Sunday, June 29, 2008

Website is back online & running!

J.Crew's website is back online! {Yey!} It is clear that a lot of changes have been made. I have to be honest... I am not sure if I like them all or not. I will need a couple of hours to explore the site and its usability first. ;)

I plan on updating this list (Pros/Cons) as I go through the site...

Pros:
  1. Love that you can finally "zoom in" on images!
  2. I like that we have now have 20 minutes to make updates on orders just placed.
  3. Happy we can finally check our gift card balance online!
  4. I like seeing additional product images in the Sale section (although not a "fan" of the new layout for sale items).
  5. I think it is great that we can browse through catalogs!
  6. The search box now allows for keywords (pretty good!)
Cons:
  1. "Coupons are not valid for clearance merchandise." Say what?!? When I saw this line here, my heart just sank.
  2. No more price adjustments on non-full priced items. And I quote, "Items not purchased at full price are ineligible for price adjustments." Found this here.
  3. No longer able to use Google to perform link/ searches on J.Crew. (This was how many of us were able to find a lot of items J.Crew no longer linked on the main page or were not in the catalogs for us to look up.)
  4. The sale section has way too many links & looks a bit "cheap" (maybe its because I am not use to this for J.Crew). I actually preferred having "tops" as an option. I don't mind it being broken out into sweaters, shirts, and tees. But how about making another link of "tops" again? Also, the look of the sale section doesn't seem "right" for J.Crew (it makes the items look "cheap").
  5. Not a fan of having to select "Up to 90 Results" (as I would rather see all the items available at once). Maybe if "see all" was the default instead of "15 results," it would be better.
  6. If you already have a jcrew.com account, some personal information like your address, payment info and order history may have been lost in the recent web site update.
  7. The sale section (e.g. "clearance merchandise") appears to be permanently "final sale," although I don't know that for certain.
Do you love the new website or do you hate it (because you already had a "system" with the old website)? What are some of the features that you are happy they added? What features are you surprised to see?

32 comments:

  1. I want the turtle scarf in flame and it's pictured but not listed under the colors...very frustrated:(

    I like some things and don't like others...will take some getting used to like you said....

    ReplyDelete
  2. P.S. Love the zoom--it's about time JCrew had that feature...been around for years on other sites:)

    ReplyDelete
  3. My initial response is that I don't like it...it reminds me of a cross between Gap and Ann Taylor's online sites, and I rarely shop the two, as I don't like the "set up"...I do like the fact that the pictures of the models's are shown...BUT that is ONLY because they have taken away the Google Search AND item number searches that involve a letter. Have you noticed that they changed that feature to "Order by Item#" and placed it at the bottom of the page? They CLEARLY don't want anyone to do that anymore.

    It has been frustrating to have to resubmit all of my info and now I cannot see my order placed on Friday, either. Also, they say to store your CC info for one step checkout, yet when you do go to pay...your CCV" from your CC is still required...that's not one step...it's ANNOYING!

    It is obvious that they have taken all of the info we have shared on this blog and used it against us to "update" their sale site...all of the tips we have shared and discussed are no longer relevant, since they have done away with all of them. Shame on J.Crew for taking our Love and Obsession for All Things J.Crew and using it against us...I am just really frustrated...first the Free Shipping is gone, then Final Sale is back, and now this...talk about adding insult to injury! :(

    As far as the site goes...I will need some time to get used to it...I had the old system down to a science, and now I have to "relearn" everything again!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Also...now I have to obsess about finding the update time again, too...had that down to a science, as well...I haven't noticed any daily update this morning...maybe because they just did the "big update" yesterday? This sucks!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hmmmm I am a little disappointed by the new site. Well the sale section to be exact. I did a search by my shoe size...the shoe I have been patiently (okay impatiently) waiting to become available was listed. But once I clicked the link it wasn't actually available in my size. Bummer. Not sure...maybe I will get used to it.

    I also saw things at regular price online that were not only on sale in my store but 25% off as well.

    ReplyDelete
  6. yup. lots of items significantly more than in the store BEFORE the store discount.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Did anyone else notice this little line tucked away in their website:
    "Coupons are not valid for clearance merchandise"?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Alexis: I don't see that...where is it? Also...it's frustrating that they are putting up pics of merchandise that really isn't available...I thought I might be able to get my favorite pants in Navy, but when I try to put them in my bag, it says "null", as they are really already sold out.

    ReplyDelete
  9. FabulousFloridaMommy: I found the line about the coupon/sale items Here.

    I hate to say it, but they used this blog against us. :(

    ReplyDelete
  10. Alexis: it's our worst fears coming true...just like we had discussed prior to this, and like I just mentioned earlier in this post:

    Shame on J.Crew for taking our Love and Obsession for All Things J.Crew and using it against us...I am just really frustrated...first the Free Shipping is gone, then Final Sale is back, and now this...talk about adding insult to injury! :(

    ReplyDelete
  11. I found the katie jacket in navy which I bought in the store yesterday for $21.75 for $39.99 online. AND I don't get free shipping?! Not worth it. I am so truly annoyed right now!

    BTW- FFM, thanks for the shirt! I paid you last night. :o)

    Anyone have a katie jacket they want to sell?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Tired Memphian: Thanks! I will be mailing the shirt out to you tomorrow! Enjoy!

    BTW...did you get the Solid Kelly Jacket or the Solid Katie Sweater Jacket in the store? They are two different items...I can only find the Kelly Jacket online for $69.99.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Have you noticed the new search box? You can now search by KEYWORD which I think is a real plus.

    ReplyDelete
  14. In all fairness to the company JCrew, it was a pretty bad software functionality of their system that we on the outside could search & locate stock (outside of where it was to be displayed on the site).
    Now they have limited the item # search box to numbers only.

    Well ladies, there's an old saying that goes "loose lips sink ships". It looks like our fun is at the bottom of the ocean. ho hum

    Oh by the way, I put the Helena Pave sandals in gold in my shopping bag & when I went to checkout they were no longer available so I sadly bought them in fuschia.

    IJN-160 didn't work but I'm going to email them. If it's new policy it stinks to change policy in the middle of a promotion.

    ReplyDelete
  15. For as "High End" as J.Crew is apparently desiring to become...I think the new Sale Section looks pretty "cheap and cheesy"...the old site looked more "higher end", in my opinion.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I'll need some time navigating their new website. It's similar to Neiman's and Saks, where you can edit your search by clicking you options on the left side.

    Their search by item number isn't working right now. I've entered several numbers and it comes out as an error. But the items that I've entered are in stock at the moment.

    I believe free shipping should apply when a customer has at least purchased a minimum amount, or have one low shipping fee. I wonder if J Crew has a weird contract with the shipping companies that their fees are so high.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Webbysuzy- you can only item search with the numbers now. Unfortunately, it won't recognize the item numbers with a letter anymore. :(

    ReplyDelete
  18. tired memphian,
    What size Katie sweater jacket and color are you looking for? I can't get to a store so I ordered 2 sizes and 2 colors in the navy and geran.

    ReplyDelete
  19. If coupons aren't useable with sale merchandise, then I guess I won't be shopping J.Crew online very much anymore. Basically the only time I buy is when I can get free shipping and/or 20%+ off sale items. Disappointing.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Laughable and disappointing! For a store that I think has long embraced and been using the internet, their up-grade or more appropriately just change is horrible. The site looks like junior high school kids did it or the cheapest person available (maybe for beer and pizza). This is 2008, who takes a commerce site down for over 24hrs to make changes. The site is an eye sore. They get a 0 (zero, ok maybe extreme…) for usability. Yeah, you would really have to be a diehard fan to spend any time on it – not enjoyable. Yuck, did I say disappointing. They’re now on par or even below footlocker.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Two words: "Banana Republic." They must've borrowed BR's website designer, making the site look cheapened.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I too am frustrated that they changed the coupon policy. And Rach, you are right, this is unfair to do in the middle of a promotion. I have an idea around it but am fearful to put it on this site. If it works I will find some way to pass it around. I am very, very mad about this b/c as long as I spend over 150$ why would they care? Now chances are I will buy less. Hear that J Crew!! But my dear J Crew, you all could fix this by maybe letting Crew Card customers have free ship every once and a while!! That would probably make you all more money!! HINT HINT.

    I like the options to find things in terms of specific sizes, but overall don't like the new appearance. I agree with you FFM it looks too Ann Taylor and Gap and b/c of how their sites look, I don't enjoy shopping at those sites.

    ReplyDelete
  23. No, BR's site is more user-friendly; this is more like Ann Taylor's annoying site. At least at BR you can search specific sizes for each type of sale merchandise at the same time (e.g., size 2 + short pants, size 0 dresses, size 0 shirts, size 7 shoes *at the same time* instead of having to search each type of clothing separately. Don't get me wrong, this is somewhat better functionality than J.Crew's old website, but with over 24 hours downtime you'd think they could do a bit better.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Anonymous at 6:52 AM: The zoom is a nice feature. :)

    FabulousFloridaMommy: Your comparison to Gap & Ann Taylor is too true. Except I really don't like Ann Taylor's website. :(

    Pink1: Ugh! So it sounds like the updated & new website doesn't stock items properly-that's awful!

    Tired memphian: Thanks for letting us know that the stores are much cheaper now. :) Also, I agree about being annoyed with J.Crew right now.

    Anonymous at 8:01PM: Well the new search box I guess is a plus. (That was part of the reason I used a google search in the past).

    Anonymous at 9:32 AM: I agree about being dissappointed.

    Abijah: You are so right- their website didn't (or should not) have taken 24hours to make those changes.

    Ihaveadog: I agree that the sale section totally looks "cheap".

    Crewobsessed: Keep us posted about the "idea". :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anonymous @ 9:48 you are right its what I said last night when I saw it at 1 a.m. I hate it. WTF were they thinking. Whatever we all get a better deal in the stores anyway. It just means we will have to shop there or call in! ten bucks says if you call in CRS will be just as fabulous as they have always been... but I am also going to write them and beg them to bring back the old website.

    WTF no more google searches. WHHHHAHTTTT?

    ReplyDelete
  26. I only buy sale items, and if I can't get free shipping on sale items ever, then I'm done with the website.

    Also, I had several items bookmarked on my computer so I could watch availability and price, and now none of my links work. :(

    ReplyDelete
  27. Totally hate it!

    I have a waitlisted order, which I now can't find online. Per your experience, I have to call the 800 number and make sure they still have a record of it!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Anonymous at 11:19 AM: I know what you mean about the bookmarks. I literally just deleted a whole bunch of J.Crew links in my bookmarks folder because they don't work anymore. :(

    A: Me too: not loving the new site. I hope your waitlisted order is okay. :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. fyi i just placed a sale order and used your coupon code for free shipping off $150 and it worked :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. also, the search by size function in the sale section doesn't work! i just patiently waited 5 minutes for each page to load up with 90 results, and it turned out half the things i clicked on (and waited another 5 minutes for the page to load) wasn't even available in my size. and the site doesn't seem to be updated quickly enough -- a number of items are no longer available but is still in the sale section. i hate this redesign!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I don't hate the redesign, but I'll like it better when the bugs are worked out. One change that makes me happy is the ability to search for sale items by category before selecting a size. It's much easier for me to eyeball a picture, decide whether I actually like it, and then (try to) guess whether I need a 2/4/6/8 or XS/S/M than it is to click on every size option and see what is available.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi Ladies - just returned from a trip where I had no internet access and I am sitting here this morning just horrified. I can't believe that jcrew has changed to this terrible format for their sale. This is the only place I have investigated so far so I don't know about the rest of the site yet. I feel to write a letter to customer service I hate it so much.

    ReplyDelete

Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)