Friday, May 1, 2009

News About J.Crew's Student and Educator Discount {what's the deal?}

A big "thanks!" to many of you in the "Seek & Find: Will you visit J.Crew this Weekend?" post, who brought to our attention some changes to the Student and Educator Discount that J.Crew offers.

Debby let us know the following: "I was in a JCrew store last night and was not allowed to use my student discount on sale items. The store manager showed me the memo saying that effective 4/30, the student and teacher discount is only good on full price items." Anon at 9:52 AM also mentioned that "...I was checking out last night at Tysons with my red card, so I did not mention the student dicount, but the person checking out beside me was denied for the student discount on their sale purchases...I was shocked!"

However, Anon at 10:35 AM mentioned that she "...called CS at 1-800 and they told me the terms of the student/teacher discount have NOT changed, ie, it can be used for sale items". Moreover, Anon at 11:00 AM found that she "... was just able to place an order over the phone stacking the 20%-off promo and the 15% student/educator discount. Maybe the new policy only applied to in-store items?"

So this all seems a bit confusing, right? ;) Anon at 12:02 PM shares some information on the situation by stating the following: "I think the restriction on the 15% student promo applies only to certain stores, probably ones that are located in large university towns. My B&M is in new haven CT and a month ago I was given the same memo about the discount only being good on full-priced items. when I'd asked to speak to the manager, I told her I'd been able to place an order online and at other jcrew stores using the discount, she said the promotion applied only to that specific store, that the decision had come from corporate, and that other jcrew stores as well as online orders would still honor the 15% discount...needless to say I've been in j crew MUCH less these days, though it's hard since my dorm is literally right across the street and I can always see the new displays".

Since getting J.Crew's 25% off Red Card, I haven't used my educator discount (and therefore didn't notice whether changes have been made or not). However, I will now pay close attention to see if the discount will be applied to regular and sale priced items. :)

If you are visiting your local J.Crew store this weekend & using your student/ educator discount, do you mind sharing that information (i.e. location of store) with us? It would be great to have a list of stores accepting and not accepting the discount (which may help us determine which stores to visit). :)

151 comments:

  1. I am the one who called 1-800 and posted, because I was so mad after reading that the teacher discount was in jeopardy. I know this has been a controversial topic on this blog, and I can imagine non-students/teachers would be POed (as someone pointed out, and rightly so, why not military, retirees, etc. as well?) JCrew has my loyalty because of this discount. I am an educator and am, like many, poorly paid. I am grateful for my job in this economy, know I am better off than many, and love what I do. The discount makes the clothes more affordable for me. If they get rid of the discount, it will certainly change my shopping habits with them, both in principle and practice. And I'll be POed, too, if it turns out to be true that they are targeting certain university towns with this. It would seem to me they would get more business with the 15% than without in such places. Enough rant--what a perfect example of JCrew's inconsistent policies (which I have benefitted as well as suffered from, I must say).

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  2. I'm in the middle of a phone call... and they seemed more than happy to apply the discount once I gave them my email address after the extra 20%..

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  3. I visited the J Crew Store at La Cantera Mall - San Antonio, Texas and I was told the 15% student discount cannot be used on sale merchandise due to a memo that takes effect today. Disappointing since the mall is literally across the street from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

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  4. I'm anonymous 2.. they refused to stack the free ship code on top of the 15% but the shipping was based on the lower price.

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  5. Is a post seriously necessary for this topic???? Who cares???? Yes, I do get this discount when I can but this topic has been beat to death and beat to death on this blog.

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  6. Anon at 2:24 PM: I think this is worthy of its own post topic. :) I think it is interesting that some select stores are no longer allowing the discount to be used, and I think it would be useful to know which stores they are before hand. Lastly, you always have the option to skip posts you don't care for. ;)

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  7. This definitely warrants its own post! It is so interesting to hear about people's different experiences at different stores. And I like "exposing" JCrew's totally inconsistent policies for everyone to see!

    I too haven't tried to use my student discount becuase my mom was kind enough to give me her red card... but next time I go to a B&M (which will likely be the Asheville, NC store next week) I will see what happens!

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  8. This makes me so mad. I called yesterday to get my discount applied to my order and they rejected me because I used the Extra20 promo. I'm calling again.

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  9. agreed that this is worthy of a post. I'm also a student in a university town, and when the memo was shown to me a few weeks ago, they had said it was something they were "trying out" for the time being, and they'd let me know if the policy changed or if they were going to honor the 15% on sale items again, but from the looks of it, if there are stores that have just recently begun holding to this policy, it's probably not so much temporary as it is spreading to other stores.

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  10. By now we know JCrew's policies aree inconsistent. This should come as no surprise. This has been going on for some time. That is why this topic is as old as dirt by now. Yes, I can skip this post but if this (crap) keeps up I think I will be skipping a whole lot more than one post.

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  11. Anon at 2:38 PM: The last time I posted about this was back in January. So its not that often. LOL! ;)

    And you are right, we know J.Crew is inconsistent with many of their policies. However, I think this post would be useful if we report which stores allow for the discount and which stores do not- which has not been covered before.

    I also apologize that you find this post "crap". I will completely understand if you choose to not read this blog anymore. :)

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  12. The Austin Domain store will not let you use it on sale items starting Monday.

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  13. OMG...... really?

    I'm rarely shop at B&M, however, the fact that I can use 15% student discount on sale items makes me go to the store, otherwise I won't.

    I will go to my locak B&M this weekend, and if it's applied to my store, I will go back to shop online (where I can stack all the code).

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  14. Talk about whipping the community up in a frenzy again over this subject.

    a different anon.

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  15. Thanks for the post, it's informative (even if frustrating).

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  16. I meant that the new policy is frustrating, not the post...

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  17. Alexis, I love that you posted this and it WOULD be interesting to see which stores in which university towns say no or yes.
    :)

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  18. Wow, I can't believe all the negativity about this post...

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  19. PS- Alexis, I am *glad* you posted this, as I am a student (although not for long! I graduate this month), and it affects me.

    One could also argue that Alexis shouldn't post about the Red card, JCrew card, or even a NY sample sale, because it doesn't pertain to "everyone"...

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  20. Doesn't surprise me that JC is pulling this, nor does it surprise me that bitter and/or uppity anons are coming out of the woodwork...

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  21. People will justy anythingMay 1, 2009 at 3:18 PM

    OK, I can understand why this has its own post, it is a change in policy that affects some people and is always hotly debated. Personally I think it is unfair and divisive, just like the red card. A separate price structure for certain people is a form of discrimination that should be disallowed by law. JCrew is charging some people more than others, which really should be illegal.

    Think about it this way. If you're black you can get your hair cut at my shop for 25% less than if you are white, asian, hispanic, etc. Still seem fair? Some people will justify anything if it is to their benefit.

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  22. I agree that this post is useful. For those who have student/educator status, it clarifies the policy and gives them a space to let J. Crew know if the change will affect their shopping habits. For those who don't like the fact that J. Crew offers a discount, it provides a forum for them to let J. Crew know that and to communicate to the company if they plan to reduce their shopping at J. Crew as a result, organize complaints/boycotts, etc. After all, we know J. Crew does read this blog, no? Thanks Alexis for providing this space and service!

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  23. Lots of retailers provide student discounts-- clothes, food, tech, even transportation (Amtrak for example)! Nothing new.

    Discounting various professions... well, that's where it can start to get dicey. If I were a teacher, I would be dismayed at the prospect of losing the discount, and I don't begrudge teachers for being JC's chosen workers. I don't have a JC credit card, so I don't care that I didn't get a red card.

    I think the JC student discount has only been heavily advertised the last few years. I did not know about JC discount when I was in college and grad school, but I shop mostly online due to no petites in store (really wish they'd remedy that situation... blah). Maybe it used to only be advertised in store? I don't know.

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  24. YAHOOOOOO!!!!!!

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  25. I hate how inconsistent J.Crews are, both stores and phone orders. Sometimes they will combine discounts, sometimes they won't. I wish they'd stick to a freak'n policy (whatever that is!)

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  26. It's 15% on all full-price and promo items only going forward. Sale is not included anymore. This is from my local b/m store in hawaii.

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  27. Oh, and P.S. I think it's great J.Crew Aficionada posted about this topic...it's relevant and it's about J.Crew...so Gasp! All you Anon's out there boo hoo-ing this post should just skip it instead...geeze.

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  28. Alexis,
    Thank you very much for posting this. I shopped frequently with my red card this past month and so had no idea about this potential change in the educator discount. I greatly appreciate that your blog keeps me up to date on jcrew policies! I hope this change is not adopted by the online store!!

    -ACP

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  29. Anon @ 3:18 -
    You must have your head stuck in the sand. Discriminatory things can only be illegal when they discriminate against a discrete and insular minority. Companies are free to price their wares in ways they see fit. For example, auto insurance companies can charge you more for being a bad driver, having poor credit etc. They cannot, however, violate the 14th Amendment and its interpretations by discriminating based on a certain protected class.

    The fact that you are comparing being a favored J. Crew shopper to being a member of a historically disadvantage class is disgusting. Get a grip.

    - Long time reader, first time poster

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  30. Anon @ 3:09 PM: Has it ever crossed your mind that teachers go into the profession because they care about educating, not because of how much it pays? Public school teachers make so little it is shameful, but people go into the profession because they care. And ask the thousands of teachers who have recently been laid off due to state budget cuts how much they're enjoying the "gravy train."

    Alexis, will you please delete posts like the one at 3:09? It is a personal attack on teachers and, according to your rules, inappropriate.

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  31. Hey everybody. . .

    Choosing to market to certain groups by providing a discount isn't "discrimination" unless it's on account of some category covered by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent legislation. It's called smart marketing, for all you free enterprise union-hating types. Teachers are seen in public spaces in their J. Crew clothes, they're seen by their peers, and they're influential. You sell more if they wear your stuff.

    Likewise, college students are probably the original constituency for viral marketing. They compare styles, talk about clothes, enjoy looking for bargains, and often change their tastes to match their college status, making new J. Crewers out of old JC Pennyers.

    As far as combining the discount with other discounts or promotions, I'd been able to do that at the B&M at University Village in Seattle, but never online. I couldn't use a free shipping code, either, with my discount.

    Thanks, Alexis, for letting people share info about this.

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  32. Anon @ 3:09- There is actually a SHORTAGE of teachers nationwide. Get your facts straight.

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  33. I emailed CS to apply the student discount to an order I had placed, and they applied it, but they sent this response:

    "We would be delighted to apply the student discount to your order. We will issue a credit after your order ships to reflect the difference for the student discount. This credit will be reflected on your next J.Crew card billing statement.

    We wish to take this opportunity to take this moment to inform you of a new policy change that has taken place as of today. For future orders,the student or teacher discount will no longer be applicable to items on sale. This includes only items that end .99, for example $29.99 and does not include promotional items that end in .50, like $49.50. We apologize
    for any confusion and appreciate your interest in shopping at J.Crew."

    So I guess the rumors are true :P Oh well, it was nice while it lasted!

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  34. Booh, I am not pleased with this.

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  35. FYI: Very disappointed. I couldn't use my student discount on sale items at the Center City store in Philadelphia. Many colleges and universities are located here as well(Penn, Drexel, Temple, etc.)

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  36. I was in Mall of Georgia today and they would not allow the educator discount on sale items...only full price. I asked why they changed the policy and the SA said *in a very sarcastic tone* "because of rising quality standards"...we were both laughing!
    The SA also said that the policy started today and it is company wide.

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  37. I knew this wouldn't last. I guess I won't be able to afford to shop at J. Crew anymore.

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  38. 3:09, your comments are shameful. I am a big believer in karma, and feel sorry for you.

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  39. I just wanted to quickly say thank you! to all of you, including Em, Anon at 2:35 PM, Soon to be PhD, You Go Alexis!, Kendra, GingerSnap, ACP, & Fidele, who were kind with your words and understood why I posted this topic. I really appreciate it!!! :)

    P.S. I hope everyone has a great weekend! :)

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  40. JCrew just lost me as a customer. I won't be shopping with them anymore. I can get educators/student discounts elsewhere so will be shopping there. JCrew's quality has gone WAY DOWN so I really don't mind all in all.

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  41. Wow, I can't believe this! Thanks for letting us know, Alexis! I haven't been in the Boston B&M store for awhile, and seeing as how Boston is a HUGE university city, I wonder if the restrictions are in effect there? I'll be going to return some stuff in the store tomorrow, so I'll report back about the student discount situation over there. :)

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  42. Alexis,

    There have been WAY more posts on this since Jan. Just go through the ones that turn into posts all by themselves and get off topic.

    I do hope JCrew does away with this discount on sale items and goes to a consistent policy of only full priced items. Consistency is what people wanted all along and looks like they got it.

    Hopefully, these posts end here and we can get on with fun fashion and not specialized discount talk.

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  43. not even worth commenting on all the whining--oh wait, i just commented.

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  44. I was told by a SA today that it is in effect going forward at ALL jcrew stores.

    Jcrew has also lost me as a regular customer.

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  45. Would it be simple for J Crew to state that either offers cannot be combined going forward or make it universal, as opposed to the current/erstwhile situations whereby we're at the mercy of the CS reps, to apply student/educator's discount on all purchases?

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  46. I am a teacher, but would rather j.crew just do away with the whole discount rather than be so inconsistent with it. It is the going back and forth that gets me so frustrated. Thanks for posting this info, Alexis.

    Anon @ 4:22: Thank you.

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  47. Ok...a little afraid to post on this one...as a middle school teacher married to an elementary school teacher, I most definitely think this topic warrants a post. Thanks Alexis. I love J Crew clothing, but can't afford full price, and buy on sale knowing that I get the educator discount. I appreciate the post.

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  48. to "people will justy anything"

    Your comparison is inappropriate, first of all. Also it's a flawed analogy, apples and oranges, really.

    There is no discrimination here.

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  49. For those who are saying they have decided to stop shopping J.Crew due to this policy change, time will tell, but I doubt it. You'll be back. Maybe now you will have to wait for a deep discount like others do, but you'll be back. J.Crew is counting on it. ;-)

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  50. Not a JCrew employeeMay 1, 2009 at 7:41 PM

    I can totally understand from JCrew's from a business perspective. If the economy is slowing down and they are not selling out of their inventor at higher profits, it makes sense that they would eliminate a 15% discount on sale items.

    Their employees are already taking a hit this year without 401 k matching and the multitude of complaints about declining quality. There are a business after all.

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  51. I just placed a phone order and got both discounts 20% off sale and educator's. No problem. No questions. Easy peasy.

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  52. So is this store or online/phone orders...seems more store related but then again not consistent from store to store.

    I might order online one or two items and get my 20%and student discounts just in case...

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  53. Anon @ 6:48, WHERE do you get these discounts other than JC? I'm very curious because I've never heard of it anywhere else.

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  54. Roseville Galleria, and Arden Fair in Sacramento, CA are enforcing this policy : / I called in to double check, and the SA read me the memo- according to her- ALL J. Crews will enforce this policy, it may just take time for every SA in each store and online to hear about it, so some slip-ups may occur in the meantime. I hope I get those slip-ups! That seriously sucks though! What difference does giving an extra 15% on a sale item make when they give it on full price items still? Sale merchandise are items that DIDN'T sell at full price- they should consider themselves lucky people are buying from them at all with how overpriced alot of their items can be. ESPECIALLY during a recession!!! Heavy sigh!!! I hope they change this, I really love final sale at the end of summer with my educator discount damnit!

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  55. Alexis, the winking smileys you use are so obnoxious. It comes off as really snotty.

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  56. I stopped in J. Crew at Roosevelt Field in Westbury, NY and ordered a a sale item over the phone. The associate who helped me said as far as she knew, I could use my student discount in addition to the 20% off promotion. However, when she placed the order for me, she was told the student discount only applied to regular priced items. Apparently, this was in effect TODAY. However, because it was my first online order, customer service offered to WAIVE the shipping fees if I used my J. Crew card. Of course, I didn't have my J. Crew card on me but she STILL did it at as a courtesy!

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  57. *Thanks for the post, Alexis*. I did just receive an email from CS stating that the policy had changed and this would be the last time the student discount would be applied to sale items. Its too bad-but at least it can still be applied to full-priced items.

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  58. Wow, I will be sticking to the outlet from now on, where I used my discount today and had no problem (on sale items). As a teacher, I absolutely cannot afford to buy J. Crew at full price. I can barely afford some of the sale prices! The 15% off has been a lifesaver for me and is certainly the reason I have shopped as much as I have at J. Crew over the past year. Without that incentive, there is nothing to hook me and pull me into the store.

    In this economy, I would think that J. Crew can't afford to lose customers. I guarantee that most teachers/students will buy less (and a lot less for most) without the discount. It's a huge incentive that encourages people to shop and end up spending more than they save. But without the discount, I know my friends at school will just go somewhere else.

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  59. anon @ 9:18 - I'm sure Alexis doesn't mean for her smileys to be "snotty." I have a feeling she uses them so that readers know she isn't upset and is saying what she says with a smile. Heck, maybe she actually winks when she says it too! Thanks for the post, Alexis!

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  60. I went to the Brea store yesterday to use my 25% off red card one final time and they told me the same thing.

    I think it makes sense. When there is a sale, and then a % off sales, and you stack with the educator's discount you sometimes end up paying 20-30% of the original price, which is is ridiculously low. I don't want to pay a lot, but J Crew has to make some money.

    BTW, Brea has a few of the satin rosette capri sandals in yellow.

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  61. The average elementary teacher's salary is around $40,000. Don't begrudge teachers a measly 15% discount, please. Put yourself in their (sensible) shoes.

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  62. hrm, any word on whether this memo applies to outlet sales? thanks for the note about the domain :)

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  63. If people can't afford to shop at J.Crew then they should shop elsewhere, discount or not. A lot of people on this blog post that they need to wait for a sale or that they never buy full price. Nothing wrong with that. Sometimes you miss out on items but life goes on. As someone said a few days ago, there will always be cute clothes.

    The retailer is fulfilling their obligation to get the maximum return for shareholders. It's not a charity. Changes are needed now and J.Crew has been lowering some price points, which help make some items more affordable to everyone. Inventory has also been reduced and maybe their business plan is to sell fewer items at higher prices. It's possible they have oversaturated the market and restricting the discount will put them in a better financial position.

    Personally I would rather see J.Crew as a specialty brand that is high quality (improvement needed here) and available to certain clientele, not available to everyone at bargain basement prices. Boo, hiss, I know. I'm a shareholder and want them to succeed and I believe that they are responding to the current economic climate, as they should. I don't know if their changes will work out for the best but that's why the executives get paid the big bucks.

    I can't afford everything J.Crew offers but I can enjoy the special pieces that I do buy, whatever the price I am willing to pay. It's just clothing. Pick and choose what is right for you and your life.

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  64. hahahahahahaahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahahaha! I am laughing but it is really not funny. JCrew should be consistent.

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  65. JCrew is not high end so get over yourself and your vivid imagination. You are not the only person that has stock in a company Anon 11:51pm! :oP

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  66. OMG.....

    Are we still crying over this?

    This subject is like beating a dead horse, then bringing it back to life and beating it again.


    Different Anon

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  67. Anony 12:03 - I didn't say J.Crew was high end.

    I said that I would like to see them as a specialty brand that is high quality. There is a difference. Maybe too much for you to understand.

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  68. Wow. The low-level malice on this blog is appalling. What a group of shrews.

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  69. "When there is a sale, and then a % off sales, and you stack with the educator's discount you sometimes end up paying 20-30% of the original price, which is is ridiculously low."

    This says more about jcrew's pricing than anything else. If people are not buying until the price falls 70-80%...

    Jcrew will have a harder time getting rid of sale inventory. Have you seen the sales racks lately? They need all the help they can get.

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  70. Anon at 9:18 PM: I use smileys & winking smileys for the reason Amy stated- so the message doesn't come off upset or mean. But reading your comment is upsetting because there is "no winning", no matter how hard I try. I am taking a break for the rest of the weekend. :( (Oh and that sad face icon is because I am sad, not because I am being "really snotty".)

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  71. Has anyone tried using the student/teacher online as of this morning?

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  72. Anon@8:59pm: I know that Ann Taylor Loft has a 15% discount for teachers. I haven't looked into others.

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  73. I placed an order yday and emailed contactus@jcrew.com to apply my student discount...like I always did before..
    This is the email that I got in reply
    ***
    We regret to inform you that we are unable to apply the student discount
    to order xxxxxxxxx due to this discount is no longer eligible on sale
    items as these items are already reduced to an exceptional value. This
    discount will continue to be available on all full price and promotional
    styles. We apologize for any inconvenience.

    If we can be of further assistance, please let us know by responding to
    this email at contactus@jcrew.com or calling a J.Crew Associate at
    1-800-562-0258.

    Sincerely,

    Melanie
    ******
    This is so bad... :-(

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  74. I've never known that this issue happened before, so this thread is super helpful to me.

    Now, I also know that the student discount will not applied to sale of online order either, I feel real bad.
    I'm a student and I have tight budget, but I love Jcrew and adore their style. 15% discount makes a difference for me, esp for the sale price.

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  75. ahhh that is so funny - I was in J Crew last night at 5th ave in NYC and the same thing happened to me. I was buying two full price shirts and a sale headband and they did 2 separate transactions...I didn't feel like putting up a fuss since the headband was only 8 bucks anyway but man that new rule sucks!!!!

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  76. While many Anons will spew evil words, there is no denying teachers perform an indispensible service. This service often requires many years of school, and rewards a salary which is lower than most other professions. In addition, most college students cannot afford J Crew. I personally see the discount as a type of economic stimulus package which encourages consumers to choose J Crew. Finally, J Crew's arbitraty customer service practice will cost them in the long run.

    Teacher in New Jersey

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  77. I do understand that J. Crew has to make money- they are a business! My problem is not the fact that I am not getting items for super cheap (although I wouldn't complain)- it is the fact that they are SO inconsistent and sometimes rude regarding the discount. They shouldn't advertise it if they can't stick to it- and they shouldn't make faces when I casually ask to use it (yes this has happened before- J. Crew on 5th avenue in NYC). Obviously I love J. Crew regardless, and I will just be smarter about what I buy!
    Just want to say Thank You to Alexis for this blog- a place where we can discuss, vent a little if need be, and just enjoy J. Crew. I know I appreciate the happiness and positivity, because I come here to have fun!

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  78. No 15% off online sale orders? Well then... I guess I won't be placing any more of those then! Getting 15% off was the only way I could justify placing an order and paying the high shipping. So sad that this is confirmed. Thanks for sharing the e-mail you got from CS, happy life.

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  79. I'm a first-year teacher (and a long time lover of J.Crew) and I really appreciated the discount. Some posters have mentioned that Ann Taylor Loft also has a 15% off discount for teachers, and I noticed that J.Crew began their discount for teachers shortly after. J.Crew is a business, but I find that eliminating the 15% off of sale items basically prices the discount out. At least me, because I teach in a very poor county. The discount was great because it gave me an incentive/excuse to prefer J.Crew over other stores. While I by no means spend thousands of dollars at J.Crew, I spent most of the money that I spend on clothes at J.Crew. This new change really just makes me sad; instead of feeling appreciated, the new way of interpreting the discount seems a bit of a joke.

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  80. No red card + high shipping fees + no more extra % off in stores + sales prices that are too high anyway + poor quality + no more educator discount = NO MORE J. CREW SHOPPING FOR ME ( P.S.-I just received a $30 gift card at BR for spending $100 and I'm not even a cardholder)

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  81. I ordered last night as soon as I heard this discount was going away. The CS rep did not have any problems giving my additional 20% and educator's discount. Thank goodness I got what I wanted. I am done with JCrew now.

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  82. I recently used my red card at J Crew in Arden Fair Mall Sacramento, CA and I asked if I could use my student discount and it was a no. I guess you can either choose to take the red card discount or the student discount.

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  83. AT Loft also only honors 15% off full price items. While I'm bummed that JC has decided to do the same, I am happy that they are finally going to be consistent. And, so I go back to shopping like I did before they offered the discount - it's not that big of a deal for me. JC won't get as much of my money b/c they aren't the only store I shop from anyway. However, I will continue to buy their pants b/c they fit me the best.

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  84. I emailed Jcrew about the 15% student/teacher discount not available anymore will make me not shop with them often. Here's the reply I got
    ----------------
    We regret any disappointment caused in regards to the new student
    discount guidelines. The current economic situation has certainly
    affected many, and we understand that the 15% discount is a nice
    incentive.

    Your email has been forwarded to our customer feedback group for further
    review. Thank you for taking your time to share your thoughts with us.

    We appreciate your interest in shopping J.Crew and look forward to
    serving you again in the near future. If we can be of further
    assistance, please let me know by responding directly to this email or
    through my contact information, which I have provided below.

    Best,

    Andrew
    1-800-591-3802 ext 53242

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  85. Yep, the rumors are true! Here is what my PS said:

    "Because we feel that the value we are offering our customers on markdown styles is better than ever, the college & teacher discount may no longer be applied to styles on markdown/clearance. This discount will continue to be available to college students & teachers on all full price and promo styles. Please note: the price of markdown/clearance merchandise will end in .99.

    I do apologize if this causes you any inconvenience at all. Please do not hesitate to contact me regarding anything else!"

    It was fun while it lasted!

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  86. The Ann Taylor Loft teacher discount is applicable to sale items, at least it was when I used it a few times last month.

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  87. The last time I was in Loft and tried to use the teacher discount on a sale item, the sa told me it only applied to full-price. I wonder if she was wrong - I don't think it works online on sale prices, but I haven't ordered anything online in a while.

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  88. I think Alexis should have disabled the comments for this post a long time ago...sheesh.

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  89. 10:01 yes, I'm so rich I have to wait for Saturday pants to be discounted to $29.99 before I can afford them. If that is what you consider rich then I'm sure you are impoverished and you truly have my sympathy.

    People hate to be told they can't afford something but that is reality for most of the population, there are always things out of our reach. Sad that J.Crew may be one of those things but it's reality for some and for me a lot of the time too. Look at the comments of people in this post saying they can't afford it without the discount. I'm just restating the facts. Our culture is so used to thinking we can have everything we want but it's just not so. Read some financial and economic books on the current situation. Changes are needed by retailers and consumers alike. Hard realities coming home to roost on main street.

    11:51

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  90. please stop the catfight

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  91. As usual, this topic turns nasty.

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  92. @Anon 10:01 - if you want to talk about entitlement, just read the comments on this blog, complaining about free shipping, no discounts, and inability to combine discounts. A lot of people on this blog seem to think they're entitled to discounts, free shipping, and percentages off all the time.

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  93. Good point Anon @ 10:18. Even when there is a promo % off people want free shipping and additional discounts to boot.

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  94. Many shop sales and wait for deep discounts because they have too much JCrew in the first place.

    Reading this blog and the post here it is safe to assume many have a new and unworn JCrew clothes section in their closet.

    Shorts/skirts/skirts etc bought at 78.00 go down to 49.99 in two weeks and then another week they are down to 19.99. Please I'll return and get the lowest price without hesitation.

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  95. About promos, discounts, free shipping, etc. J. Crew is NOT in line with the other retailers on any of this. For example, BR & Gap have been offering much more affordable options. It's almost as if any offer J. Crew gives, they will always amend it one way or another and in effect, many of us will be not able to use it. Tell me, why is such a big deal to be able to use a free shipping code on an order for full-priced items when the educator's discount is applied? And why not give a flat-rate shipping to AT LEAST cardholders? It just doesn't make sense to me. At one time, we were allowed to stack codes, much like other retailers do. It is the norm. Not a crime. But repeatedly J. Crew always makes a lot of us feel like we need to beg and plead in order to get something THEY offered in the first place.

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  96. The most important part of this post is that J Crew has a humongous "area of of opportunity" when it comes to internal and external communication about their policies. I didn't even know they had a student/educator discount until I discovered this blog last year. As an external example, J Crew has not effectively communicated their policies to me. I had been in school & shopping J Crew and unfortunately none of the SAs told me about it. I never saw the small sign that's at the register. And yes, I look like a college student. Even if I didn't, they should have told me about the policy because maybe someone I know is a student or educator. I think I am finally over the fact that I missed out on about 1.5 years of a discount. Another external communication example...no one ever offered to open a credit card until after I got to know one of the SAs.

    An example of internal areas of opportunity - when I recently handed my Rewards card to my PS last week she said, "What's this?" Come on. How simple would it be to photograph the Rewards card and send it in a memo to all of the stores so the SAs know what they look like in advance? That moment didn't inspires trust in me. I realize SAs are human, but I expect company employees to know more about the policies than I do.

    J Crew wants brand loyalty, but they make it difficult thru carrying out their policies in an inconsistent manner. I realize there is going to be different situations. I.e. someone will get free shipping because of a customer service problem they had and free shipping will be applied. I understand that. I also realize that blogs put the companies on their toes in a way that they didn't have to be in the past. If someone comes on here bragging about said free shipping, then some others think they are suddenly entitled. I realize J Crew wants to be flexible, but I think they need to qualify and solidify the norm. Having clear rules will help employees know where they can stretch them without being out of line. I don't think they've communicated the policy clear enough to the employees since so many of them are performing the same job in different ways.

    J Crew discourages loyalty with the absence of free shipping or flat rate shipping, for cardholders at the very least. Can't they strike a better deal with UPS? These companies *have* to negotiate deals so J Crew needs a better one. If I can find an equivalent item at another online retailer, I will try it for free or flat rate shipping. I have seen a ton of marketing about the benefits of the J Crew card, but I they're definitely not competitive in the area of shipping.

    On the upside, I do feel that the service provided overall is good and personal touches like the recent notecards sent are great. I just know they are lacking in communicating their business practices to their employees. It results in frustration for us. I know shopping is not that big of a deal in the grand scheme of life, but if a consumer has been shopping at a store for years and things suddenly change on them -- it's frustrating and creates mistrust. As an example of good business practices, I think Chase executed the name/banking change from WAMU in a seamless way. I am impressed and will remain a customer. Also -- when Talbots changed their return policy, they did a good job of letting people know in advance. It's much easier to have a little foresight.

    I don't fault anyone here for being irritated about inconsistent policies. Esp if people are being treated rudely when they ask about a discount -- as the anon said -- J Crew offers in the first place.

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  97. Good Lord, Gigi-Your PS didn't know about a promotion LAST WEEK (end of April) that had been going on for A MONTH, since the beginning of April? Was the PS on vacation for that long? I wonder if your PS was being facetious.

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  98. Kind of O/T, but yesterday I returned something to the store which I had paid for with a cc I have now closed. I had assumed 9wrongly) that I could get cash back, which I've gotten at Macy's, L&T, and other retailers. Of course, I couldn't, and now I have to go through the hassle of dealing with my cc company on this (of course, they were HAPPY to give me a gift card, but I chose to be refunded to my card, since there is NOTHING I want to buy right now). The charge had gone through long ago, and JCrew has their money from me--can anyone explain why they have this policy? TIA.

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  99. Gigiofca,
    The educator/student discount just started around July of 2008 so it hasn't been around even a year yet....

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  100. Since the majority of online retailers that compete with JCRew offer code stacking, free shipping, extra %'s off that is why people think that JCrew should too...esp. when they did in the past. They keep taking away and of course people will get upset.

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  101. Got to thinking...

    The student discount has been around longer...

    The educator's discount started approx. July 2008

    But the student one started in say ?Jan.? 2008

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  102. I went to the store at Frontenac Plaza outside of St. Louis to purchase the Embossed-cotton printed Lorelei dress in papaya this weekend. It was not available in the store, so I phoned in the order from the store, and was able to use my student discount. I also recieved free shipping!!! I can't wait to get it in the mail!

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  103. Does anyone know if any other major retailers besides AT and JC offer the student and/or teacher discount? GAP? Old Navy? Abercrombie? Anthro? Department stores? What's that? None? Oh, I thought so.
    So don't be so upset that they're taking away what you shouldn't have had in the first place!
    Sheesh!

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  104. To comment on what Gigi said: there are some things I'd never post on this or any other blog, including when and how I have benefitted from JC's inconsistent policies and the luck of the draw with CS reps. If you brag about your ability to combine codes or get free shipping, you can be pretty sure you risk it not happening again. Has it occurred to anyone that the unpopularity of the student/teacher discount, as seen in the griping on this blog, also entered into the equation here?

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  105. An easy way for Gap to totally steal J. Crew's thunder would be to start offering one. That would totally put J. Crew in the ground. I promise, you would see it reinstated the next day. BTW, I had at least three notices put in my mailbox at school regarding the teacher's discount. And they all clearly read 15% off on ALL purchases. They are the ones that started this.
    Anon @ 3:34...I totally agree with you.

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  106. club monaco already started to offer student discount since late last year ...

    jcrew is just too arrogant ...

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  107. I hear my ps ask lots of customers if they're a student or teacher and then tells them about the discount. Isn't that what all good sa's and ps's should do? Knowing there's a discount can sometimes encourage more spending.

    The student discount has been around for longer than the educator one. I've been in grad school for 3 yrs this August, and I'd say it started not long after I began the program - so maybe sometime in 2007?

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  108. I think student discount started at least as early as 2005. I didn't know it until late 2006. Somehow, I was not happy that I was never told about the discunt between 2005-2006 when I shopped at stores for numerous times. In those years, students were more likely to accept jcrew's style, so jcrew used the promotion to increase its sale volume.

    Now jcrew changed its style and its inventory strategy. First lady advertised the brand to a larger population for jcrew. Jcrew does not need students as much as before. Jcrew is losing sale volume by some loyal customers, but they do not care and think this policy change would improve its profit.

    Let's see ...

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  109. As a last semester college student, I must say that I've really appreciated the discount, and as a result of it, I've been able to buy some nice things (though I wish I had known about it when I bought my first interview suit). The discount gave me incentive to buy with jcrew vs. some of its competitors. In my mind, the 15%-as little as it is-justified the little splurges. That said, I've never bought anything full price at jcrew-though I've purchased items on sale around the $100 price point. Taking away the discount, takes away the incentive.

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  110. Anon at 3:31:

    A teacher or student discount is offered at the following:

    Ann Taylor Loft- teacher
    Lucky Brand Stores (at least my local one does)-student
    Verizon- teacher
    Tmobile- teacher
    Joann Fabrics- teacher
    Michaels- teacher

    These are just a few of the companies that offer discounts to teachers. It is not an unheard of practice. And none of these companies has rescinded their discount during this economic crisis. Just J. Crew.

    I strongly doubt J Crew was losing so much money due to the student/teacher discount that they had to stop offering it on sale items. Maybe instead they should focus on their numerous customer service issues, website issues,inventory issues, and so much more. I guarantee they lost way more money on those problems!

    J. Crew became slightly more competitive with the 15% off for teachers if I bought their clothing. I will just shop there less now. I can get similar pieces elsewhere. I have a feeling a lot of people will feel the same way.

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  111. I hope everyone who is claiming that they will shop at j.crew less b/c of this discount drama will ACTUALLY shop there less. If we make empty promises, j.crew wins in the end, and the discount will never get back to the way it was. I for one will be shopping there less. Like others, the student discount was the breaking point which allowed my purchases to be at the boundary of affordable.

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  112. Hi all,

    I think many JCAs bring up valid points re the confusion that is jcrew's policy.

    For ex a purchase made this afternoon. I went in & found a great dress at one of my B&Ms. It was on sale & almost fit. So, off to the red phone I go for a petite from the catalogue. The lovely CS matched the price - but not the edu. discount. Apparently it's not just an in store change.

    When I asked about the revision in policy & if jcrew had notified it's customers... She didn't know. So, they've told some of the CS folks about the change, but not the discount beneficiaries. But wait -there's more!

    Since the reg size was so close, I went ahead I bought it as well. I figured I can compare & return for the best fit. I bought the dress in the B&M & my customary disc was honoured! Of course, now I'm reluctant to mention names & places.

    ***SIGH*** I'm so confused!

    I agree w. gigiofca, I think all of us would be grateful for more consistency & better communication with the policies.

    Thanks for letting me vent. Thanks also to Alexis for giving us a forum to discuss this issue.

    I hope everyone finds something fab. this weekend!

    Heather:D

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  113. Anony @ 2:51 - if you have closed the credit card then J.Crew can't process anything against that card, even a refund. The only exception is a transaction that was authorized prior to the card closure, for example a charge two days before it was closed but didn't get to the cc company until a week after the closure. That is not a J.Crew policy, it is a credit card policy. Take it up with your card issuer, they will tell you the same. This is my line of business and something I know well, I'm not being snotty. Sometimes people who have recurring charges that they can't get rid of will close a card specifically to dump the company making those charges. It can work for the customers too. ;o)

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  114. Anon 9:13 pm,

    That is not true. I lost my credit card a few weeks ago and the company closed that card and issued me a new number. I have recently returned plenty of items at J. Crew and other retailers purchased with that card without a problem. I also wanted to return an item that I bought a long time ago to a store with a no time limits return policy. They insisted that I have the actual card that it was purchased with. I explained that I had closed that account years ago and had a new card with a new number from the same issuer. They told me they could not give me my money back unless I had the same card. I went home and found a new card that had been sent to me for the closed account but never activated. I called the card issuer to see if I could use it for a return without activating and they said yes, it will always allow a credit, but not a new charge. I went back to the store last week and returned an item purchased in 2004 with a credit card that I closed in 2006. It certainly can be done!

    If you read 2:51 post, she, too, WAS CREDITED back to the closed account. She asked J. Crew for CASH, not a cc refund, so that she would not have to request a refund on a closed account from her cc company.

    2:51, if you have another account at the same cc company, I have often been able to get a refund on a closed card moved over to the current card. Yes, you have to call, but it is less hassle than waiting 8 weeks for a check. I am pretty sure that the CC agreements require that returns be refunded to the cards, otherwise it creates a loophole where consumers could get cash advances. If you get incentive points on your card, they want to reverse those for returns, too. Also, J. Crew probably gets part of the CC fee that they paid at time of sale refunded when they process a return so that is a reason for J. Crew upholding the card agreement as well.

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  115. Hi all, I just came across this blog and I might be able to clear up confusion, I work at the catalog :) At times we do apply 2 promos at one time (i.e. teacher/student discount and extra20) as a 1x courtesy for customers if they did not know only 1 can be placed on each order. Since it is a 1x courtesy, it cannot be honored on every order, so that may help to clear up the inconsistencies mentioned.

    Also, the teacher/student 15% off discount procedure has now changed, and that is for every store and every phone call, not just big university towns, etc. For all full-priced and promo priced items, the discount can absolutely be honored. For sale items that end in .99, the discount is not able to be honored. All associates and reps are settling into this new procedure because the sale items are already at a great deal for their quality. Hope I covered a lot of points for everyone! Oh, and just to be sure you do get the teacher/student discount, make sure to take your ID with you to the store! Apparently, some were taking advantage of the 15% off who were not really eligible for it, so associates may now need to see a photo ID before honoring it. Happy shopping everyone :) We'll really do anything we can if you need to call us!!

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  116. Anon 11:31
    Re: the combining of codes-It has been discussed here before and I can speak from personal experience that Customer service at jcrew have said that the .edu discount and the discount on sale items (e.g. extra20) can ALWAYS be combined on ALL sale orders since the latter is not a "global disount."

    And this is directed at Jcrew:
    It is really frustrating when those who work at jcrew are either not clear on the policies themselves or have been told different things. Please please please be consistent with your policies, jcrew. Oh and the "one time courtesy" line is both condescending and tired, when we know that's not the case.

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  117. I didn't check the blog before I went shopping in a store. The sales person said it's the "corporation's decision" to stop the teacher's discount on sales items. This has been in effect since May 1st, 2009. It's really a bummer since I enjoyed shopping at J.Crew with the teacher's discount. But now I will think TWICE or even THREE, FOUR TIMES before I buy anything there.

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  118. Hmm. One thing that could be really beneficial and could potentially change the procedure back to how it used to be would be to call in and ask to put in feedback. I've put in suggestions on different things b/c someone told me they really do thrive on customer feedback...and yea, some of the things I suggested really did change things around. Apparently I wasn't the only one who had concerns/ideas to offer. If J.Crew gets enough feedback, they might just act on it. Positivity.

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  119. Anony@11:31
    Your first paragraph is so wrong and show exactly JCrew's poor training and practices. At any time and as many times a customer could combine extra% off sale and educator's discount. NOT A ONE TIME THING. I know I am 100% correct on this FACT.

    However, May 1, 2009 a new policy did go into effect and this is no longer the case.

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  120. PS

    Anony@12:01
    Is exactly correct as well:) cheers.

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  121. On a trip to the UK I came easily across retailers who offer discounts: 20% off for students.
    Peacocks, Dorothy Perkins, New Look

    So this is a global thing not just a US thing.

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  122. Thanks, 10:16. I wasn't sure if 9:13 was suggesting I was a liar? Yes, the card is closed, balance of 0, now with $120 owed to me. Unfortunately, I don't have another card with them, so I will have to go through the process of getting a check. If there is a good reason for this policy, fine. Otherwise here is one example why it can be a terrible hassle for the customer.

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  123. This is terrible news. I won't be able to shop at Jcrew anymmore because my parents are going through a divorce and my mother won't give me any money for clothes. I can't afford to shop at Jcrew without the discount on sale items.:(

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  124. Dear JCrew,

    I think I'll be the judge of whether or not you are offering me value.

    I'll pass on the crewlade (;) gigi!), thanks.

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  125. I visited Lenox Square in Atlanta on Saturday and was informed that the student/teacher discount will only be honored for full-price items. The sales associate explained that "even the big boys have been hit hard by the economy." Fine, but I think that this move may actually decrease their profits.

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  126. "People will justify anything"--Have you never heard of a student discount? Many businesses in my city offer them. This is totally unrelated to racial discrimination. Non-students are not a protected class like racial minorities.

    J. Crew offers a discount to students and teachers because these people have daily contact with potential J. Crew shoppers. It's a marketing ploy, period. Try not to be so offended by it.

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  127. I don't care for senior, teacher or student discounts. If discounts are available to non card members, all customers should be able to use them. Silly idea, I know, in the age of special interest groups.

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  128. Just an added FYI, but the policy change also applies at Madewell, where I was told yesterday that the student discount can now only be applied to full-priced merchandise. At least the sale items were still an additional 25% off.

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  129. To all those listing other stores who offer student discounts as proof that J.Crew is a subpar retailer - the only ones of those listed that are even comparable are Ann Taylor and maybe Lucky Jeans. Other ones, like TMobile, Verizon, Michael's - who cares (in the context of this discussion? We're talking about other competitor retailers - hardly any of which offer a student discount. Honestly, J.Crew would have been better off not even offering the discount at all to avoid the constant griping about it.

    Sure, it was applied inconsistently, and yeah, it sucks that the benefits are being reduced, but please - your alternative is not to have had one at all, so why don't you just be grateful for the clothes you did manage to get at an additional discount?

    And Gigi (and others who replied to her)- just skimmed through your comment, but there has to be some consumer responsibility. People on this blog would get just as irritated if every time you went in, the SA was asking you if you were a teacher/educator (especially if you weren't). If J.Crew sent out e-mails to its customer base about the policy, I'm sure there'd be just as much complaining - "I'm not a student/teacher, why did I get the e-mail, stupid J.Crew and their inaccurate e-mail lists!"

    As for building brand loyalty, J.Crew isn't interested in the loyalty of people who just want freebies and discounts. It's funny that you say that J.Crew is discouraging brand loyalty by not offering free shipping, and yet most of the blogs in this group focus on J.Crew, and you see many people buying lots of things, even without free shipping.

    Lastly, as for everyone's belief that all your complaining on these blogs really affects how J.Crew operates - think again. How many changes have you seen them make because of this group's complaints? As someone else pointed out, unless you actually don't buy from J.Crew, they don't really care. And even if you don't, what percentage of J.Crew's billion dollar customer base do you think all of you on this blog make up?

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  130. I think people on this blog (and those on the blog roll) make up a significant percentage of the highest-spending customers at JCrew. JCrew IS reading this blog and reacting to it, by sending e-mails with shipping deals to e-mail addresses posted here. I spend $$$ at JCrew and every freebie they send my way increases my loyalty. Speak for yourself, because I don't think you're speaking accurately for JCrew.

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  131. Don't you think if this group was such a large percentage of J.Crew's customer base they'd take advantage of that? And not just in the form of free stuff and discounts? J.Crew has never contacted Alexis, except to ask her to remove something, and the months of complaining about free shipping and discount policies have yet to affect anything. Who said anyone was speaking on behalf of J.Crew? It's just business sense - why pander to a group of people who hurt your bottom line?

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  132. How does JCA hurt their bottom line?

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  133. Not the same Anon, but offering discounts on anything hurts your bottom line (unless that is your business), because it affects your profit and margins, but your costs and expenses don't decrease proportionally.

    If we only look at gross margin for a dress (so price sold - cost to produce): say J.Crew makes a dress for $30, here are their gross margins in different scenarios (and ignoring other expenses, only looking at cost):
    -Sells for $100 (original price) - 70%
    -Sells for $100 - 15% discount - 65%
    -Gets marked down to $70 - 57%
    -Gets marked down to $70 - 15% discount - 50%
    -Marked down to $70 w/ additional 20% off and 15% discount - 37%

    So J.Crew's gross margin alone drops by 37 percentage points (and 47% overall) if the dress goes on sale AND you can use the discount.

    This doesn't even take into account the rest of the expenses that go into selling and marketing the product, or free shipping. So J.Crew's profit margin (which is the more important one) would be even lower on the dress, especially if you were to calculate in free shipping on many of the orders.

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  134. Anon 3:03,

    Noble effort, but I think your explanation falls on deaf ears here. This group is not the most business savvy although they understand their own pocketbooks very well. They believe that the increase in sales due to a promotion is always a good thing for J. Crew ("their sales will go up so much if they offer free shipping with no minimum"). They have a hard time grasping that revenue is not the same thing as profit and is not the only metric that a retailer is judged on.

    As far as the discount goes, it's a privelege, not a right. Like its other policies, J. Crew can modify it at any time. If you qualify for it, enjoy it while you have it, but don't count on it.

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  135. It takes Jcrew $10 to make a silk dress.

    It takes Jcrew $3 to make a cotton dress.

    Unsold items no matter how much you spend to make them aren't worth anything.

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  136. Jcrew is just desperate ...

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  137. How much do you think JCrew unloaded their unsold inventory to tjmaxx for? It's quite funny that people are arguing that a 15% discount is hurting Jcrew's bottom line while the company sloughs off their goods to tjmaxx for pennies.

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  138. As someone else mentioned earlier, JCrew should be happy that someone, anyone is buying from the sales inventory. I went into my local B&M and the racks were literally overflowing with merchandise that the store could not get rid of, including items from the winter season and even older.. The place was a mess. Makes me wonder why they decided to redo their policy at this time.

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  139. I didn't realize you could use the student discount online. Is there a code for it?

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  140. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  141. Milo--After you place an online order, send an e-mail from your university e-mail address to contactus@jcrew.com with your order number and ask them to please refund you the 15% student/educator discount. Of course, this will only work on full-price items from now on.

    Alternatively, you can place an order over the phone and the CSA will discount the 15% before charging your credit card.

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  142. I just to place on order (the silk gladiola-print cami on sale for $29.99) and they allowed me to add the 15% student discount! Woohoo! I've called twice before to add this discount to a sale item and it's worked both times. The lady I spoke with was very friendly as well.

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  143. J.Crew at Stoneridge Mall informed me today that you cannot use your 15% discount on sales item. They can only be used on full price items or promotion items ending with fifty cents.

    It's disappointing that they've made this decision. I will have to stop shopping at J.Crew for now. The discount helps a bit because the price is pretty high for educators like myself who earn less than $40k a year.

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  144. I'm a college student, and while I order online/buy in-store from J.Crew about twice a month, the last time I ordered by phone (right after Christmas), I was told I could not use my student discount over the phone or online. I guess I understood, because to use the discount they'd just have to take my word for it (obviously I'm out of the loop on how everyone else is using theirs by phone/online). Could someone PLEASE tell me how I can use my student discount online or on the phone?? Thanks! :)

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  145. Hey Mimi,

    Sorry it took me so long to get to your question. In my exp., the best way to apply your edu discount on phone is to mention that you are a student. Then provide them with your student email - the one ending in .edu. They will "ping" your account to verify your status & you should be good to go.

    Please note, this only works on promo or full price items now. Also, most SAs will not combine a free shipping code w. the discount. You may wish to calculate out which is best for you prior to placing your call.

    HTH,

    Heather:D

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  146. I was wondering if I could use the 15% educators' discount for my order. So I contacted J Crew and received this e mail:

    We apologize that your current order does not qualify for the
    15% student discount.

    We have been delighted in providing this special discount for those of
    our customers living and working in the academic community, and look
    forward to continuing this service. As of May 1, 2009 however, the basis
    for determining qualifying orders has changed.

    The education discount will continue to be applicable to all regularly
    priced and promotionally priced merchandise selected for purchase at our
    J.Crew retail stores, at jcrew.com, or via a phone call. Any merchandise
    that is reduced to a price ending in 99 cents will not qualify for the
    additional 15% price reduction.

    Also the student discount would also not be combinable with other
    promotions such as the "EXTRA20" that is already on the order.

    We hope you will continue to enjoy the ongoing, money-saving aspects of
    our student/teacher discount program, and we look forward to continuing its benefits to you during your active status in the academic community.

    If we can be of further assistance, please let me know by responding directly to this email or through my contact information which I have provided below.

    Best,

    __________________________

    They definitely changed their policy.

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  147. I went to a J.Crew store at Austin and they accepted my student discount after I showed my college ID. I bought pants that were on sale for $20.

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  148. So I know that this topic has been really discussed, but I see that many talked about not being able to use a student discount on sale items at a particular store -- well I just called J.Crew this morning to make an over-the-phone purchase and the customer service representative stated that the student discount couldn't be used on sale items!

    She said that this was effective as of two months ago. I debated for a couple of seconds because I had 3 orders within the last 2 months, which ONLY have sale items, and I got my discount.

    has anyone had trouble with calling in orders and not getting the student discount on sale items? I eventually had her give it to me, but she said it was not a student discount, but rather she gave me a courtesy discount because I have so many orders over the last year with them.

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  149. I have been able to use the student discount at the Hawaii location and the one at Fashion valley in San Deigo---as well as when I call and place an order.

    I read a comment stating that they won't combine free shipping and the 15% discount. The first order I placed was able to get both discounts. The second time I placed an order, the representative told me that they couldn't do that. I told her that I was able to do that before, and she added both discounts.

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  150. Update: I called and placed an order yesterday, and they told me I couldn't get my student discount on sale items, or could I use the free shipping code with my student discount---so I didn't end up placing the order. I called again and placed the same order this morning with a different SA and they let me get the discount off the sale item and use the free shipping code. I ended up saving like $50! It depends on which SA you get. I've just learned to keep calling until one lets me get the discounts that I want.

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