplyDeleteElaine, I'm sure you're right. Considering the severe and ongoing website issues we've all experienced, I find it very hard to believe JC could possibly have sophisticated tracking software for their marketing department. Highly unlikely.
ReplyDeleteMy PS is trying to find an item for me and if she's successful then I'll take advantage of this offer. Otherwise, even with the sale restock there's nothing too enticing. Too bad because it is a great offer combined with the free shipping on my account.
ReplyDeleteI bought the Delphinia gown on this promo. I may miss it on sale later but I want it for an upcoming event and getting 20-off is decent enough for now. Got the free shipping too so overall a nice deal on a lovely summer gown.
ReplyDeleteI will not be placing an order, too many trips this summer. I did just receive the Ginny dress and I highly recommend it. Love the look and the pockets! It works with a cardi, a jacket, or on its own. I did have to size up, I am assuming due to a larger chest and broad shoulders. I couldn't even get my regular size zipped up!
ReplyDeleteAs to the perks, I received both red cards and FS once on my account, but I've never received any gifts. And, I'm not a card holder. My ps thinks the gifts are linked to how much is spent and then only when/if they track it.
I am long-time card holder and spend what I would consider a decent amount, but obviously not as much as many here. I've never received any gifts, and although I received the red "Mickey" cards I've received only low-end freebies (like gift boxes).
ReplyDeleteOn the one hand, I know that given how much more I'd have to spend to get the earrings I'd be much better off just *buying* the damn earrings. On the other hand, given what is shared on this blog I can't help but feel a little left out out--I'm not as big a spender as some, but I'm a very loyal customer in terms of the percentage of my wardrobe $$ that goes to JC. (Erm, except for the recent dabbling in Talbots.)
Oh well, no shopping for me this month anyway!
I got the Zoey blazer in grey and the Studio blazer in black on your JCA promotion, Alexis!
ReplyDeleteLove them both, very soft and drapey. The Zoey is lightweight and stylish. It doesn't have shape of its own but follows that of the wearer. Hence it looks awful on the mannequin.
Both run tts to slim.
I guess I haven't gotten my "Aficionada" wings yet. I've only been following this blog for a few months, and obviously, I'm missing out on something: What's a red card?
ReplyDeleteI'm a cardholder, and I get the gift cards whenever I spend enough, but I have never gotten a red card. Can someone please explain?
Punkahontas, JC has twice (AFAIK) sent out reusable discount cards for select customers. The cards were good for the entire months of December 2008 and April 2009 respectively, and they were good for either 20% or 25% off the entire purchase (can't remember if they applied to sale items). They were good in-store only and the associates referred to them as the "Mickey" card. Reportedly JC was left with far too much inventory when the economy tanked, and these cards were one way of addressing it. Since JC is being more cautious in its orders and trying to avoid markdowns I don't think we'll see them again.
ReplyDeleteThanks Hexicon! That totally makes sense. It's like a sneaky way of having a fire sale without letting the whole world know you have too much inventory, thereby making your product less valuable. As random (and frustrating) as the promotions are, they sure know what they're doing when it comes to the brand image.
ReplyDelete