Thursday, March 17, 2011

J.Crew's Mickey Card {pictures & more!}

As mentioned in yesterday's "J.Crew's Mickey Card {it's back!?!}" post, J.Crew is mailing customers their latest Mickey Card promotion: the "Green Card".

The mailing is a 4 x 9" fold over card. The outside is grey with the following wording: "A Spring Awakening (we have a feeling you're going to like what's inside.)" The inside of the card is a beautiful and bright green, with text about Spring arriving and helping us get into the mood.

As can be seen in the image, the new cards are white. The back of the card reads "Thank you from J.Crew" followed by the fine print:
Offer valid on J.Crew women's and men's in-store purchases only. May not be used at J.Crew Factory stores, jcrew.com, or with phone or catalog purchases. Discount not valid on third-party branded, men's and women's suiting, women's handbags, wedding and crewcuts merchandise. Discount not valid at the J.Crew Bridal Boutique, 769 Madison Avenue, NYC. Offer card must be presented in stores in order to receive discount. 20% discount applies to purchases of $150 or more before shipping, handling and taxes are added. Discount cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other promotions or offers and may not be applied to previous purchases, alterations or gift card purchases. This offer is nontransferable. Offer valid through April 11, 2011. Terms of offer are subject to change.
The fine print contains the usual limitations, although I am surprised to find the suiting and handbags being excluded from the offer, as well as inability to combine with any other promotions.

There is also a line where the customer needs to sign their name. I suspect that customers will need to show some form of ID when using the card (similar to the last Mickey Card sent).

My thoughts on this card? I am happy to see there is an in-store promotion being offered to customers. (Yey J.Crew!) I am also thrilled I got one and relatively early too! However, I am a bit bummed out by the $150 minimum (which seems kind of high to me).

Did you get a card in the mail today? What are your thoughts on this latest version of the Mickey Card?

79 comments:

  1. So does this mean that the card cannot be used on items that are already marked down on sale? What about items that are marked down to a promotional price? Seems if that were the case, they would state that it is good on full-price merchandise only.

    Also...what about red phone orders? I guess that would count as a phone order, but only because something wasn't available in-store...

    Hope I get one, despite all the limitations! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. AppGal: I was thinking the same thing! :) Which is why I posted the fine print because I didn't want to misinterpret it. But it does come across like it's for full priced merchandise- if sale and promo items are excluded.

    I suspect (although I don't know for sure), that the card is good for sale and promotional items as long as the minimum is met. I also think it would work for red phone orders as long as an associate could verify the card.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I don't understand why it can't be used on suiting (and handbags). Oh well, I will be interested to see if it can be used on red phone. I have yet to get one but I got one last time so I'm crossing my fingers.

    ReplyDelete
  4. JenLynn: I thought that excluding suiting and handbags was odd too. Since there is a $150+ minimum, I would think those two categories would be the best for customers to actually use the card for.

    ReplyDelete
  5. wow, i actually got one. not sure i will actually use it, as if it were going to get something, i'd need to use the red phone for petite sizes. maybe my man can get some shirts or something.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lame! So many limitations! Forget it, I don't even want one now.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Got one. Pregnant though, so it's a total buzz kill. I didn't read it like it excluded sale items. The $150 minimum makes this far less appealing than the card I got in the fall. Sure I can use it multiple times, if I buy $150 worth of stuff multiple times...

    ReplyDelete
  8. Has anyone ever figured out how they pick who gets one and who doesn't? Is there a minimum amount you have to spend within a certain time period?

    My spending at J. Crew has returned to normal (which is a lot, for me) over the last month or two, but I doubt I'll get one.

    Still, I'm very curious....

    ReplyDelete
  9. brandon + allie,

    who knows. i made a small purchase (<$50) in january, and haven't bought anything at jcrew since. other than xmas gifts, i didn't buy much besides some spring/summer items last april. that's the least amount of jcrew shopping i've done in years. i don't have a jcrew credit card.

    ReplyDelete
  10. No card today, but after reading the fine print and $150 minimum not sure I'd use it anyway. Just as well-my (limited) $$ are probably going to Madewell.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow, they have really limited it compared to the former "25% off any purchase in store" cards.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Rec'd one today too but unfortunately I know I won't use it.

    Sheesh! They excluded crewcuts from the promo too!

    ReplyDelete
  13. The ridiculously high min plus the fact that you can't use it on men's suiting, leaves me completely uninterested.
    They essential want you to come in and pay almost full price for a bunch of their garbage merch. No thanks JCrew! I'm sure in 2 weeks everything new in store will be marked down anyway

    ReplyDelete
  14. Delighted for everyone getting a green card. It will probably mean less to students and teachers normally getting the 15% discount, since promotions can't be combined, which leaves only 5% more. [Something extra, however, is always better than nothing.] Sounds like a real effort to help out stores.

    ReplyDelete
  15. My first time ever receiving a card. Although I'm happy to have it....I wish I had it yesterday when I visited my B&M and spent more than the $150 minimum

    ReplyDelete
  16. I don't even want one. It's useless.

    ReplyDelete
  17. i rec'd one and used it today--not sure if it varies store to store (or SA to SA!), but i had no problem using it on sale items or a red phone order (the b&m was out of my size)

    i too found it odd about suiting and handbags--random exclusions!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hey JCA's -

    I got the foldover envelope today. Opened it up and...

    ...no card!

    LOL

    ReplyDelete
  19. Others have expressed my opinion on the lack of utility, so I will just express my love for that color green. I hope we see some clothes in a happy bright like that!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Yeah, that redonkulously high minimum sucks rocks.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I got one today and so did DF. Too bad I just placed a big order yesterday on the red phone and bought a bunch in store. Normally I'd be disappointed but I used my student discount so 5% isn't that big of a deal.

    I wish it could be used online though, my store doesn't get a lot of the good stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Crewcuts was already excluded from the fall promo (although I think that some stores that carry both women and men applied the promo on the total regardless).
    Is it a coincidence that is green and arriving around St. Patrick's?

    ReplyDelete
  23. Congrats to all those who got the card! For those who have not, there is still hope that yours is on the way (as J.Crew tends to stagger their mailings).

    brandon + allie: J.Crew probably has a rationale of who gets it but it is still a mystery to most of us. ;)

    Stef: Thanks for reporting back its usage on sale & red phone. :)

    Silver Lining: Oh no! That is terrible. The card must have slipped out. :( Maybe J.Crew will let you use the mailing itself? (I mean the fine print is on the mailing too.) :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Got mine in the mail today and plan to use it tomorrow! Interestingly enough, my 20 yo daughter got one, too! And she definitely does not have a JC Credit card. This leads me to think that some of this (who gets one and who doesn't)is driven by SAs giving names of loyal customers. Whatever the reason, I am planning on buying a pair of shorts, the madras plaid popover and maybe the paisley pencil skirt....!

    ReplyDelete
  25. super excited about the card, not so much about the minimum. that's kinda lame....I can't afford to make multiple $150 purchases over a months period - smaller purchases, yes. If I do end up using it, I'm sure it will be just once or twice. But I too am preggo, so ya know, not much fits the plump belly right now...

    ReplyDelete
  26. Got one, but annoyed with the $150 minimum! And, again, I wish these cards could be used online. XXS (my size) is often only available online.

    ReplyDelete
  27. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I have a registered account with J Crew so that I don't have to fill in all details when I order, but I have nothing beyond that. I have spent sooooo much $$$ in the past years, I'm sure I've missed out on lots of goodies. Should I sign up for a J Crew card? I really don't want to have another credit card, and I heard recently on that CNN Clark Howard show that store credit cards can actually lower your credit score (his explanation was grossly lacking!), but I see no end in sight to my J Crew shopping and I might as well reap some rewards.

    ReplyDelete
  29. 1) silver_lining - They had to bungle *something*. Way to go, J Crew.

    2) I live on the West Coast and recvd mine today (3/17). My spending has decreased about 80% in the past couple months. Haven't had a JC card for going on 1.5 years.

    3) Boo on all the restrictions...btw, that I can't read because they put them in 2pt font in white.

    4) I realize the colors are in reference to spring, but I'm amused that the flyer's interior is GREEN! as we know how these cards brings up a lot of feelings.

    5) Yay that Alexis got a spring fever card!!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. txmom,

    I got a card and I don't have an SA that would put me on any list. I rarely go to a store and no one at them knows me.

    I gave up trying to figure out the how and why JCrew choses who they do to receive promos.

    I used to spend a lot of $$$ each month for MANY years and now I spend next to nothing. 2011 equals about $50 so far if that...

    ReplyDelete
  31. Gigiofca, yes definitely YAY! that Alexis is included in this promotion and LOL at your point #4 - so true.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Did not get the card today... but not so sad considering that the minimum is high, handbags & crewcuts are excluded (where I spend a ton of my crew $$) not to mention that B&Ms rarely carry my 12/14 AND I am not a fan of the 30 day in store policy. Back online and waiting for a promo:)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Got mine!! Whoo hoo!

    www.plentyforpennies.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Mine still hasn't come. I'm hoping it comes tomorrow so I'll have it for my Saturday morning visit.

    ReplyDelete
  35. woot! surprisingly i got one! :)
    i haven't received any perks for a while! maybe they're trying hard to get me into a store to buy something since my shopping has gone waaay down.

    @gigi- lol the font is like seriously tiny!!! i had to hold it up to my face!

    ReplyDelete
  36. And what to my wondering eyes should appear....! Can it be? A green card for MOI? *falls over*

    ReplyDelete
  37. I'm glad you got one of the cards Alexis!

    @Gigi - LOL, spring fever card. I like it. I'm calling it that now. :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. I haven't gotten one yet. And I need new clothes for work.
    Anyways, regarding who gets a card. They give to those customers who have decreased their spend. It's a method to bring customers back in. They won't "reward" the loyal customers with discounts because you were probably going to spend at full price anyways. J Crew would be losing out if that happens.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I received the card today, but honestly the fine print really turns me off so I likely won't use it. FYI...I'm a silver JCrew CC holder..my spending way down from a few years ago but I bought a bunch of (mostly) mens stuff through the holidays...enough to earn a $50 rewards card that I haven't managed to spend yet.

    ReplyDelete
  40. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Yay! Got mine in the mail today. Like most JCA's thoughts, the minimum is a bit high and will probably discourage me from buying too often, but I'll take what I'm given.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Tamara
    I wouuldn't bother getting a JC credit card, because as recently happened to me when you loose your wallet, the more cards you have to more you have to worry about. The discount they offer is paltry anyway. I used to have cards for Talbots, AT, Macy, but now we just have one Bloomingdales rewards.

    i havent got a Mickey card in years either, who knows how they select people, must be random. I buy alot online. The restrictions on this one arent really worth it.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I received one yesterday. I may use it one time, there are a few skirts I have my eye on. Congrats to all who received one, and for those who are waiting my fingers are crossed for you!

    ReplyDelete
  44. If anyone is willing to let me borrow/use/take their card, I'd greatly appreciate it.

    I have a new job and need some new clothes. I used to be stuck in an office all day, so my clothing didn't matter that much. Now I'll be out and about meeting with clients and customers. Need to dress the part = )

    Thanks all

    ReplyDelete
  45. None for me yet. Maybe today? Not that inspiring of a deal quite frankly.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I received one and if it helps towards giving us a clue as to who gets one:
    (1) I have a J Crew credit card
    (2) My spending over the past few months has been consistent with the last year
    (3) I shop mostly in-store, but at 2 different ones so the SA's don't know me. I shop online only for things that aren't in the store--like I just ordered swimsuits for myself and my mom at the end of February.

    Unfortunately, given the timing of the card I probably won't make use of it--as I'll be away on vacation and though I plan a $150+ purchase for new summer work clothes I won't really have the time before the card expires.

    ReplyDelete
  47. isabella, thanks for your post. I'm thinking that if I did earn rewards it would probably cause me to shop more than I already do. I should probably not do it.

    I had mentioned in my prior post that Clark Howard on his CNN show said store credit cards will lower your credit score. Turns out it's not store credit cards particular, but all credit cards. A USNews article says that applying for any new credit card will cause your credit score to drop 3-5 points, and opening the account will cause it to drop another 10 points. But if you maintain the account well, make your payments on time, don't keep a high balance, etc., it won't be long before your score goes back up again and could even go higher than it was before.

    ReplyDelete
  48. GigiofCa & xoxo & Roxy: Thank you! I am surprised & happy I got one so quickly too. :)

    ReplyDelete
  49. i got one but i am unhappy about the minimum so i don't know if i will use it or not...

    ReplyDelete
  50. I just received a card today, but I am not going to use it. There's a place on the card for the customer to sign, but I think it could be signed by anyone. If you'd like to have it, please email me at dancerb26@gmail.com, and I'll be glad to mail it to you.

    ReplyDelete
  51. I did get one in the mail today, so there's no telling what the parameters are for getting one. I am planning to buy a few things in store, and hoping it will still work on items that might be on a discounted promo. Disappointed it won't apply to Crewcuts though.

    ReplyDelete
  52. got mine today, just not sure with all of the restrictions if I will use it... Will be curious to hear of some stores will allow exceptions?

    ReplyDelete
  53. Got mine yesterday - first time....and about time!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Got my card today! How about you FL ladies?

    BTW:

    - I do not have JC credit card.

    - I shop in 3 different stores as well as online.

    - I've been shopping almost every month.

    I make sure to always give my email address when I shop in store...maybe that is the key as to who gets the card???

    ReplyDelete
  55. It is a shame that I can't use my card on bags! I was eying brompton hobo :(. I am not sure if I use my card though. Not very much into buying not on sale. It is up setting when I pay full price (or even with this 20% promo or my 15% student discount) and a month later the items are on sale with additional 30% off. I can't wait for the new catalog next week...I bet more items will go on sale and we get another 30 or 40% off.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Interesting experience at my B&M - went in to take a look, but had left my card at home. When I mentioned this to my PS (conversationally, I wasn't looking for sympathy), she said "Oh, we have a list of who received them, we can honor it if you don't have it on you." Makes me think that store personnel have something to do with recommending who gets one...maybe?

    ReplyDelete
  57. I had to laugh when I got my card in the mail today. The fact that it's greeting is to "our J Crew loyalists" really tickled the heck out of me! I broke up with JC a few months ago, just cut the crewlade cold turkey and am much happier for it. (Although I miss the good humor and good vibes from the JCAs!!! But I have to stay away from here to stay away from JC...) Anyway, I'd be tempted to use it if CC or handbags applied, but since they're not, and I'm not in the market for $150 worth of Jackies I thought I'd offer mine to the first person to email me for it. And if anyone still needs an invite to the give and get at Gap, etc, I'll send you one. klg_12@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. Mine came in the mail today. :) If I like the paisley skirt as much as I think I will, I'll probably bring it home tomorrow. I do wish there was no minimum and that it was good for crewcuts, but I'll take what they're willing to give.

    I haven't talked to my ps yet, but in the past, he hasn't had anything to do with my getting anything. In fact, I never get a gift (just the Mickey cards, for which I am thankful!) and he never understands why.

    ReplyDelete
  59. went to a B&M yesterday and was able to use the card with additional promos. They had all bracelets "out of case" for 25% off, so I received the 25% off and an additional 20% with the Mickey card. My main item was the rust (that's the color the PS used) paisley pencil skirt. It is SO beautiful in person! A thick fabric, silk lined - it is one of the best pencil skirts I've had from Jcrew in a long time. Fits TTS.

    And I saw the April catalogs in a box that had been delivered in to the store that day. I wasn't able to grab one but they are on their way!

    ReplyDelete
  60. oooh, cheesygoodness, have missed you and hope all's well with you!

    ReplyDelete
  61. I figured I go the card since I have a JC credit card and shop regularly at the two JC stores in Austin and order online quite often. Just can't figure out how my daughter "got on the list". She does not have a JC card and when we shop together, I am the one who pays! I have had items shipped directly to her at college, but the card came to our home address.....it's a mystery , but we are not complaining!

    Would someone like her card? She will not be using it and has not signed the back. I can mail it to you. Email me @ jhendrix at austin dot rr dot com.

    We bought a pair of shorts (for her) , the plaid madras popover (for me) and some tees and got the 20% off. My daughter also got the deerskin Minnetonka mocs but since they are a third party item they were not covered by the promo card.

    Planning to go back for the rust paisley pencil skirt and a button up shirt (either the blue maxi check or the indigo stripe boy shirt).

    ReplyDelete
  62. Like everyone, who knows how they decide who gets the card. I can count on one hand the number of things I bought last year, not because I didn't want to but because I was preoccupied with other things. I did go by the store on occasion to look and chat with my PS and the store manager who were nice enough to set aside returns etc for me but most of the time I didn't buy things. Anyway, despite this I got a card. Who knows.... I was happy for the gesture (actually I was totally excited - :) even though I wish it had no minimum like in the past....

    ReplyDelete
  63. I literally never buy anything full price except for gifts at Christmas, and I've gotten the last 3 promo cards. I really do think they send them to folks who buy only a little in order to convince them to buy more. A sort of "come back to us" kind of thing. (I don't have the credit card, although I did at one time years ago and then cancelled it)

    ReplyDelete
  64. Use my card this morning to get the paisley pencil skirt and cotton alexie sweater. Will probably use it one more time before it expires. :)

    ReplyDelete
  65. Received my card in the mail yesterday. Super excited because I had been eying the citron cotton double serge pencil skirt among other things. :) Good luck shopping to all the JCA's!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Hooray, I got a card in the mail today! Of course I got it AFTER I got home from going to a b&m and deciding against getting the Cecilia dress until I got a card. Now I will have to make another trip! Happy I was put on the list, though.

    math teacher: I knew you would love the paisley pencil skirt! Isn't it lovely?! :)

    ReplyDelete
  67. AppGal, it is gorgeous! I can't wait to wear it! I really love it with the navy sequin tank and bavarian blue jackie. I may have to pick those up next time I'm there as I regret not getting them. Congrats on getting the card - hope they still have your size on your next visit!

    ReplyDelete
  68. I got my card today (so those on the west coast, don't give up hope!).

    My stats are: Have a JC card, have spent a good deal at JC consistently for about 2 years and shop both online and at 3 or 4 bay area b&ms. Don't know how they decide...I don't have a ps...

    The minimum is sort of lame but I will just go in with a girlfriend and buy her stuff for her on the sly or with DH to get up to the 150 minimum that way. That's what I did back in October (even thought there was no minimum, wanted to spread the discount around).

    ReplyDelete
  69. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  70. Mine came today (Pacific NW). I am working 7 days a week now through the end of April and don't think I will be able to get up to a store, so I will likely offer it up here.

    For those paying attention to these things, I am a cardholder and received the previous Mickey cards, but in the last 18 mos have cut back my spending pretty substantially from their 2005-08 levels.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Just got one on Friday and I am in the Midwest. I have a JC Credit Card. I have spent quite a bit there in the past year and this is the first time I have ever got a card.

    ReplyDelete
  72. math teacher: what a beautiful combination! I might have already called the store to send the Cecilia to me :) Thankfully, they were able to use my discount card over the phone!

    ReplyDelete
  73. AppGal, glad you got your dress! So nice of them to send it for you. :)

    ReplyDelete
  74. Wish I could use it on a handbag, boo!

    ReplyDelete
  75. I just got back from vacation and got the card in the mail. I'm psyched to receive it, but I'm a little at a loss for what I'm going to buy with it. No handbags and no suits? The only other thing I really want are the radiette camis, which are catalogue/online only.

    This is my second in-store only discount card I've received. I don't have a jcrew credit card. I do most of my shopping online, and there are about 3-4 retail locations I shop at. I have a friend who used to work at jcrew and she was saying that they might be sending me the cards because I make my purchases with an AMEX. AMEX doesn't allow retailers to track customers' spending the same way mastercard and visa do (or so I'm told). Her theory is that because I shop w/ the AMEX they can't tell how much I spend and want to make sure they have their bases covered.

    ReplyDelete
  76. FWIW, I only use AMEX at JCrew too.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Just got my card yesterday. I have no plans to use it so if someone wants it, shoot me an email (lboggess@gmail.com) and I'll send it your way.

    ReplyDelete

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! :)