J.Crew's New Men Store (& Fashion Week Debut)

A big "thanks!" to Disco George who kindly shared the following article from the Shophound with us (click here to read in its entirety):

J.Crew Plans A Men's Store At Columbus Circle & A Fashion Week Debut
August 04, 2011

J.Crew is clearly on a mission to continue upgrading its New York City Stores and they aren't finished yet. The latest project includes plans for a new men's store in Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle set to open this fall. It's current two level unit on the second and third floors of the shopping complex has been one of the chain's smaller but busier locations, and now the company will take over a second floor space formerly occupied by Sisley and Benetton for its sixth men's store, the fourth in New York. The space is prominently located near Border's whatever takes over Border's with high visibility, and is said to be modeled after existing men's locations on Madison Avenue and in SoHo featuring suit and dress shirt departments and broad selections of third party brands (though we hope that, unlike those branches, it will still carry sale goods). The previous store will be given over fully to womens' and Crewcuts, the brand's children's line.

Having just unveiled major renovations at its flagship store at 30 Rockefeller Plaza (pictured above left) this week and, a few months ago, on Lower Fifth Avenue, J.Crew can't seem to serve its New York City customers enough, and continues on its unlikely but successful strategy of trading up with more expensive and exclusive merchandise in a challenging economy. It's other big news this week is that the label will participate in New York Fashion Week for the first time this September with a presentation scheduled for the 14th at 9:30 AM at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center. We don't know whether it will focus on Men's or Women's lines or both, but given the high esteem the industry has for J.Crew's creative team, it is guaranteed to be a prized ticket. We're putting in our request now.

How exciting to see J.Crew will be a part of New York Fashion Week. It will be interesting to see what styles will be presented.

What are your thoughts on the article? Are you surprised to see J.Crew included in Fashion Week this Fall?