"Thanks!" to Doodle Daschund (in this post), who let us know the following:Not a review, but I was told in store the other day that basics like pencil skirts, jackie cardigans, matchstick jeans, etc will no longer be stocked in the stores. These will be online items only. They gave me more examples of the items but I just can't remember. They say it is to make room for more merchandise in the stores. They think since everyone is familiar with their basics, they will just be able to order them and they will no longer stock them. I think that is sad. Sometimes you need a basic item and don't have time to wait for it to be shipped. I was also told that the stores do still have some sale items but they are now 25% off. Doesn't matter to me because right now, they have nothing I want.
...I agree it is very weird but the SA had a little book that she read it from. I think it was training material for the staff, not anything we would see. They were shocked as well.
Well this is disappointing news! I am surprised that J.Crew would make it harder to purchase their well-loved basics. Ugh.
Personally, I like being able to touch and try on the items in person. Even though I am pretty consistent size-wise at J.Crew (like 99% of the time), there is always an odd piece that I have to size up or down in. Moreover, some pieces don't share the same color as their online counterparts. Seeing in person helps me determine this without having to buy and return.
It feels like this move is in response to the massive numbers in sale we have seen in stores and online recently. I don't think giving more floor space to merchandise that is not selling is the answer. Giving more floor space to merchandise that *is* selling, like the Jackie Cardigans, is.
P.S. The image above is from an email sent back in 2009. Minus the messy hair, the outfit is super cute and totally wearable today!
What are your thoughts on J.Crew's basics moving from stores to online only? Has your local B&M store transitioned away from basics? If so, please share!
I guess I just don't understand where J. Crew is coming from. I have not bought anything from them this entire year, which is a first. Their summer new arrivals have all been a disappointment, and while I am hesitantly hopeful for fall (you're right Alexis, that's usually their best season), the basics are what I love about J. Crew the most! Cafe capris in fun colors, wool No 2. pencil skirts, lightweight cardis... those are on constant rotation for my work wardrobe. I don't mind some expansion as far as what they offer, but the basics are there for a reason.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like most of the stuff I like at JC is online only, so I'm used to ordering and returning to my nearby B&M. Honestly, I'm not as concerned about the online-only offering of basics, but JC changing them in ways meant to cut costs (and quality). They've already changed the cotton/spandex content of the Jackie (probably more than once), changed the pencil skirts, matchsticks and Minnies, and who knows what the reissued Cece's are going to be like?
ReplyDeleteI miss JCrew of yesteryear... when things weren't $150 on average and it was so cute and preppy... le sigh.
ReplyDeleteI do not understand the reasoning for this at all. Make the pieces that sell online only to make room for pieces that might/might not sell? I would think that the reverse would be the course of action.
ReplyDeleteYou cannot force people buy stuff that they do not like just because that is the only merchandise in the store. They will shop elsewhere. I want to tell the executives at J. Crew my favorite quote from Mean Girls: 'Stop trying to make fetch happen.'
I hope they rethink this decision. I wondered why the Jackies were being clearanced at the store. I would much rather see them in person because as others have mentioned the colors can be so different IRL. Not to mention sizing can be all over the place (although I've always taken the same size in the Jackie).
ReplyDeleteTippi's too - very low prices in the stores. It has been great to buy other basics in-store on super sale - Andie's, #2's etc.
DeleteI can't tell you how many times I've run into a J Crew B&M to get an item under time pressure. Though I like JC's non-basics too, I need to feel pretty sure that I'm going to find something before I venture into a B&M. Even though I live and work in the city, the Boston store locations are not convenient for me - all in malls - and if I think that the chances are low that I'll buy something, I won't make the trip.
Ugh- another round of not understanding what makes them work. The great basics are what ground the other designs. Without them, j crew is just a crazy mishmash without a theme. Oh right- that's what they're going for these days! Sigh. And then they'll drop the basics entirely...
ReplyDeleteI think that outfit is totally wearable even *with* the messy hair! (That's totally me -- except when I have to see my MIL!)
ReplyDeleteI guess this is in line with your Cece post from yesterday, online only. I agree that this is a bad idea. The pencil skirts and sweaters are what hooked me on JC in the first place, they are classics and they are gorgeous colors and very nicely cut. Classics are what create long term customers, I think, not the edgy-ier trendy items.
Oooh, just a note that the collection eyelet flounce dress went on sale online today, and not FS! I have been waiting to try this!
DeleteThe japenese crepe blazer as well...I had to get a price adj. (it was like pulling teeth)
DeleteIt's like a drowning person who thrashes about and splashes so much that he can't be rescued.
ReplyDeleteHa! This happened to my mom when she was young, screaming so loud that she could not even hear the lifeguard screaming "you are in the shallow end! Just stand up!" JC has (for the most part) everything it needs to save itself too...
DeleteMy hair pretty much always looks like that, except for it's not on purpose, lol.
ReplyDeleteThis sort of cracks me up in a way, because the two things I generally won't buy online are jeans and pencil skirts, unless I know I can return them for free, and even then I tend to be wary about it.
But as an old (aka over-35 in retail speak), my opinion is entirely irrelevant anyway, haha.
They are removing the basics from the store to make more room for the Frankenstein they created called "The Sales Section".
ReplyDeleteI said this yesterday but this is SO DUMB. They cannot relegate all of the basics to online only & still have a free ship minimum of $150. I live 2 hours from the closest B&M but I can imagine if I had one close by, and I needed a basic such as a black Jackie or some black Minnies, I would never pay $8.95 shipping for the one item! Again, SO DUMB.
ReplyDeleteOT - Did anyone notice the mini-roll out?
ReplyDeleteStadium-Cloth Cocoon coat in grey is calling my name...and what are those grey elastic waist tie pants the model is wearing with the cocoon coat?...love.
I thought maybe I was seeing things. Yes, I noticed a few things that I don't remember seeing in last week's rollout. I also got an email about 'new arrivals' and a 'sale'. Sometimes these emails just refer to the same ol' 'new arrivals'.
DeleteThe Stitched Sunburst Skirt in stripe is one item that may be new.
what do you think of the new Regent Blazer ? I kind of like the collar being different...new so I suppose no one has seen it IRL....
DeleteI like the overall look. The red is stunning. Not sure how the collar will look on those of us who are on the short side. It does come in petite, hopefully that will help.
DeleteDid anyone see the A line skirt? I think it's new as well. Unfortunately, it's made of rayon and machine washable.
DeleteThat red is stunning in that Regent blazer but I'm not too sure about the stand up collar being fixed...
the other new item the ribbed merino sweater...kind of looks like the line ribbed they did this summer. ....
Deletesorry LINEN ribbed sweater/top..
DeleteThey just added 2 new cardigans-Ribbed Stitch Open Cardigan.
Delete@Unknown, you were right the first time. I do see the ribbed merino sweater. Nice colors for fall.
Bring on September 20th roll-out! J.Crew better not disappoint.
DeleteI like the pants shown with the Cocoon coat, too, JSR. I don't see them on the website. They look like they might be wool or a wool blend.
DeleteI have the Stadium Cloth Cocoon coat in gray from last year. It is my favorite coat! You need it :)
DeleteI agree with everyone in thinking this is a stupid move. I'm 5.5 hours from the nearest J Crew. On the rare occasion that I get into a real store I take hours to try on all the basics just so I can figure out what size I am for the year. If the Crew would offer consistent sizing and/or free shipping (both ways) on the "basics" it might be better. But I own Matchsticks in everything from a sz.26 to 29 and the No.2 pencil skirt in everything from sz. 0 to 4, depending on the season, color, material. How can they offer their staples only online, when there is such wild inconsistency even within the "basic" Matchstick or No. 2 pencil skirt?
ReplyDeleteI foresee many unhappy customers and many unhappy returns.
Also, no majesty peacoats or schoolboy blazers. So wrong in so many ways...
ReplyDeleteIn agreement with everyone! I actually went into the B&M store this afternoon to kill time on my lunch and toward the center where the SALE items end up, a table of Campbell capri and Jackie cardigans. Makes sense now. I walked around the front of the store and was not at all impressed by the some of the FALL items offered. I like the idea of having ability to pop into the store and pick up a cardigan, pair of jeans, great tee without having to order and wait on 6-7 days shipment. For me, the "collection" and "trendy" items should be a few in the store (mixed with basics) and the rest online. I could care less about a 500.00 skirt in the store. I'm not going to buy it. I want classics. Funny, the Banana Republic store is across from J.Crew and walked in there and it was busy and what did they have on display ---- classics in updated styles. Nice black pants and nice tops. They even have the "martina" wedges at a better price. I don't know J.Crew--- you continue to break my heart and lose my business.
ReplyDeleteI was having a nice little chat with the director at my local store, telling her how disappointing the first couple of fall rollouts have been and that everything was just really (burgundy and navy) drab. All of the sudden, it occurred to me that what was missing was the entire section of button down shirts in cute/pretty/interesting fabrics. Mostly with regard to the Liberty prints, she said, "They just don't sell!" She said the same thing when I mentioned how much I miss the really great statement necklaces that were fun and sparkly without being gaudy or looking like they came out of my grandma's jewelry box. I wanted to say, regarding both the shirts and the jewelry, "It would sell if it looked good!" It just seems like the designers have lost their way.
ReplyDeleteI really love the cabarnet ( spelling?) and I am loving navy this summer in linen fabrics. I will likely continue my love with the Navy japenese blazer (on sale now---all ready ) the wool pencil skirt in navy. endless shirt in stripe in burgundy and navy. Last years navy pea coat was what got me started....It always looks classy but its not BLACK ....like much of what we see in fall /winter clothiong. I want a cabarnet or burgundy coat this winter....oh and I ahve last years biennal hobo in burgundy. It looks great with the navy coat. I do believe I have talked/bought myself on to this color trend!
DeleteMy store manager told me a few months ago that they will no longer have Liberty print shirts.....he said they don't sell. Hummm.....I own several. Unknown, I'm with you! A few years ago I stopped wearing black. Forever. Navy is my new black and everyone says it looks so pretty on me. I'll keep buying navy and cabernet!
DeleteI own one liberty shirt....got it on super -sale. I always found them to be too expensive even when on sale.
DeleteStray Cat, you just turned a lightbulb on in my head!! Black and gray makes me look older, so I've stopped wearing them near my face, but I love your idea of switching to navy and cabernet!!
DeleteIf my weight didn't fluctuate and stayed consistent, then awesome, I'd order whatever I want in the same size. Reality is though, the weight gods aren't always kind and a slight weight gain or loss could dramatically change how an items fits. You would definitely have to try something on to make sure, regardless of i f you have worn the same pencil skirt or tippi sweater for years and years. This idea just seems so idiotic! It's gotta be a joke.....right?!
ReplyDeleteThe soap operas are using J Crew jewellery again...
ReplyDeleteY&R today Victoria had on a JC necklace...tommorows sneekpeak showed Chelsea wearing one of the larger necklaces...
saw the starburst on another soap (not sure what the name is)
I was used to seeing alot of JC clothing pieces....but lately all the jewellery
It nice to see how these pieces are styled....the one on Victoria kept going under the neckline of her dress ...I am so pathetic....I actually get so excited when I recognize a piece....
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DeleteI don't think we are pathetic. :)) I also noticed the Venus Flytrap necklace in an episode of Suits.
DeleteI wonder if J Crew is doing this as a way to maximize their profit on basic items.
ReplyDeleteWhen basics are sold in store, they (like everything else) are subject to the seasonal mark-down cycle, pressured by the need to move stock to create space for new inventory. If the basics are only sold online, the company may be able to keep the price higher for longer. I'm sure they would have much rather sold something like the black schoolboy blazer at 85% of full price, rather than the <50% in-store price I bought mine for a month ago.
Good point.
DeleteThis bites for Canadian JCAs - not only does this mean we will have to deal with the already higher pricing for basics, but also the exchange rate and paying for shipping/return ship as well.
I couldn't agree more. One of the reasons I love J Crew is for their basics, which I can then add a little flair to with accessories and a great pair of shoes.
DeleteWith prices being higher in Canada, and our lower dollar, this will impact my purchases from J Crew.
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ReplyDeleteThanks again to J Crew Aficionada for keeping me up-to-date! Like everyone else, this saddens me.
ReplyDeleteLets not forget that AWESOME feeling of accomplishment when you bop into a store and pick up a little tee that fits just right and a basic pair of pants that you want to wear that week. Simple quick purchase that was within your budget...I love those shopping trips. Too bad J Crew is taking that away!
If they do this, they should offer 2-day free shipping and free return shipping like Zappos/Nordstrom.
ReplyDeleteI just don't understand J. Crew anymore. Who's their target market? And, I love their staples and I love trying things on in person before purchasing... I do agree J. Crew HAS TO offer free shipping AND returns if they do this. Otherwise, I'll basically start buying NOTHING from them because what I buy in duplicates and stacks is their basics and a few standout items (mostly shoes and jewelry because their roll out have been really poor for a while now)... Btw, this is actually starting to annoy me a little. J. Crew is messing things up constantly and just missing the target. I'm even starting to think am I just not their target market?? Who knows. I certainly don't feel like it a lot of times.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking they mean basics that they always sell in basic colors too would only be online. So the store would feature pencil skirts in that season's colors, but to get black and navy you'd have to go online. It would just be plain stupid not to stock any of their signature pieces in stores at all. I scored a black schoolboy blazer in June in the store for $40, so I could see them trying to eliminate this scenario in the future by keeping the basic in-stock year-round colors full-price online.
ReplyDelete