J. Crew could expand Madewell line
NEW YORK (AP) - A J. Crew Group Inc. executive on Wednesday said the company could make a decision about whether to expand its Madewell brand during the second half of the year. Chief Financial Officer Jim Scully made the remarks, which were webcast, during the Wachovia Nantucket Equity Conference.J.Crew began developing the line, which is lower priced than its J. Crew line and targets a slightly younger demographic, in 2006 and it is still classified as research and development. "We decided that the second half of this year we were going to make a 'go or no go' decision," on Madewell," Scully said. "One thing we won't do is lose $15 million a year, we'll either lose zero or ramp up and be profitable." Any ramp up would take place in 2010 due to real estate issues, he said.
Currently, there are eight Madewell stores in the U.S., including one in New York, and two more scheduled to open this year. The online store is scheduled to launch in July or August.
Other areas of development J. Crew is working on include its yoga activewear, which currently consists of 10 pieces. The line will likely double by the fall, Scully said. The New York company is also stage-testing jewelry, which is available in 120 stores so far, and should be in 150 stores by year-end.
What do you think about the possible expansion of Madewell? Are you excited or could care less? Also, what do you think about J.Crew "stage-testing jewelry" (although I am not sure what that means exactly)? :)
I will have to see Madewell's clothing in person...in that other article about Mickey Drexler it made a comparison of Madewell to that of Old Navy: "Madewell, which he’s visiting today, is a brand-new J. Crew offshoot that sells hip, casual clothes. It’s a little like the way Mr. Drexler started up Old Navy to offer clothes that were less expensive than the Gap’s."
ReplyDeleteI'm not a big fan of Old Navy, due to the quality, so I hope that Madewell isn't comparable to them. I don't really care for the name "Madewell", either. Anyways...I'm not going to pass judgement on the line until I am actually able to see and possibly wear-test some of the items (if there is even anything appropriate for a 30 something mom). ;)
Not sure about the stage-testing jewelry...I don't know what it is, either.
I like jcrew because it is not super trendy, like urban outfitters or american apparel (high waisteted shorts, spandex pants, and t-shirts that go below the hip? I think not!). I'm petite and am really sick of the current 'trends' being all about clothes that are not in proportion to one's body! Madewell seems to be a mix of jcrew and urban outfitters, so it's possible that I will be able to find more traditional yet stylish pieces, but I am still not entirely sold. I will continue to keep tabs on Madewell, though.
ReplyDeleteI absolutly LOVE madewell. It's an amazing store, the jeans fit amazingly, the clothes is super cute and casual. I would most certaintly NOT compare it to Gap-Old Navy. First off, I think that Gap is much worse quality that J.Crew (on the most part) so thus Madewell can't be compared to Old Navy. Also, I never really like Old Navy (because of it's poor quality and fit), and I think it's a grand disservice to Madewell for the comparison.
ReplyDeleteMadewell (stupid name, I agree, and stupid fake back story about the mill in Bedford) is an awesome store, for a much more casual, sunday-morning kinda dressing.
I have zero familiarity with Madewell's products, but from the first moment I read about it, I thought, "wow, is that an awful name." Seriously. How in the world did research (which I'm sure was done) reflect people would have a positive reaction to a clothing store named "Madewell." Honestly, I laughed when I read about it, because the name reminded me of Stan Sitwell (that will only mean something to fellow 'Arrested Development' fans) :-)
ReplyDeleteI'll probably check it out when it goes on-line, but since I don't shop at Old Navy, or Gap for that matter, I don't see myself becoming a Madewell shopper, either.
FabulousFloridaMommy: I hear nothing but good things about Madewell's. I suspect it is closer to the Gap quality than Old Navy quality. (Especially since the price points at Madewell for a tank is about the same as the Gap's).
ReplyDeleteBut I agree with you in that I am not a fan of Old Navy because of the quality.
Heather: When you wrote "high waisted shorts" I laughed a little- can't believe those are back "in fashion" now. I mean some people can pull off that look, but most of us really cannot. ;)
Anabelle & La Belle Helene: Not a fan of the name "Madewell" either. I also don't know why I keep thinking its "Madewell's" with an "S".
Madewell doesn't look so high end. It definitely has more of a 'hipster' vibe going for it. I'd have to check out one of their brick and mortar stores, but I don't see it being a place that I would frequent.
ReplyDeleteAs for their jewelry I can't bring myself to do it... I hate costume jewelry. If they actually made real pieces I'd consider it. I only buy real metals and gem stones.
Honestly... Is it just me, or are Madewell prices basically the same or higher than J.Crew for lesser-quality items? For example, from the Madewell website Looks 1-8:
ReplyDeleteLook 1:
Pleated Top - $78
Summer High-Rise Jeans - $135
Patent-Leather T-Strap Sandals - $75
Look 2:
Flounce Shift Dress - $130
Metallic-Suede Gladiator Sandals - $78
Look 3:
Irina Peacoat - $145
Sailor Denim Shorts - $65
Look 4:
Striped Drop-Waist Dress - $72
Look 5:
Glitter Patent Sandals - $98
Striped Henley Tee - $42
Garment-Dyed Cropped Jeans - $92
Look 6:
Sailor Trousers - $130
V-Neck Graphic Tee - $42
Look 7:
Ruffled V-Neck Top - $72
Garment-Dyed Midi Shorts - $65
Look 8:
Chambray Shirtdress - $98
Trapeze Tank - $45
Lower priced... Seriously?
Emily: I agree with you on jewelry. I only buy solid silver and gold pieces, with real precious (or more frequently, semi-precious) stones. I see jewelry as a "lifetime" purchase...something that I'd want to pass on to my own daughters a few decades down the line, so I look for materials that will last. I make most of my purchases on "etsy.com" where I can discuss the specifics of what I want with individual artists/artisans, and I still pay half of what jcrew charges for costume, gold-plated jewelry. That said, some of Jcrew's more striking enamel pieces were tempting...but they would need to be massively on sale (80% off or so) before I'd be reaching for my credit card :)
ReplyDeleteThere isn't a Madewell in my area, but now I'm incredibly curious...ARE they going to be online?
I've been to two Madewell stores. The first in Natick, MA which I wasn't all that impressed it. The store there is quite small. I've also been to their flagship in Manhattan and Soho, it's bigger and the setup is quite cute: very shabby chic. I'm a BIG sales shopper and neither store had any sales while I was there.
ReplyDeleteI would agree with others that comparisons to Old Navy aren't accurate. I find their prices for basics to be only slightly (maybe 20%?) less than J Crew. Also, unlike Old Navy, Madewell still has the feel of a semi-upscale shopping environment (no huge signs advertising tanks at 2 for $10, paper shopping bags, etc). I wouldn't necessarily call the clothes "hip" either, just casual basics with style. Maybe urban is a better word? When I think of "hip" I think of super trendy stores like Zara and H&M.
I found this site with pics of the Madewell store in Soho...click Here . They say about Madewell that it is J.Crew's "new, younger, less-preppy brand Madewell".
ReplyDeleteEmily: J.Crew jewelry (not on sale) is definitely not worth the price. They have cute pieces, but for those prices you could probably afford real gold & silver.
ReplyDeleteDanielle: I think their basic tees & tanks are cheaper than J.Crew. But as you pointed out, their jeans and other items are just as (if not more) expensive as J.crew.
Auryane: I love Etsy for some time now too- what a fantastic site for artists and the like! :)
Pink Maple Design: I agree with you that Madewell isn't so much hip like H&M, but more bohemian & shabby chic.
FabulousFloridaMommy: Great link! It had some really fantastic pictures of the store. I can't wait to visit it the next time I go to NYC. :)
Madewell is not a made-up name. Madewell was a former workwear company which was once based in MA. I think J. Crew chose this name because it gives Madewell some historical recongition as being a company with classic and quality clothing. Bascally Madewell already had a history.. J. Crew is just continuing it with this new brand.. I guess. I kinda like the name.. I mean what else would they name it? Also.. the store is NOT old navy like.. please be advised a man did write that artcile. And its JCREW I dont think they would lessen themselves in anyway....
ReplyDeletei shop at the madewell store in soho, and i always wish there was a way to e-shop. their sizing runs big (my friend wears a S/M, but she can fit XS/S at madewell), but their tees are unbelievably soft. i think softer than american apparel tees. i just wish they'd have sales though -- the prices are high for such casual clothes.
ReplyDeleteI love Madewell. The clothes are hip (but not too trendy) and well-made. It's definitely of better quality than GAP, Old Navy and Urban Outfitters. I would say it's like J.Crew and Anthropologie. I've bought 5 items already in a span of one month (they have a sale now). Ordering was easy, just call them and give them the item name as seen on their website. By end-July, you can order online. I hope they will continue to expand this brand.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Madewell. I get so excited when I get to visit their store in Las Vegas. For the most part their prices are affordable, but some pieces are a bit pricey. Quality clothing, not comparable to Old Navy, and an excellent clearance section. The sales girls were so helpful as well. I think their pieces can be mixed with other less expensive finds to build a classy look. You get what you pay for, quality!
ReplyDelete