We have been seeing a lot of promotions (& really good ones at that) from J.Crew lately. A big "thanks!" to Irina who shared the following that might shed some light on why:...We went to a jcrew store yesterday, and the store manager told us that they didn't meet their expected black Friday numbers by 30%! Guess that's why the sales!Very interesting tidbit! Interesting indeed. I am surprised to hear that J.Crew missed their target by that much. (I should add, that this figure is not confirmed by J.Crew. This figure may also be specific to one store, and not company-wide.)
I didn't expect that since it seems like a lot of the items I am interested in are on back order or selling out. On the other hand, (as many of you have noted throughout posts on the blog,) there are a lot of items in the Sale section that aren't moving out. Maybe J.Crew just needs one super-incredible sale to clear out Sale inventory (like 60% off and make it Final)?
Ultimately I want J.Crew to perform well (so they stick around a long time). However, I don't mind seeing more customer-favorable promotions in the meantime. Lastly, does this mean we can expect another {fantastic} promotion for tomorrow? I only hope so!
Their numbers are off because their customer service is terrible overall, they have zero marketing and/or social media strategy, and they do not reward shopper loyalty in a meaningful way. Even cardholders, IMO, aren't treated as well as they should be. J Crew is still in the dark ages with regard to how to operate in a consumer-driven environment.
ReplyDeleteAnd this is from someone who loves the brand and loves the clothes, even when the quality isn't what it should be for what things cost.
Bring on the promos, I say. And figure out some markdown optimization strategies stat!
Elaine, I agree with you! There are plenty of rewards from other retailers (even Nordstrom notes giving 10X on a day you can choose) as well as incredible sale prices, many are 50% off!
ReplyDeleteAs for marking down and clearing out sale....I don't want the thin cotton items and itchy "wool" blends even for free!
It also seemed like a lot of other retailers didn't have a minimum purchase to receive their discounts over the weekend. I found about $80 of stuff I'd have purchased with a discount, but wasn't willing to spend $70 more to get it. And many of the items I'm interested in this year are online only.
ReplyDeleteOT, kinda: can I get some help with the sizing on this year's lady day coat (grr, online only)?
I took a 4 in the Sybil coat from 2007 a 6 in that year's stadium trench (which is still snug). I'm 5'8", 34c, and usually take a 4/6 in J. Crew tops and a 6 in bottoms. Should I get a 6 or size up to an 8? Thanks!
I can guarantee that the manager was speaking specifically of his store, not the company as a whole.
ReplyDeleteI want J. Crew to do well too but do they want themselves to do well? If they want to sell full-priced clothing, make full-price worthy items. If they want to keep loyal customers loyal, reward customer loyalty in a real way. If they want to keep online sales strong, make online shopping user-friendly: updated sale section, wish lists, and reviews. If they want to keep in-store sales strong, make in-store shopping customer friendly: sales associates who have product-knowledge and look things up when they don't know them and consistent pricing between online and in-store. There is so much market research already done for them because of the forum Alexis has created for us here. If I'm complaining about the brand, it's because I love it. I don't complain about brands I don't like, I just don't shop there. I WANT to spend the money I have to spend on clothing at J. Crew but sometimes they make it difficult. I can't afford to spend money on disposable clothing and even if I could, I wouldn't. It's wasteful and I don't want to adore an item that's ready for the rag pile after a few wears.
ReplyDeleteNomoneyfun said it better than I could. I hardly buy anything from J. Crew because the quality doesn't justify the price. Especially when things I order come damaged or fit is horrible (even for my 2 yr old's tees - come on, she is very skinny and the shirts are too small around her belly. And the vanity sizing.). I love the J. Crew style, but who wants a sweater that doesn't last the season? And I love the quality letter I get with orders - HA!
ReplyDeleteElaine: I agree that J.Crew might want to look into rewarding cardmembers more (and I am not even a cardmember!)
ReplyDeleteSuzy: Your last line made me laugh! It's true! I have a few cardigans from J.Crew that are too itchy to wear. No matter how great the price I paid for them was, they are expensive since I never use them. ;)
A: I hear you on the minimum. Which is why I was so pleasantly surprised for Monday's 25% off and free shipping (no min) promotion from J.Crew. :)
Percheno: Excellent point! I didn't even consider that the reference could be store specific. I updated the post with that possibility.
NoMoneyFun: Spot on comment. We love the brand otherwise we would walk away.
Georgine: Exactly! The price points are high and that would be okay if the quality matched it. I find the hacking jacket of today to be far less (in terms of quality and fit) than those of just a few years ago. And yet, the price points are the same if not higher. The jackets are beautiful and the colors are lovely, but it definitely makes me think twice if the item is something I have to have.
I agree they need to improve their cardholder program. I still think they could learn a thing or two from BR. But perhaps they're still trying to maintain an elite following (in this economy though, does that really make sense?).
ReplyDeleteI still like JCrew because they offer a lot more color/pattern variety compared with BR.
If, however, BR were to improve their offerings... I'd be willing to give up the Crewlade.
Ditch the trendy, coutured look and go back to the cute prints you once had. Critter tees, signature prints only your company knew how to produce, revamp the quality on your fabrics, use buttons I want to show off...and I'll reconsider dropping some major dough again!
ReplyDeleteHere's what happens when things go south J.Crew, we have other places to shop.
Spending $500 on your J.Crew Card to score a perfect fit tank ($25) isn't a deal when I can wear it once before it self destructs!
EEEEEEE....in delight! I just received the J.Crew Holiday 2010 catalog...it's thick....and my favorite color - RED & FUSCHIA --- start things off.
ReplyDeleteJust got the email that today is the last day for 30% off plus free shipping.
ReplyDeleteProblem is a placed an order 2 days ago with just 25% off. Will they adjust the price?
I have already been shot down when I requested to add the teacher/student discount on to my already placed order. This used to be part of JCrew's policy. I even had to send them a copy of my school IDs and make sure I ordered under one of my school's e-mail accounts.
J.CrewAdorer - the current 30% off is only on sweaters. Did you order any? They may adjust the price for you if did...call and ask!
ReplyDeleteOT: does anyone know if the DFW b&ms still have any of the Tippi sweaters?
Thanks sue.bee . LOL! It pays to pay attention. I bought three cardigans, but I doubt they count.
ReplyDeleteStill bummed about the teacher/student discount. My closest store is about a 110 mile trip. I probably would not have ordered had I known about the policy change.
I bet their numbers are down due to the change in quality. Anytime I'm tempted by a J.Crew sweater, I go up to my closet and pull out the Betsy sweater. I wore it 3 times and it looks horrible. 3 times!!!! The Betsy may be an expensive mistake, but it's going to save me money in the long run.
ReplyDeleteJ.CrewAdorer - I think quite a few of the cardigans fall under the promo. Couldn't hurt to ask...Money saved is money saved!
ReplyDeleteAmen, sue.bee :O)
ReplyDeleteElaine, you said it!
ReplyDeleteI did overhear the SAs in my B&M on Monday saying that sales for the entire weekend were softer than expected, so I 'm guessing it's more than one store.
Allyson...thanks for your thoughts on the Betsy sweater. I bought it ion "sale" but was on the fence about it - love the color but the fit was just OK. Now I think I am going to return it.
ReplyDeleteI am also on the fence about keeping the Valentina pumps I got in spicy gold for more than half off--should those go back too?
Anyone try the Wynter sweater? Or the Tippi?
@ Annapurna: I found the Wynter sweater itchy. Fabric is Acrylic/nylon/wool/mohair. Like someone said earlier, I don't even want that stuff for free.
ReplyDeleteThe Tippi is a nice Merino wool, but I spent last night mending two merino Infinity cardigans that developed holes. I love JC, but I really try not to buy their sweaters anymore, unless it's a thick knit, and the price is right (that's way under $100, JC, NOT $130 after a 30% discount).
I tried the Supperclub Dress and the Scatter Paillette Skirt during the promo. Both were disappointing! The Supperclub dress in my usual size 4 ran big through the upper body and very short. It exposed my bum when I lifted my arms! Also, in trying it on I lost about 10 beads. I can only imagine what it would look like after wearing it once or twice.
ReplyDeleteThe Paillette Skirt looked nothing like the pictures online. It was ivory and black, not silver as pictured. Definitely not worth the $250, and that was the promo price!
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ReplyDeletesub
ReplyDeleteSome of J. Crew's marketing strategies are very ironic - I've seen google ads that say "Wish for Love, Happiness, and J. Crew quality gifts," and the Fall Sale page declares the lingering sale items as "Fresh Picks."
ReplyDeleteWill there be new arrivals online tomorrow?
ReplyDeleteGeorgine,
ReplyDeleteThe comment you made about things coming damaged. That is what really turned me off to J.Crew in the past year and a half. I ordered A LOT but there were just too many obvious whole or stains or general sewing defects for the price points. I even tried to order again recently and got burned again. I am just about done with J.Crew unless I can touch and see the item first hand!
I'm not surprised. Lately I've noticed a decline in quality in some of the J. Crew products. Another thing I've noticed is a difference in price in some items in store vs. online! I stopped by my nearest store today to pick up some leggings that I saw online, and the price in store was $10 more than online. How does that work? They wouldn't honor the online price either, even when I showed them the online price on my iphone. How can you have inconsistent pricing? That makes me feel like I have to constantly check online vs in store to make sure I'm not being charged more than I need to be.
ReplyDeleteAre they daft? Nearly EVERY other comparable retailer had amazing deals and sales this past weekend, while J.Crew had a run of the mill promo no different from those they have year round... gee, I wonder where people are going to shop!?!
ReplyDeleteI was looking the the blog posts and sales at this time last year and they had basically the same current sweater promo. I like to look at years past because I find that they(JCrew) follow the same general trend on sales and new arrivals.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that we were having the same discussion about quality, large markdowns, price discrepancies between store and online, concerns about too many promo's, etc this time last year.
I am in a happier Jcrew state this year despite other concerns. I have to admit that the recent rolls outs have been a lot more exciting than the crazy layering phase or the drab color phase. I have been really happy with the Flair Skirts, Sterling Skirt, and many other items.
This time last year I was asking myself why I still shopped at Jcrew. This year, I know why, I love the styles. I just have to make sure to get items on super sale (can do thanks to this blog) because there is certainly a brand mark up. The quality doesn't always warrant the full price.
Overall....I'm not too worried about all of the promos. It was the same last year and the year before. What I am excited about is more exciting pieces this year and more to come (hopefully tomorrow!?)
So Jcrew if you are reading this, I would love higher quality here and there, but I am thankful for the new Fall roll out and roll outs since. I love that I can find more classic styling that is fresh and keeps my guessing. That is what Jcrew is and has been. I was worried that it was gone but you surprised me just in the nick of time.
oooops that was a book and I didn't noticed until it posted. Sorry ladies. I guess I was feeling nostalgic. Holiday Fever I call it....
ReplyDeleteHey. Just an fyi for those of you who might be doing some Christmas shopping. If you opt for a gift box, be it flat or wrapped, it cancels out the free shipping. I just ordered the Wallace & Barnes Wellfleet sweater (a good deal on this men's piece) and selected a flat box. It raised the tax and shipping. I called C.S. and even when they gave me free shipping, the price was still high (only a dollar off from the original). I deleted the gift box and voila - $20 cheaper and free shipping.
ReplyDeleteplease help
ReplyDeleteis the kirtley bag still avaiable ?
Thanks. Carolyn from Vancouver
I think it all goes back to quality in addition to what you have all written. I buy a lot of collection pieces. When my velvet crush top developed a hole on the third wearing, and I paid full price for it, that leaves a sour taste in your mouth. That was a 168 dollar top now with a hole. Oh and my lolli pants from last year developed a hole on wear number 2. Pisses me off. I spend a lot of money at J Crew. My tailor bill just keeps going up and up.
ReplyDeleteSara, agreed. I would be really upset is my full pice collection items developed holes!
ReplyDeleteI am really curious to hear about these other retailers that have higher quality than J Crew at *similar* prices. I guess I should add that I almost NEVER buy anything from J Crew (or anywhere, for that matter) full price unless I love it TONS and I fear that I will never be able to get it on sale. So to me, J Crew is not really all that expensive. The most I have spent on a sweater there is like $90 (for cashmere on sale) and the most on other items (shoes, work clothing) is like $120 or so per item. For most casual stuff, I spend much much less. In my experience, BR, Ann Taylor, Lands End Canvas and Anthro all have similar quality (or slightly worse in the case of LE Canvas and BR sometimes) with less flattering or sophisticated cuts. J Crew works magic with colors. They also have some really fantastic fabrics. While I agree that they are not the most durable - it is hard to make a T shirt that is simultaneously super soft and light but lasts for 5+ years. There is a reason that thick, flannel shirts last a while by comparison. I'll admit that I get pretty bummed when my sweaters pill faster than a few I have been lucky to snag from boutiques and other places. But, for the most part, I have not been able to find sweaters in the $50-$100 range that are super great quality. Where are these magical sweaters I am missing?! :)
ReplyDelete@Audrey -- I'm totally in agreement with you! Banana republic has similar prices, but lately everything there is polyester and synthetic blends while J Crew sticks to silk and wool.
ReplyDeleteConsider Banana's $98 Madeline skirt versus the $128 Flair Skirt. Both are wool, flared, button front skirts. The BR version wrinkles easily, looks cheap, and doesn't hang nicely. The J Crew version is so much nicer.
Honestly, when I consider the environmental impact of cashmere, it makes me feel guilty that I'm paying only $50 for it!
Audrey, I would HIGHLY recommend Brooks Brothers sweaters. Their merino v-neck is a gorgeous sweater that wears like iron (as long as the moths don't get to it). They don't always have a fabulous array of zillions of delicious colors, but the quality is very very high.
ReplyDelete@Audrey and Rosie,
ReplyDeleteLove your thoughts, a good discussion. I too shop at the stores you listed and search for the best buys / best quality.
I agree that Jcrew has declined in quality (following in line with other retailers) in some areas but as I shop around I am reminded that they are often better quality than most mall stores. Not to mention the fit, colors and design. There are times that I feel that we pay more just because it is Jcrew, but with a savvy eye, typically I can get great deals that reflect the quality I am purchasing or great quality at a wonderful price not to mention I love the hunt!
As I shop lands end and lands end canvas I'll find some gems here and there but the pieces are typically no exactly comparable with Jcrew quality. Its the same situation with BR, AT, and other mall like stores.
Of course stores like brooksbrothers, RL, etc have some higher price points or comparable points with great quality typically but I am not able to score such deals with them and typically don't waste my time.
Bottom line, I guess I have decided that I still love Jcrew despite the holy tee from time to time (at least I only bought it for $8.00)
... and speaking of promotions, is anyone else hitting the refresh button now? :p Come on, JCrew, update!
ReplyDeleteSubscribing. :)
ReplyDeleteLadies, 25% off $150 - $249.99, 30% off $250 or more with code GIFTS -- and the sweater promotion is still on (as of 6:30 am)!
ReplyDeleteWill post again in today's section -- this is a great deal for cashmere!!
@Audrey, Rosie, et al...I have to agree with you. Particularly in Canada, where we don't have the abundance of retailers of the US or the incredible sales, I must say I find JC to be one of the better and more consistent places to buy clothes. The price point (for me) is fair for the most part, certainly better than our Saks "make-alike" department store but on-par with places like Club Monaco or BR, and often for nicer clothes (IMO). JC clearly has room to improve in several areas, and we all know there are some definite 'misses' in their collections, but for material, colour selection, cut and style, JC remains my go-to.
ReplyDelete