Venice4504 suggested a great topic which is J.Crew's final sale and how long it has been going on. I agree with her that this final sale seems to be dragging on. I looked back in the posts of this blog and this latest final sale started on June 18th (refer to "Oh no, Final Sale is back!" post). Although the final sale has been going on for a few months, it does seem like a really long time to me. To be honest, I don't remember J.Crew's final sales lasting this long- just a couple of weeks (...or maybe I really never paid attention to them before). ;)I don't like "final sales" in general. :) Even though I rarely (and I do mean rarely) return items I buy from J.Crew, I like knowing I have the option in case I need to. And most times, J.Crew will let you return a final sale item if you need to (thus semi-defeating the concept of the "final sale"). However, I do understand why J.Crew (and other retailers) would run sales that are "final" (seeing as how they are trying to liquidate end-of-the-season inventory).
Also "thanks!" to everyone (like mom-nyc [in the "J.Crew Plays Favorites: Are You One?" post], Maggie May & Blumre [in this post]) who let us know that J.Crew is now offering an additional 20% off their final sale using the promo code EXTRA20. This offer expires 9/7/08.
Twiga also let us know (in the "Love It Or Leave It: Jersey-Knit Pant" post) that she heard in her local J.Crew store yesterday that the additional 40% off final sale items will be reduced to an additional 20% today. I called one of my local J.Crew's today and they are indeed running the 20% off final sale. So chances are your local store will be carrying the 20% off final sale as well.
What are your thoughts on J.Crew's final sale? Do you feel comfortable purchasing items that are part of their "final sale"? Do you think the "final sale" is now permanent? If you do not think it is permanent, when do you think the "final sale" will be over?
Final Sale now 20% off with "extra20".
ReplyDeleteI had lots of items from a recent order "inventory cancelled" even though they simultaneously appear on the website as available. By raising this issue, I do get free shipping on future orders. They are nice but confused.
Alexis, I agree! I always like the option of returning. I think if they're trying to liquidate, though, they need to lower their prices a little more or perhaps offer more incentives, like more frequent %-off's or free shipping. They're not priced to move, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI agree with melanie (and alexis, and maggie) - prices aren't really low enough to justify a "can't return" policy - as it seems anything that goes the slightest bit on sale qualifies for being "final sale." Because I wasn't sure of my size, I recently (read: 5 times) ordered 2 pair of size 4 pants as well as 2 pair of size 6, knowing that one or the other would have to go on the eBay chopping block to get rid of them. Really does seem unfair - especially for the newer items that *just* recently went on sale. I doubt those items are *really* final liquidation...
ReplyDeleteIts now 20% final sale online! As now I see Maggie May said... though I am totally sick of the final sale. YUCK
ReplyDeleteLove the 20% off online, but only items in the sale category that end in a .99 receive this discount. Everything else is the 'sale' price. So I agree with melanie that things aren't really priced to move.
ReplyDeleteTwiga
Well, final sale just means I buy less adventurous items. I have been eying the Domino Jacquard Cropped Jacket since it popped up on-sale, but I probably won't buy since it is slightly unconventional and you can never tell with jackets how they fit (and my store isn't carrying it)
ReplyDeleteAlexis, I think you talked about this jacket IRL before...care to give your thoughts?
btw my perfect scoop neck tees in XS arrived today - they fit PERFECT and now I want one in every color!
I agree with you guys. The 'Final Sale' has gone on for way too long. Hopefully Jcrew will drop the prices to make the 'Final Sale' a bit more appealing because I'm tired of seeing the same stuff week after week at the same price!
ReplyDeleteYes I completely agree - I just mentioned to the SA in store today that I wonder when the final sale will end - my bank account can't take anymore! Everyone behind the counter said OMG I know, JCrew have mercy on us.
ReplyDeleteOn the plus side, lots of holiday shopping is already done and we are barely into fall! So far I've received the Sadie dress, Florence Dress, Argyle hoodie, and Baird McNutt linen flax suit. The others are still open/released hopefully without any further cancellations (there have been 8 items cancelled so far) ;P
I'm over the Final Sale. Not only are the items boring to me, a good number of them are bait and switch. They really, REALLY need to stop showing capris at $19.99, only to click and see them only available at full price. That is complete b.s.
ReplyDeleteI went to the San Francisco Banana Republic 30th Anniversary event tonite and it was completely divine. I had a great time and spent double what I budgeted. The promo was 30% off of purchases $125 and up. Easy to do. Esp with a DJ in the building and free flowing champagne. Too much fun!
I have only bought five items since the final sale started that I received and six others were cancelled...I don't have a store near me either. I used to spend between $900--1200 per month with JCrew! As you can see I am over the final sale business and their new system.
ReplyDeleteTalboats has the cutest cardinal red peacoat. Dare I say I like it MUCH better than JCrew's? YES!
ReplyDeleteI like true reds.....
Did you ladies notice that some of the FS stuff has been marked down additionally? Right now it seems to be only on the item level page (ie, the Olivia shell is $99 on the sweaters page, but if you click on it, it shows as $79).
ReplyDeleteI absolutely DESPISE Final Sale and I agree that this one seems to have lasted FOREVER...it's like the Final Sale of Eternity! It's also ludicrous to put newer pieces in the Final Sale, especially at *regular* sale prices...the whole thing is ridiculous at this point!
ReplyDeletei won't buy final sale unless it is extra 20-30% off. the prices just aren't that great otherwise. my strategy with jcrew is, if i see something for regular price that i LOVE, as in if it is very unique or a color that i don't think they will offer again, i will buy at full price (though i try to wait for a 20% off full price coupon). if it's a basic that i know will come out again next season in a basic color, then i wait for the sale with extra % off. i try not to buy things in the sale that i never would have bought at full price, because then i end up with a bunch of junk t-shirts and stuff that i never end up wearing. it's hard though! i got burned with a lot of sale stuff last year that were total impulse buys.
ReplyDeletei just bought the ruffle henley in black, a perfect fit v-neck in dark slate, and a perfect fit long sleeve in heather graphite. good prices IMO and items i know will fit and wear a lot.
I just don't trust what is on the sale site now, I keep thinking that the order will end up being cancelled, because items are disappearing and appearing all the time.
ReplyDeleteMelissa: That is a wise shopping strategy, I got some stuff on final sale last Spring and I never wore it.
I got so fed up with J Crew's weird sizing, Final Sale, and constant short shipping that I packed up my FS items last week and sent them all back. I kept receord of each item that I returned and will see what happens. Since no other store does something as crazy as FS/no returns I didn't feel guilty at all. Maybe if enough people do this they will end their FS crap altogether!!
ReplyDeleteanon @ 8:02, I did the same thing about 2 weeks ago - I boxed up all my FS purchases that didn't fit, and sent them all back. Two days ago, I got 8 gift cards for the returns that I sent.
ReplyDeleteHate the final sale. The prices are way too high, and don't justify the risk in buying something that might not fit. I also find their final sale section incredibly frustrating because half of the stuff they have up there isn't even on sale.
ReplyDeleteJ.Crew, please improve your sale section. It would really help you move those items.
I think that if JCrew is going to offer final sale with no returns, the prices need to be lower. We don't have a store in Columbia, and I don't have opportunities to try everything on during a season. I'm not going to chance a $100 dress without the option to return it -- I don't care if it was originally $300!
ReplyDeleteAfter all the trouble they had, I tried to refrain from buying from FS online. I have had items from 7orders cancelled.
ReplyDeleteBut last week, I saw some stuff from last winter season and could not resist. I ordered the Robinson sweater coat, Blair sweater dresses in gray and black, tessa sweater in navy and the new dream sweater dresses in brown and navy.
I received them yesterday and am thrilled with the purchases.
I do wish I had been able to get the 20% off, but they were still good buys at the sale prices.
It seems like this final sale has been on going for months. I did notice a few winter items from last year yesterday evening, but they are all gone already this morning.
ReplyDeleteThis sale has been hanging around for so long I think I have a 'sale hangover'. I'm ready for fresh stuff.
Terrablanca: I did mention the jacket (in the "{Yey!} New arrivals are here! " post). I thought the Domino jacquard cropped jacket (Item 94167) was not as nice in person as it is on-line (for the regular asking price), but that if it goes on sale then it might definitely be "a buy". ;)
ReplyDeleteAlexis: I really agree with you on the jacket. It kind of looked cheap in person!
ReplyDeleteBlumre: I am happy to hear that I wasn't the only one who thought that. :) The image online looks really pretty too (which I felt didn't match my expectations in-person). This of course, not to say, that I won't purchase this jacket in the future (if the sale price was right). ;)
ReplyDeleteso basically, regarding the sale, it's gone from being an extra 40% off in stores to just 20%? What kind of backwards logic is that? I guess it doesn't matter a great deal to me, because I so hate the idea of "final sale" I don't buy anything.
ReplyDeleteYea, Alexis, I didn't like that it appeared as if there were stripes running between the dots on the jacket. It looked as it it was sewn cheaply. I don't know. I know its possible to have polka dots without that affect. But who designed that and let it leave the warehouse like that?
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone "final sale" has dragged on for what seems to be forever. Deeper discounts are needed. I have a feeling that they maybe waiting to see how their sales in September go and if they're still stuck with a lot of inventory going into winter there will be some deeper discounts in October.
ReplyDeleteThe worst part of the sale section is I've placed a couple of orders only to have the majority of the items canceled and are STILL showing up as available on-line. I've asked about these specific items and have been told
"Unfortunately the inventory reflected on our website is not always
accurate. The website has not been updating correct and is allowing
customers to purchase sold out merchandise. The items which were
canceled on your order have in fact sold out.
We are working hard to correct these system glitches and we appreciate
your patience during this time."
So I'm not ordering anything from the sale section until I'm confident that it is fixed.
Plus I'm still having issues with shipping to Canada. Still no tracking numbers. Some orders are taking 3-4 weeks and others arrive within 5 days. No rhythm or reason as to why since they've been a mix of sale and full priced merchandise.
That's it, I'm taking a break from you J. Crew.
Anyone who can do simple math can figure out that most of the 20% discount gets eaten up by the exorbitant shipping charges. Now, a discount AND free ship, i could enjoy!(i.e- the way it used to be, before "the improvements"!!!
ReplyDeleteDARE I SAY IT BUT I WILL
ReplyDeleteI have gotten EVERYTHING 40% OFF that shows up in the sale area. I am sorry but they deserve to honor that price. If their system is SO screwed up and things are showing up under the sale but then when you click it you find it actually isn't showing sale--then they should honor the price given. They have for me and I didn't even point it out that way--I just said these items are showing up undr sale and they gave it to me. I have the Jackie cardigans coming for $29.99 and the Cooper jacket coming for $48.50...and there are more items..believe me. It's the ONLY reason I have continued to shop sale. Plus they will honor returning things. At the same time many of the very inexpensive tees are dropping off left and right.
I think the winter/spring final sale went from just before Christmas 2007 to April 2008. The final sale should end in a few weeks unless J. Crew decides to have a final sale for eternity. I hate final sales too. Yuck!
ReplyDeletei rec'vd an email about the extra 20%, so it would SEEM their system should be settled down if they are advertising and ready to handle increased web traffic. Things added to the cart do disappear (with a notice, imagine that!) before you place the order - not sure if someone else bought the item from under my nose (my bank acct thanks you), or it's just JCrew correcting inventory snafus.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad they are *trying* to not let us order things that are out of stock (if they really are...still wary on items that seem to pop on and off the website). It's MUCH better than ordering and then getting items cancelled. However, that being said, things are STILL falling off my order(s)..one started with 10 items, 5 cancelled the day after, 2 more today with no notice.
JCrew, was it really the best move to increase traffic if you're STILL cancelling orders without notice?? I'm a loyal customer and I'm starting to feel like my orders are sitting in the corner, newbies swooping in to collect, and slooooowly every item is getting removed from my 'released' order(s). I think we should see other people for a while.
I know that everybody seems upset about final sale going on for such long time, but I am actually a happy camper. I have only placed orders over the phone and they gave me extra 40% plus student discount. In the past I was able to return FS items if there is really something wrong with them (color or not true to its size). So there is definitely room for error as far as JC FS is concerned.
ReplyDeleteThe website is running so slow it takes FOREVER for a page to load...guess the website can't handle the traffic....watch for orders/items to be cancelled too...wonder if the new system can handle it all??
ReplyDeletelooks like a lot of recent new items on final sale- notably the marcella blouse and frankie bag.
ReplyDeletedoes anyone own the jeweled capri sandals? are they comfy or a pain to wear?
tons of stuff in sale-bags went from 9 to 41. some new styles added to sale too. I gotta try and squeeze in a visit to a store this weekend!-BGD
ReplyDeleteSite...is...so...slow!
ReplyDeleteAnd full of sale items you can't order :-P
Thanks Alexis for posting about my hatred for the FS. :)
ReplyDeleteOKAY LADIES--LET ME HELP YOU OUT!!! DO NOT ORDER FROM SALE--IT IS ALL GONE! ALL THE NEW STUFF THAT HAS SHOWN UP (ie OLD STUFF) IS UNAVAILABLE AND IT IS A BIG HUIGE WASTE OF YOUR TIME TO EVEN BOTHER-DO NOT BE FOOLED> IFEEL SO SORRY FOR ANYONE RECV'G THE EMAIL THINKING THEY ARE SO EXCITED TO GET THIS STUFF AND NONE OF EXISTS. THE WEBSITE IS ROYALLY SCREWED UP.
ReplyDeleteI KEEP CALLING BACK AND WALKING THROUGH ALL THE INTERESTING ITEMS WITH CS AND NONE OF THEM EXIST! They are SERIOUSLY gonna have more IRRATE cutomers formthis nonsense,=. They just sent out this email with extra 20% off--that is BAD business in my opinion and I know EVERYONE opinio on here. BAAAAAAAAAAADDDD DECISION J CREW-SHAME ON YOU!
I saw a perfect-fit v-neck shirt in white and was like "Oooh!" because it seems like I never catch basic colors like white and black on sale so I added it to my cart, along with a couple of other things. Then I go to check out and realize that though it says it's applying discounts, it's really not and was going to charge me more than it should. That just left a bad taste in my mouth and I ended up not ordering. I'm generally pretty careful so I hope nothing else has slipped by. Bad software, J.Crew!
ReplyDeleteI caved and bought the ruffle henley in black and the cashmere anna jacket from last year in black. I could not process the order online so I caleld in and they waived the shipping fee for the trouble. Hopefully it will all come; the CS did say it was all in stock.
ReplyDeleteIt makes complete business sense for them to have a "no-return" policy... although I wonder if you brought in your item to a B&M and don't have a receipt whether or not they would give you store credit...
ReplyDeleteMy strategy to "prepare" myself for their sales is to go to a B&M store and try on everything that catches my eye and then wait for them to appear in the final sale. It's worked for me, for the most part. I sort of feel like they turn over their inventory enough that I can't justify buying items full price. The only thing I HAVE bought at full price is their cotton taffeta belle skirt in grey ($78). It looks and feels great, and I can dress it up or down. Since I wear it so often, cost-per-wear is pretty low :)
Venice4504: The "thanks" really goes to you for giving us a great topic for the post!!! :)
ReplyDeleteSite is running slow...it took me 50 minutes to look through all the sale stuff and everything I wanted was not really there! I am so mad I wasted my time. Shame on you JCrew. I liked the good old days when you could check the sale QUICKLY and get most everything you wanted!
ReplyDeleteyes, don't waste your time .. the online site is showing things that don't exist. Save yourself from seeing all the "Opens" change to "Released" and then "Cancelled".
ReplyDeleteOk, I just went out on a limb and called CS to place my sale order. A couple of the items that were showing online weren't still in stock but most of my basic items (tees and such) that I did want I at least got. She was really nice and did mention that their website wasn't working right (understatement of the year). I have not gotten the email that she said would come from my confirmation, but fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteOT:
ReplyDeleteRe Jennifer's post and ALL the others that LOVE the Belle skirt. I am not a skirt person--at all. But on special occasions I wear one and I like them. One thing I do not like is wearing full skirts due how the voluminous look makes me look larger than I am (I wear a 4 typically). What is all the love about--I mean I can see they are darling on the model but do people find them flattering, is the fit good? How do they run--true to size?? I went ahead and ordered the Rhubarb on sale as everyone seems to love these and I am hoping it will be nice to pull out for special occasion at on $35.I only hope I didn't go wrong in the sizing as so many of their things are BIG! Any feedback would be great! Thanks
Anon: I didn't like the belle skirt for that reason, too. My normal size resulted in something that was way longer than the model and way too puffy. I think you need to size down one or two sizes and wear it higher on the waist to get the puff factor to go away.
ReplyDeleteIncidentally, there was a cuter, in-store version, in my opinion. It was less full in the skirt and had a tie-bow similar to this skirt.
Melanie-Thanks for the info--I guess mine will be too big:( That polka is darling and prob would lie down cuter--but it is gone:(
ReplyDeleteHas anyone noticed that the Extra 20% is not really a big deal? If you look at the discounted price it is not that low compared to previous sales? Tees that were usually $29.99 were $19.99 on sale previously, now they are only $24.99. Crazy marketing!
ReplyDeleteI noticed that they increased the price on the cafe capris from 19.99 to $39.99 and the summerweight cashmere short sleeve cardigans from $99 to $119 as of this morning. The 20% discount is just a ploy.
ReplyDeleteCasual Crew & Anon at 4:00PM: I didn't realize that some of the prices got changed (as in marked higher between yesterday and today). Good catches on your parts. :) I have to say that move is very sneaky on J.Crew's part! ;)
ReplyDeleteIn July, J. Crew put a cashmere v-neck cardigan on sale, so I assumed it was a final sale, which seemed strange for an item that just went on sale. I decided to risk buying one anyway. When it arrived, the packing slip didn't have final sale on it, so I went ahead and exchanged it, and J. Crew allowed it (although, they accidently charged my credit card for the exchange. Must discuss this with them.)
ReplyDeleteanon @ 4: the cafe capris have been 39.99 for about a week now. They were59.99 before that. The only ones that are 19.99 are the orange, yellow, and one other color, and they've been 19.99 for quite a while. The problem is that you don't know that they're not all 19.99 unless you open them up. (can you tell I've been stalking these pants?) :P
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of the cafe capris, I'm considering ordering a navy pair in petite and was wondering if they run tts or would I need to order up/down? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSince the whole website update, I've avoided making any online purchases. Today I thought I would finally give it a try again, but the website was so incredibly slow in uploading each page. So I decided it must still be too risky to buy anything yet. This is unfortunate because even though I have stores near me, I really do prefer to buy via the website because there are always so many more choices. I guess this update has been good for my wallet, if not for my wardrobe!
ReplyDeleteanon @ 8:34: sorry I can't help. I've only bought the regular size in the cafe capris.
ReplyDeletetwo of my orders were cancelled today, i guess i shouldn't be surprised.
ReplyDeleteI asked in the store if they knew when final sale would be over. Not even the manager could tell me. And, based on all the employees faces, they don't like it anymore than we do.
ReplyDeleteI just ordered the double-strand Sanibel shell bracelet to go with the necklace. Allegedly, it's in stock. But I'll just have to wait and see if I get "Your order has shipped" e-mail.
ReplyDeleteA few weeks ago, JCG canceled my order of the opaline bead necklace and I was extremely displeased because it was a nice green and I'd planned to wear it as part of a party outfit.
math teacher - You nailed the inventory & pricing on the capris. I ended up getting the green color for $19.99 and I love them. I was so mad when I clicked on the red color last week and they weren't $19.99. The website is a colossal waste of time. Hey -- have you tried the capris with heels? I have only worn them with flats.
ReplyDeleteanon @ 8:34p - I say don't order up. I bought a 6P and wore them the other day. They were stretching out by the days end. I wished I'd had a belt on. I was mostly walking, not sitting. I'm sure they will tighten up again when I wash them, but by the end of the day I was almost wishing for a 4P. Hope this helps.
gigiofca: No, I haven't tried heels with them. I love the look, but I prefer flats while I'm at school and shopping. I do have a couple pair of comfy wedges that I might try with them. And, I completely understand your frustration at the pricing - I keep hoping they're all down to 19.99, then click, and no, still 39.99. Surely as we get into fall, they'll get another markdown.
ReplyDeletemath teacher - Wedges. Good idea! I have a black pair I can try w/the black capris. Thanks for throwing that out there.
ReplyDeleteTake your "final sale" returns to your local store. They will take them back. Depending on which sales person you get, you will receive store credit or a full refund.
ReplyDeleteI recently bought two final sale items online... a $229 jacket (I know, not a final sale price, but final sale.) and a $99 skirt, also final sale. Neither one was a good fit. I called my local store and they said store credit only. The girl who helped me put full credit back on my J Crew card.
So, always try! You never know!