Monday, August 19, 2013

J.Crew's September Catalog on Pinterest

"Thanks!" to many of you, including ABC, Desert Flower, and dagmara, who let us know about the following article from Mashable (click here to read in its entirety):
J.Crew Debuts Fall Catalog on Pinterest
By Lauren Indvik
August 19, 2013
J.Crew's at-home catalog subscribers won't be the first to glimpse the brand's September issue: That honor will fall for the first time to J.Crew's Pinterest followers on Monday morning.

It's a big move for a company that, until a year ago, didn't have a social media department, nor a Pinterest account. In fact, so far as we've aware, J.Crew is the first clothing brand to debut its catalog on the image-based network.
J.Crew isn't the only apparel brand to choose social media over more traditional channels to introduce its lineup this fall: Late last month, Oscar de la Renta premiered its fall campaign via Instagram. And many brands now debut their print and TV campaigns on Facebook and YouTube, respectively.

In addition to the Pinterest promotion, J.Crew has a number of other digital initiatives scheduled for the coming weeks. The next installment in its short online film series, this one on monogramming, will debut Aug. 21. The company will also be using Instagram to promote its next once again keep a "Fashion Week Diary" on Tumblr, giving followers a glimpse of model castings, hair and makeup run-throughs and other preparations for the show. 
I am not sure what to think of this. Don't get me wrong, it seems like a fine move given the popularity of Pinterest. (Click here for J.Crew on Pinterest.) And of course, it's always nice to get to see images of the catalog early.

However, posting the Fall catalog on their website (in a timely manner), in addition to a hard copy (in my mailbox please!), seems sufficient enough for me. But maybe I am too old school when it comes to this.
What are your thoughts on J.Crew's use of social media? Do you think posting the catalog on Pinterest is a smart move?

61 comments:

  1. I saw it this morning but I actually thought the pictures were old items until I really looked at the captions. :-)

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  2. Hi Alexis! I think its nice that they selected some of the photos to show from their September Style Guide onto their Pinterest site.
    I found out this AM through Facebook, on J.Crew's news feed.

    Since a lot of people are into Pinterest, it's a great way to spread the information, visually. They also gave J.Crew customers a the chance to order the items in advance.

    I use Pinterest, too, but I am not a hardcore user like some people are. :)

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    1. Here's the link:
      http://pinterest.com/jcrew/style-guide-sneak-peek/

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    2. I re-read what I wrote and I sound like such a curmudgeon. ;) I do think it is great for Pinterest users to keep up with J.Crew. More importantly, I do think its smart for J.Crew to integrate social media into their marketing plan.

      With that said, I guess I have some doubts when it comes to J.Crew... as in I am curious in how well they keep up with it. Right now, they are not doing such a great job with posting their latest catalog when their website updates with new arrivals. And a lot of us don't get the catalog on time. Their YouTube channel doesn't get updated that often either. And how long did the Twitter account go silent for. But maybe things have changed now that they have a social media department. :)

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    3. True about the catalog, Twitter and Youtube accounts. When I followed them on Instagram, it took them a while to start posting pictures consistently. Now they post pictures as what you would see on their tumblr page.

      I too wonder why it takes them forever to load their latest catalog to coincide with the launch of the new products.

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    5. My issue with J.Crew and social media is that they are so inconsistent. On Instagram, they post pics that are not necessarily related to their clothes. With social media, if you have a presence, you better do it right. If not, it's better not to even do it. J.Crew could do so much better if their presence in social media was consistent and brand oriented. So far, I'm not impressed with their effort.

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  3. On the FB page, there is an event as follows:
    Get a first look at our new fall collection on Thursday, August 22nd 6-8pm.

    No need to RSVP, just stop by, say hello and make sure to share a #selfie of your look on instagram using @jcrew #jcrewstylesessions for a chance to be featured in an upcoming Style Guide.

    Check with your local J.Crew store for further details.

    I guess they'll be pulling instagrams and dropping them into a future catalog? I haven't recvd an invite or heard anything from my store.

    I like the images in Pinterest to add to my personal board. I posted the Sept catalog over the weekend in this post. I've since added the Crewcuts pages to the end.

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    1. I was told that at the in-store styling event on the 22nd they will be taking photos and load them to their Instagram.

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    2. I got an invite from the Tyson's VA store. Won't be able to go though.

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  4. Love that Pinterest is being used but...if items are available to pre-order wouldn't it help if item numbers were included????? Or at least a product name??? Hope if this is used again, they add the appropriate information to be able to order early.

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  5. I think it's nice to see, but I definitely prefer having the catalog in hand.

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  6. I'm glad to see them making any technology-forward moves, I have to say.

    Has anyone been to a store today to see what's been rolled out so far?

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    1. I went today. There were two new Tippis--I fell in love with the Houndstooth in green. So pretty. It's not online yet, but I picked it up because was a storewide promo--25% off if you spend $125.

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    2. I love J Crew. Was told new in-store promo is 25% off $150+.

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    3. Barely anything new in my store. There are plenty of empty racks and spaces for the new arrivals thought. The Palo Alto store had more Fall arrivals when I was there yesterday. It looked good.

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    4. Gigi, I was told 25% off $150 too.

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    5. My apologies! This is why I'm not a factchecker . . . I'm sure it is 25% off of $150 and I apologize for getting the numbers wrong. At any rate, it was a nice deal for things like the new Tippi and other things . . .

      I don't know how it is in your stores, but I did notice that in mine, the tuxedo striped Andie Chinos are all gone.

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    7. Anyone know if this will translate to a similar/same online promo soon?

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    8. UnKnown The New Houndstooth Tippi sounds really cute might have to go by the B&M and check it out I hope its dark green!Do you remember the price?

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    9. @Unknown-

      Would you be able to link a pic of the green houndstooth tippi? You piqued my interest! TIA

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    10. 25% off of $150 worked in store today. My store was starting to put the new stuff out. The merino pocket sweater is my favorite. I didn't see the houndstooth Tippi, is that in the catalog?

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    11. houndstooth tippi is $98. saw it in a dark green/grey colorway and navy/grey. there are shoulder inserts in a larger houndstooth pattern on both shoulders. unfortunately, made it look like extra shoulder pads on me.

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    12. @Cate-I saw the Merino Pocket sweater in the 3 colors yesterday. Love the thickness and price. May have to get the garnet and navy.

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    13. Wendy, 4 colors! There is a black one with leather patch pockets too :) The thickness is great and I love the shape and colors.

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    14. @Cate-OOO...black with leather pockets? That's a nice intro to leather for anyone who is not used to wearing all leather...I like the combo...subtle leather but still a special piece IMHO. Would you size down? I tried a size down from my usual size and it was nice on.

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    15. I bought my usual size (M) and I think it was the right fit for me. I could possibly have gone down a size, but I thought the shoulder seams were fine on the M. I will probably wear a tee under it too so I wanted room.

      I was on the fence about the black one with the leather pockets. I loved it, but the pockets take center stage and they are kind of big which you don't notice on the other colors. I wasn't sure if it looked good on me. I think it's going to sell really well and will look great with Minnies.

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    16. @Cate,

      I agree, that sweater would look really nice with Minnies or any skinny pant. What color did you buy?

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    17. Gray! But I may buy another. And maybe another :) I like it that much.

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    18. Haha...J. Crew has some hits this rollout. Thanks!

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    19. Just in case folks want to pre-order, the houndstooth tippi is item # 05093 and retails for $98. It should be available on the website tomorrow.

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  7. Love the Pinterest preview. Wish prices were listed. Are those gray jeans Matchsticks or Toothpicks?? I feel like they're going hardcore with Toothpicks this fall, and they don't fit me as nicely as Matchsticks. Eep.

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    1. These caught my eye too. Unfortunately, I think they are Toothpicks. I didn't see any Matchsticks as I was browsing the Style Guide on Gigi's blog, very disappointing. I would love the Matchsticks in that gray color.

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    2. I was at the Marlton, NJ store last week and it seemed like all of the denim were in the Toothpick cut. I told the SA I had tried a Liberty print in the toothpick back in the spring, and they were all kinds of wrong on me. She said the Liberty print toothpicks ran really small, so I'm going to go into this with an open mind and give the new toothpicks another try. Can anyone attest to this assessment? I have three pairs of Matchsticks in basic hues that I love. But I must admit with the colorful denim trend last fall, I picked up a few bright colors and polka dotted ones at the Gap - way more affordable!

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  8. Speaking of gray, the colors are not as vibrant on this roll-out. Seeing style guide that Gigi took pics of, the only color combos I saw is that brownish floral print in the dress, top and pant, and also the pink coat paired with the muted yellow sweater...everything else is winter white, black, gray, navy, oxblood, browns..

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  9. I like the pinterest option and I suspect that they aren't giving prices or #s so you are forced to call in (and maybe have more pressure to buy?)

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  10. I really want that horse sweater. Its on Net A Porter right now in navy for $65 if anyone is interested!

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    1. You can preorder it at J. Crew. #04324...comes in Navy and an Oatmeal color

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    2. It's on back order until mid Sept. J. Crew doesn't charge your card until order ships.

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    3. I got mine shipped from NYC. Try chatting online and have them look it up for you. Totally worth the $$.

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    4. @Mirna-what color did you get? I can't decide. TIA

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    5. How does the sweater fit? Should I get my regular size?

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    6. Friendlyfemme-I just spoke on line with a specialist. He recommends ordering your usual size to enjoy 'the designer's intended fit'. Also, available for pre order and has tons left in stock. Expect ship date is 9-27-13! HTH!

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    7. @Wendy I got the navy in Medium (my usual size). I love it. It's not too tight. I think it is perfect for layering. Thinking of getting the oatmeal color too. :) I would order you usual size.

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    8. Thanks, Mirna! What's your opinion on the quality? I'm thinking of ordering both colors. J. Crew has out done themselves with this rollout, IMO.

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    9. @Wendy I liked the quality. It doesn't feel too heavy, just right. I will probably order the oatmeal one too. I'm pretty sure this sweatshirt is going to be pretty popular. Don't want to miss out on it. I tried it under a blazer like the pic of the schoolboy blazer and it looks fantastic.

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    10. Thank you Mirna! I'll probably go ahead and pre-order it then!

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    11. You guys have gotten me excited about J. Crew again. Haven't felt this way in a long while. At first, I wasn't sure what this gleeful feeling was! I'm going to preorder them too.

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    12. I posted an IRL picture of the navy horse sweatshirt on my blog!

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    13. I noticed a pair of horse trouser socks on the J. Crew web site, someone here has got to need them! :)

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  11. It's available at the Rockefeller Center store. Maybe they would ship.

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  12. Did you see A Lacey perspective with a $200 dollar jcrew giftcard give away?
    I just saw it on her blog here.

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  13. I got this catalog in the mail today. I loved the Crewcuts section, shot in Philadelphia! As for the womens clothes, nothing really jumped out at me, except the women's oxfords. I like the black ones.

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  14. You guys are making me want the horse sweater. Maybe I will have to go to Rockefeller Center again.

    Re the Houndstooth--let me see how to post a photo!

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    1. You will love it...get it if you can. :)

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    2. What are your thoughts on color?

      It's funny--I seem to remember that horse sweatshirts were a big thing when I was in grade school. Or Junior High. Anyway--in the 80s.

      I feel like Forenza, or Hunt Club or someone had a horse as the logo.

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    3. I'm an 80's kid too and horses are my favorite. :) I love the navy. I think it is easier to dress up or down than the oatmeal color. It is a sweatshirt but in the darker color, you can use it as a sweater. I kind of want to have both but bought the navy first.

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  15. Yess!!! I love the catalog being made available on Pinterest, or through any other additional sources. I've been wishing the JCrew Polyvore account user would post the catalog in Polyvore, but via Pinterest is even better. I'm probably a bit nuts but I love saving a 'digital' copy of the catalog, as well as my print copy, and it would take for-ev-err to go through the steps to save it from JC's site to Polyvore. I wish could work from home as part of their social media department! I'll work for minimum wage, p/t - no bene's needed, & a whopping employee discount, please. :)

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  16. I like it. It gives them some control of their brand and their brand team seems to be targeting different audiences through social.

    I also notices that there are signs in the dressing room (in Seattle) saying "We love selfies" and encouraging people to take instagram pics and hashtag them.

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    ReplyDelete

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