J.Crew confirmed the news through an email this morning describing these events as "Summer Fridays @ J.Crew". Every Friday in June, during 1PM to closing, J.Crew will host mini-parties. What to expect: refreshments, exclusive sales, and styling tips.
In Wednesday's "J.Crew's Got an Inventory Problem {no, really?}" post, we read that J.Crew was experiencing problems with inventory (too much) and in store foot traffic (too little). These in-store June events seem like J.Crew's attempt to address those issues. However, I am not convinced they will work.
What are your thoughts on the "Summer Fridays @ J.Crew" events? Do you think you will attend? If so, please share! :)
I agree with your skepticism. I went into j. crew last night after work and although the mall overall had good foot traffic, I was the only person in the store. not sure if mysterious flash sales will solve that problem. maybe if they actually tell us what the "exclusive sale" will be beforehand so we'll know and can plan accordingly? otherwise, not so exciting.
ReplyDeleteWent in yesterday to make some returns and I was the only one in my store too. I walked out with nothing.
DeleteJust got an email from my VPS -- this Friday is 25% off sandals and dresses.
DeleteThanks for the info! No need for me to go in tomorrow. All of the dresses I have tried on so far this season have fit me horribly. :(
DeleteMe too! My new summer dress dollars have gone elsewhere. IMO the JCrew design team couldn't design a flattering dress if their lives depended on it. I just don't get it!? Other retailers can design flattering dresses to suit a variety of body types, why can't JCrew figure it out?
DeleteThe only way J. Crew is going to create more foot traffic in their stores is to start selling clothes that people want to buy. I don't think they've hit that mark for quite a while now. I rarely see something in the catalog anymore that really makes my heart sing. Mostly I laugh.
ReplyDeleteDoubtful as well. I now work in a building where a J.Crew is literally below in a mall and on my lunch, I will walk past there and a majority of the time there is very little activity in the store. The SALE section is ridiculous. As you posted on yesterday's blog about J.Crew going back to REAL styling that works for years, I don't see J.Crew gaining ground until they look at what worked for them in the early 2000s. Period. The events on styling? Please...I hate every look they have posted from 2012 forward. It's ridiculous. I've been stopping at the BR across from J.Crew and spending my money (and amazing promotions and sales) there. It also doesn't hurt that Marissa Webb is now on their team as well.
ReplyDeleteBut-they can't go back. So many people say this thing about going back. The past is the past. The styles of 2008 are gone. For some, they are worth reusing, but not for most people. They won't go back. They have to go forward.
ReplyDeleteFashion goes back all the time. Look at all the 90s-inspired hideousness in stores right now. Last year it was 80s retreads. Sure it gets packaged in slightly different colors and called new, but there's very little new in fashion. (And when it is somehow new, it is quite monumental and exhilarating!)
DeleteYes. But those are longer cycles--the designers "go back" to a much earlier period (20 years). I don't see JCrew returning to what it was doing 6 years ago.
DeleteUnknown: I totally agree with your first message.
DeleteI agree with you too Unknown.
DeleteAs I put this into my bag in the storey yesterday, an employee (I won't name the position) told me to come by to enter the drawing. Nothing about refreshments or anything else about the promo with regards to the store. I'm just going to come each Friday for one entry? Way to sell it.
ReplyDeleteIn other news, SmAcKdOwN of perforated totes, J. Crew Downing vs. Banana Republic Ashbury.
Same thing was told to me yesterday when I was given the "Friday" card. We're doing a drawing and you can win. Yeah, that's not going to do it for me. It's a long walk to the B&M on my lunch hour so better make it worth my while, hahaha! :)
Deleteshopalot - I hear ya. I have to deal with traffic at times, and even if I'm coming from my house there's still parking to contend with. On a Friday. I definitely think twice if I can only go in the afternoon or evening.
DeleteWhen I was in my store yesterday {doing a return no less} there was a giant stack of those cards next to the registers but staff didn't mention the event or put the cards in people's bags.
DeleteThanks, shopalot, for sharing that the Downing is $99.99 in-store + 40% off.
DeleteI have been reading everyone's comments and shaking my head in agreement with all of it!
ReplyDeleteI just don't think these events are enough. Sadly, I don't. I hate beingnegative about the brand I love too.
Trust me when I say I still buy my fair share at the Crew, but I just don't think they are doing themselves any favor when it's boxy this, sweat pant that. They need to style things better too. Show off the perfect shirts and tailored jackets.
I can't say there's a foot traffic issue at the J.Crew stores in my area; they are always busy. But right now I feel there is a disconnect between the catalog and web styling and the store styling. The outfits on the mannequins in the stores are very appealing (they are incorporating the color that J.Crew is famous for) and make me want to buy them, but the style guide and web looks seem much duller. They need to promote whoever manages their visual stuff in stores to the style guide!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if they try to style their clothes based on the store's region. Maybe they go edgier on the coasts or more classic in the midwest?
DeleteOur stores are always busy, it seems. I am guessing they hit it with the Vancouver crowd, since we got 3 stores in less than 2 years here.
ReplyDeleteNow, could we get a Madewell store, please?
I remember the days when I could not wait to see the new catalogue and clothing offering from my favorite store, but I have become disenchanted with JCrew lately. I think they are missing the mark and I wish that they would get their mojo back before someone else steps in and steal their loyal customers…case in point BR.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm not in love with J Crew so. Ugh these days, I'm certainly not going to BR. I used to love it, but now I can't stand all the poly they use these days. I find BR gas lost its modern edge and is looking more like Talbots.
DeleteWell I won't being going to the Friday event because I am a two hour drive from any store. I wish they would have a corresponding online event! And Yes, the styling has been a bit boring as of late but I still find some many great items at JCrew. I do wish they would go back to classics with a twist but I can't say I dislike all of their current offerings. I still appreciate the style they offer at the price point. I do leave the brand though for various other offerings that are a little better at other brands.
ReplyDeletestopped in the store today--the gemstone floral silk dress is 129.99 in store and the gemstone floral top is 89.99. The new black and navy schoolboy blazers were 99.99 before the 40% off.
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ReplyDeleteOT, does anyone know the in store price of the Cotton Pique dress, item a2688.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
For anyone interested, it's $89.99.
DeleteI think they need to offer a discount, as most people won't come in just for refreshments or styling advice. Let each customer draw a card with a percent off amount. It can be low (5%, 10%, 15% off your entire purchase). Why not? The stuff gets marked down so fast anyway, and this might entice people to come into the store.
ReplyDeleteThe stores I go to are usually busy. I hope they do well, I enjoy shopping there and think the sales associates are terrific.
ReplyDeleteI admit to feeling badly about what has happened to JCrew. For so long it has been a store where I found clothes which I liked and felt stylish while wearing. They had been doing a great job for women with my style in providing looks which were neither too young nor too old. The prices with regards to fabrics and construction were a bit high at full price but certainly not as steep with many other lines sold at department stores such as Bloomingdales. But they have lost their way. I no longer wait to pour over the catalog. There is very little that I just have to have, especially when it will be offered at least than half price within a few weeks. I guess something which comes to mind immediately for me this summer would be blouses, which is something I wear daily. I have and still wear some of the really special Liberty prints. Recently they are not made as perfect shirts. They are all bejeweled, peasant style or the combination of many prints together. I won't but any of those no matter what discount is being offered. The editing and styling focus has been lost. I am holding out hopes it can be regained and that I once again find much to love at my favorite store.
ReplyDeleteYes! I love the Liberty shirts as button-downs, not popovers, peasants or bejeweled. And I wound up buying chinos at BR. I also think all their promotions are backfiring: instead of making me want to use them, I just hold out until the right one comes along and wind up feeling slightly jerked around by their prices and game playing.
DeleteTeacups - you spoke for me as well. Thanks.
Deletewhy would anyone want to go back 6 years ago in fashion? fashion is constantly moving forward and I love the direction of J crew! they keep up with the current trends on the runways at a very low cost. The collection pieces are beautiful! Maybe some of you have outgrown j crew and need to be at talbots, ann taylor or banana republic. I don't want to wear chinos, cardigans or anything with an anchor on it or any other kitschy print-not really fashion forward. I think the styling is boring lately, but i don't buy an item based on how it's styled. i can style myself and i don't want to look like a j crew mannequin/advertisement in real life. J crews main problem is they have too much inventory in a bad economy. Until they fix the inventory problem this summer fridays thing probably won't make a difference.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with everything you said, Katie. I've been shopping at J.Crew since at least 2004 (I'm now in my mid 20's), and though I don't appreciate everything in the catalog, I still find J.Crew making its way to most of my closet. I think some of the prices are outlandish, but really..... chinos, cardigans, and awkward anchors/prints just aren't that fashionable anymore (believe me that is literally all I used to wear back when it was IN!). Maybe some people here have outgrown J.Crew.
DeleteJ.Crew can't age itself because some of their earlier customers are getting older.
And how's that working for them? Have you seen their financials?
DeleteThis comment really stuck out for me: "J.Crew can't age itself because some of their earlier customers are getting older."
DeleteFor many of us, we turn to J.Crew because they are ageless. J.Crew does a good job targeting everyone: that anyone at any age can look great wearing clothes from J.Crew. (I was just at one of my local stores today and I saw all ages represented in the store. Although not too many actually buying.)
J.Crew received praise over the years for offering classics with a twists and for pieces that are both stylish and can stand the test of time. I think we all just want to make sure J.Crew continues. :)
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DeleteI am in my late 40s and still love JCrew chino shorts, tees, cafe capris, and dresses, to name a few. Depending on how you style the pieces, you can wear the same clothes you would wear in your 20s and still look classy and chic without looking like you shop at a teen clothing store. JCrew pieces are ageless in that way. But I'm selective of the pieces I buy from them...collection pieces in beautiful fabrics are always nice to have and their chino shorts, schoolboy blazers and coats are the best and timeless. Oh and their jewelry is beautiful and unique. I do stay away from the poly tops and cheap mohair sweaters. I do hope JCrew continues to offer "classics with a twist" as Alexis mentioned above.
DeleteJ. Crew's main problems are that tee shirts are too thin, dresses don't fit, styles are boxy with no darts or seaming, prices are too high, armholes too large or too cut in to wear with a regular bra, too many peasant styles, and pants that don't fit well. It seems that they are trying to cut things to fit everyone, which in reality fits no one well.
ReplyDelete