"Thanks!" to many of you, including Irina, who shared the following news from J.Crew this morning.
If you are stopping by a J.Crew store this weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the SPRING sale, or to see some new SUMMER arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!
"Thanks!" to alicialoveseveryone (in this post), who shared the following article from Time's MoneyLand (click here to read in its entirety):Many Big Retailers Don’t Respond to Customer Questions on FacebookI am surprised that J.Crew does not embrace social media as much as their sister-company Madewell. I find Madewell to be ahead of the curve when it comes to reaching out to their customers through a variety of technological platforms. J.Crew... not so much.
By Mitch Lipka
March 27, 2012
If you’re hoping to get better customer service by posting questions to a retailer’s Facebook page, be prepared for disappointment, according to a survey released today. Major retailers including J.Crew, Victoria’s Secret and Radio Shack not only didn’t respond to questions within two days, they actually deleted them, the customer service evaluation company STELLAService found.
The findings are something of a jolt to the idea that consumers can turn to social media to get more effective customer service. While there are still plenty of examples of consumers using both Twitter and Facebook to their advantage, this survey shows just how inconsistent the results can be, and that some are far more committed to properly playing the social networking game than others.
Only five of 20 retailers both responded within 48 hours and left customer queries on their Facebook pages: B&H Photo, Gap, Bed Bath & Beyond, JackThreads.com, and Williams-Sonoma. ...
“While retailers have enthusiastically embraced Facebook as a way to engage with consumers, many have yet to fully appreciate social media’s two-way nature when it comes to providing customer service,” STELLAService CEO Jordy Leiser said. “Retailers need to realize that two days in Facebook time is like two years in real-time. Consumers are used to real-time engagement with friends on Facebook, so it’s unnatural to spend days waiting for any kind of response.”
"Thanks!" to Elaine (in this post), as well as Alice, and Leah, who shared the following news with us:: Jenna Lyon's {incredible} townhouse sold! The following is an article from the New York Observer (click here to read in its entirety & to view slideshow of property):I mentioned earlier that it was probably a difficult decision to sell this gorgeous home- but not when you get more than you paid for it!!! Seriously, anything Jenna touches turns to gold. Good for her!J.Crew Style Maven’s House Sells For $4 Million
By Kim Velsey
March 27, 2012
J.Crew is known for its upscale but largely affordable clothes, but when it comes to some items—like president and creative director Jenna Lyons’ Park Slope townhouse—people are apparently willing to pay above retail.
The fashion guru’s 7 bed, 3.5 bath, 4,400 square foot townhouse sold for $4 million to Vincent and Tracy Martin, according to Curbed — 7 percent more than the $3.75 million that Ms. Lyons listed the property for last November.
Is it any wonder? Judging from the pictures, the place was even more alluring than the leggy, bespectacled models that grace the pages of the J.Crew catalog. As the Stribling listing boasted, the gracious home was “impeccably renovated to perfection,” and for once, we wouldn’t call such bragging broker-speak overblown. Even the irrigated, south-facing garden anchored by a mature dogwood tree sounded stylish.
Ms. Lyons bought the home with her now-estranged husband artist Vincent Mazeau for $1.3 million in 2004, but she appears to have left quite a mark on it, judging by the antler-bedecked walls of the dining room. While the open double parlor with plaster medallions might have been the selling point for a lesser property, this one had more than we could count, including what appears to be the most beautiful closet in the world, graced by one of the house’s 7 restored limestone mantels. The bucolic view from the industrial kitchen also left us impressed.
The property, which entered into contract in December, was rumored to be the subject of a bidding war — the prize bloom of this winter’s busy market for Park Slope brownstones.
But after looking longingly at the photos of Lyons superior home design, we can’t help but wonder if the buyers may feel twinges of buyers’ remorse when Jenna’s Picks no longer fill the townhouse. Ms. Lyons ...continues to embrace change and has moved back to Manhattan, at least for now.
...property records list Ms. Lyons’ new address as the American Express Carriage House in Tribeca, a 5,000 sq.ft. space in the company’s former stables. Listed in September for $5.8 million, the property is no longer on the market.
And lest the sale leave any broken hearts, let it be known that the townhouse also comes with a separate garden apartment.
This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine (in this post) says it best, "You know, that thing you bought because you love it and you keep pulling it out and then putting it away without wearing it?"
This is the weekly "Looking to LOVE with J.Crew" post, a place to share our favorite experiences with J.Crew.
"Thanks!" to J.Crew Guy In Canada who shared a great video over at Television Fashion that features J.Crew's Jenna Lyons. To watch it, click HERE.
This is the weekly "Looking to VENT with J.Crew" post, a place to share our not-so-stellar experiences with J.Crew.
This is the weekly "Other JCrew-like Retailers" post (similar to the "Off On A Tangent" posts), where we can share our finds from other retailers that have offerings similar to J.Crew (like Anthropologie, LE Canvas, Gap, BR, Talbots, Ann Taylor, and the like.)
"Thanks!" to many of you in the "J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!" post: J.Crew is shipping around the world now! Along with J.Crew's website getting a makeover (again!), they updated a lot of features, including new drop down menus, new catalog viewer, pin-it on Pinterest feature, and... shipping to 107 countries!!!J.Crew opens door to global e-commerce; uses tech to fuel ambitionWell, it is clear that J.Crew is trying to capitalize on its worldwide fame by shipping worldwide. I am all for it! I think the use of a partner in this case is a great move. Bravo!
By Andrew Nusca
March 22, 2012
This morning, U.S. apparel retailer J.Crew expanded its international distribution from 29 to 107 countries, spanning an astounding 41 currencies.
That’s quite a jump in a single day for the retailer, known for clothing everyone from Michelle Obama to, well, me. Businesses — even digital ones — just don’t scale that quickly.
But there’s a secret to how J.Crew did it: a partnership, and a whole lotta tech.
With a platform provided by New York-based FiftyOne, J.Crew is bringing its modern prep style to Asia, Australia, Europe, Middle East and South America. That means customers around the globe will be able to purchase the company’s entire collection from anywhere at anytime.
While the retailer was too busy to return my phone calls, FiftyOne — the name is a play on its mantra, “a bridge between 50 states and one world” — was more than happy to chat.
I spoke with chief strategy officer Kris Green, who said that his company’s tech helps American retailers “fulfill global ambition without having to create new assets around the world” — assets meaning distribution centers and brick-and-mortar stores.
Specifically, that means converting U.S. prices into local currencies, calculating duty and taxes, managing payment, protecting against fraud and fulfilling orders, via FiftyOne’s distribution center in Columbus, Ohio.
The idea is to help a largely American website appear international, he said. (Clients are a who’s who of suburban American favorites, from Cabela’s to Pottery Barn to Under Armour.)
“To do international by yourself, you need to place bets on what countries you think have the biggest opportunities for your brand, and spend significant dollars setting up shop there,” he said. ”We help retailers avoid needing to make those bets upfront.”
Traditionally, retailers have to attack new countries sequentially. FiftyOne’s platform allowed J.Crew — a very fashionable American brand among several different demographics — to open the floodgates immediately, without leaving American shores.
“Generally, U.S. retailers and brands are receiving global awareness whether they like it or not. And they’re also operating businesses in this country that are reaching a super-saturation point in this country,” he said. “Internationally, it’s growing at a much faster rate. Retailers are looking at their web traffic and seeing 10, 20, 30 percent traffic from international. The business case from monetizing the latent demand is compelling.”
He added: “If you operate brick-and-mortar stores, e-commerce is a good way to test markets before you make brick-and-mortar investments.”
Green, who hails from Canada, used his homeland as an example. “They’ve been conditioned to be excluded from U.S. e-commerce for decades,” he said. “When they see any price with a dollar sign in front of it [online], that’s probably a U.S. price. When retailers make Canadians and others feel welcome, it can have a significant influence on conversion.”
It’s also a safer, more conservative way to expand. By partnering with FiftyOne, J.Crew can keep its focus on its lucrative U.S. sales.
The Wall Street Journal’s Dana Mattioli touched on the topic Thursday morning: “The move marks a sea change for the brand and its CEO [Mickey Drexler], who previously had called overseas expansion a ‘distraction’ from domestic operations.”
“It always makes sense to partner, because no matter how big your international business gets, it will always be a fraction of your domestic one,” Green said. “So it makes sense, even at really big numbers.” Even when fulfillment is localized — because after all, you wouldn’t want to fly a cardigan sweater halfway around the world if you could help it.
For J.Crew, it’s a chance to bring its collection of turquoise ballet flats and faded oxford shirts to the growing overseas middle class. For FiftyOne, it’s another bridge to build.
This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.
It's that time again, to take a look at an image of J.Crew pieces from seasons past! As caribbelle (in this post) so beautifully termed, "ye olde j crew of yore".
"Thanks!" to many of you, including Irina, who shared the following email J.Crew sent this morning.We adore lemlem, a collection started by model and International Goodwill Ambassador Liya Kebede as a way for wearers in her home country of Ethiopia to escape poverty. (Fittingly, lemlem means "to bloom" in Amharic.) "Our hope is to add diversity to the fashion market while creating prosperity in another," Kebede says of these traditionally handwoven creations. Her style point of view: "We take inspiration from iconic styles and reinvent them with a lemlem twist." This top, for instance, was influenced by the classic Parisian Breton striped shirt and recreated by Ethiopian hands in gauzy cotton and with the brand's signature pop of neon at the cuffs and hem. A true labor of love...I do love reading the back store on the pieces. J.Crew used to provide these tidbits in their older catalogs. I think they are great and hope to see/read more of them!
This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who want to swap/sell/share among yourselves. This post is where you can mention your items and outside listing/ auction site (like eBay and eCrater & the corresponding user ID).
This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who are looking for and interested in buying certain items. Please feel free to share a J.Crew store location and/or your outside listing/ auction site if it matches the requests made in this post.
If you are stopped by a J.Crew store this past weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the SPRING sale, or to see some new SPRING/SUMMER arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!
"Thanks!" to many of you, including Irina, who shared the following news from J.Crew this morning.If you are stopping by a J.Crew store this weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the SPRING sale, or to see some new SUMMER arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!
"Thanks!" to many of you, including Rosie (in this post), D*ska & Autumn (in this post), as well as Irina, who let us know that J.Crew had an update to its website today (click here to view online).
The latest catalog (click here to view) is net yet available to view. However, they did change how you can view the catalog. (Similar to Madewell. A nice upgrade.)
This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine (in this post) says it best, "You know, that thing you bought because you love it and you keep pulling it out and then putting it away without wearing it?"This is the weekly "Looking to LOVE with J.Crew" post, a place to share our favorite experiences with J.Crew.There was a conference call to discuss fourth quarter results yesterday. To read the transcript, click here. Some quotes worth highlighting:J.Crew Earns Big: Retailer’s Net Income More Than Triples to Over $15M
By Dhani Mau Tuesday
March 20, 2012
As should come as no surprise, J.Crew is raking it in. And so are its top executives. After a somewhat tumultuous year that included a $3 billion buyout, some positive press from Michelle Obama, some not-so-positive press from others (ahem, Fox news), and some great collections, the company has ended up on top.
J.Crew’s reported net income for the quarter ending on January 28 was $15.1 million, versus $4 million one year ago, WWD is reporting. Part of the reason for lower reported income in the past year was that the company went private early in 2011 in a buyout that was costly to the company and left them with high interest rates. However, the company looks to be bouncing back from that just fine.
A better indication of how the company is doing at this point might be the adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), which rose from $51.6 million to $59.5 million.
And if you were wondering how much President and executive creative director Jenna Lyons and Chairman and CEO Mickey Drexler took home, the company released that information as well. Drexler’s base salary, which has not increased since 2003, is $200,000. Of course, that’s in addition to stock options valued at $11.32 million as well as $1.67 million in other compensation and an opportunity for a $1.2 million bonus. Lyons’s salary was an even $1 million, in addition to stock options valued at $2 million.
It’s a good time for J. Crew, which is solidifying itself as a private company, and things can only go up from here.
A big "thanks!" to Kelly, who shared the following promotion with us: J.Crew is offering Factory Store shoppers in Nashville, Tennessee a special treat. Customers can take 20% off any purchase of $125+. This offer is good from March 29th through April 19, 2012.This is the weekly "Looking to VENT with J.Crew" post, a place to share our not-so-stellar experiences with J.Crew.This is the weekly "Other JCrew-like Retailers" post (similar to the "Off On A Tangent" posts), where we can share our finds from other retailers that have offerings similar to J.Crew (like Anthropologie, LE Canvas, Gap, BR, Talbots, Ann Taylor, and the like.)
Thanks!" to JCrew Guy In Canada, who shared the following GQ article (click here to read in its entirety) with us:So many Menswear store openings- exciting news indeed! Also, who knew that the demand for the Ludlow suit would bring on its very own dedicated store in NYC?!?Store Spotlight: J.Crew Opens Inaugural Ludlow Shop
By Matthew Sebra
March 1, 2012
J.Crew's quest to dress men everywhere, and for every occasion, continues with the opening the their new Ludlow Shop. Nestled on a catalog-shoot worthy street in Tribeca, just south of the brand's wildly successful Liquor Store location, this new outpost is dedicated to showing off their best-selling Ludlow suit in every form imaginable. Nineteen versions of the tailored two-piece are available for purchase, from the original notch lapel model to a double-breasted option and even an evening tux if your datebook calls for such sartorial goods. And while the store's name may indicate its singular focus, the stock is anything but one-dimensional. Joining the Ludlow suits is an array of complimentary gear, from J.Crew's Thomas Mason shirting and Italian cashmere to shoes from Alden and Crockett & Jones that sit alongside the brand's made-in-NYC ties, Drake's pocket squares, and Corgi socks. Sharp style extends beyond the clothes and after you've had a look at some lapels you'll find the space stocked with midcentury modern furniture and antiques, including a vintage desk covered in archival Alden shoe catalogs and ledgers (more on that later).
We spoke with the man behind the beloved suit style, J.Crew's head of menswear design Frank Muytjens, about why now is the right time for the tailoring-targeted store.
GQ Eye: Why did you want to dedicate a whole store to the Ludlow suit and why do it now in Tribeca?
Frank Muytjens: We launched the Ludlow suit when we opened the Liquor Store in 2008 and the response has been incredible! Guys come in to all of our shops and ask for it by name. And since the launch, the Ludlow has outgrown the Liquor Store so we decided to relocate that shop down the street to showcase the Ludlow in a bigger way. We are also super excited to offer monogramming, complimentary courier service, and on-site suit specialists.
GQ Eye: What type of customer do you envision shopping at the Ludlow store?
Frank Muytjens: To us it's always about being modern, but not too trendy. He's a guy who loves quality and is interested in being more understated than overstated. He invests in classic pieces he knows and will have forever and always can go back to.
This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.
It's that time again, to take a look at an image of J.Crew pieces from seasons past! As caribbelle (in this post) so beautifully termed, "ye olde j crew of yore".
This post features the Georgina Silk Shirtdress ($198.00)- a fabulous shirt dress from 2007. I adore the style of the dress- besides being a shirt dress (yey!), I love the short sleeves, band collar, and button-front closure.
The following is an article over at Market Watch (click here for the article in its entirety):J.Crew quarterly profit jumps on sales growthWell, looks like J.Crew is doing pretty, pretty good. That is great news for our favorite retailer!
By Drew FitzGerald
March 19, 2012
J.Crew Group Inc.'s fiscal fourth-quarter earnings soared as sharply higher sales and lower overhead costs helped cover the clothing retailer's debt costs.
J.Crew went private last year in a $3 billion acquisition by a group of investors including private-equity firms TPG Capital--a former owner of J.Crew--and Leonard Green & Partners LP. The move saddled the retailer with higher interest expenses.
Costs tied to the buyout have weighed on the company's results over the past year, often masking stronger sales in recent months.
For the quarter ended Jan. 28, J.Crew reported a profit of $15.1 million, compared with year-earlier profit of $4 million. The latest period included $25.1 million of net interest costs, compared with $528,000 a year earlier.
Revenue rose 13% to $530.9 million as same-store company sales--which include comparable-store sales, direct sales and shipping and handling revenue--grew 6.4%.
Gross margin widened to 37.8% from 37.4%, while overhead costs declined slightly.
Inventories reached $242.7 million, compared with $214.4 million a year ago.
A big "thanks!" to Kittywitty who shared the following news with us:...Just wanted to pass along in case you or your readers don’t already know ... that J Crew is coming out with a printed “Style Guide.” I saw an “ad” for it in the fitting room yesterday. The cover of the guide looks like a catalog. The model Heloise Guerin is on the cover and under her picture it reads “Style Guide.” The date on the cover reads April 2012. The ad said something like “Ask for your complimentary copy.” So, I did of course and the SA didn’t even know what I was talking about LOL. She had to ask a manager and the manager said they were getting them soon. ...Very cool to offer a printed style guide! I can't wait to see what it will showcase and what advice & styling tips it will offer.
"Thanks!" to many of you, including Rose (in this post), as well as Irina, who let us know the following promotion.*Prices as marked. Offer valid on women's, men's, boys' and girls' tees and knits only. Offer excludes Saint James®, Edith Miller, Homespun and Comme des Garçons® and cannot be redeemed for cash or applied to previous purchases. Offer valid at jcrew.com only. Offer is not valid at J.Crew retail stores, J.Crew Factory stores or on J.Crew Factory items. Offer valid through Wednesday, March 21, 2012, 11:59pm ET.Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? If so, what items are you planning to get. Please share! :)
This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who want to swap/sell/share among yourselves. This post is where you can mention your items and outside listing/ auction site (like eBay and eCrater & the corresponding user ID).This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who are looking for and interested in buying certain items. Please feel free to share a J.Crew store location and/or your outside listing/ auction site if it matches the requests made in this post.If you are stopped by a J.Crew store this past weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the SPRING sale, or to see some new SPRING/SUMMER arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!
"Thanks!" to many of you, including Tiffany Rose (in this post), as well as Irina, who shared the following promotion from J.Crew this morning.*No exchanges, no returns on items marked as final sale. Offer valid at jcrew.com only. Offer is not valid at J.Crew retail stores or J.Crew Factory stores. Offer does not apply to previous purchases or to the purchase of gift cards. 30% off discount applies to J.Crew sale and Factory sale online items only. Offer valid through Sunday, March 18, 2012, 11:59pm ET. Free shipping offer applies to orders shipped via ground shipping totaling $100+ after 30% discount on J.Crew sale and Factory sale online items and before shipping, handling and taxes are added. Savings are applied at checkout with code LOVEIT. Offer not valid on phone orders. Cannot be combined with any other promotion. Limit one promotional code per order. Details of offer are subject to change.
J.Crew Factory (click here to shop online) is open and this promotion applies to their merchandise too!If you are stopping by a J.Crew store this weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the SPRING sale, or to see some new SUMMER arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!
"Thanks!" to Irina, who shared the following email from J.Crew yesterday.
The section about getting to know Gayle is a nice touch at the end of the email. It is great to see another employee who has been in the J.Crew family for a long time. (16 years- Impressive!)
"Thanks!" to ccbmum (in this post), as well as Strmywethr & SpeakNGO (in this post) who let us know about J.Crew's Jenna Lyons being featured in the "On the Street… Jenna, New York" post over at the Sartorialist (click here for original post & comments gushing over the styling). Also, same outfit featured in What They Wear: Fashion Insiders (click here). Breakdown of what is she wearing:
"Thanks!" to JustVisiting who shared the following exciting news with us... The latest Spring 2012 catalog for Madewell is now available online for viewing!This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine (in this post) says it best, "You know, that thing you bought because you love it and you keep pulling it out and then putting it away without wearing it?"This is the weekly "Looking to LOVE with J.Crew" post, a place to share our favorite experiences with J.Crew.
Keds® for Madewell Polka-Dot SneakersA marriage made in sneaker heaven. We teamed up with the all-American brand to cover their iconic canvas sneakers in a series of our favorite prints for spring. The result: this adorable spotted style. (Polka dots on Keds? Yes, please!)Let me start out by saying I am a big fan of Keds. I remember them well from my childhood. I am happy to see they are having a resurgence in popularity again.
You can see a glimpse of the sneakers in real life in the photo above. (You can find the pair in the upper right hand corner. Click on the image to view larger.) This image comes from Closet Crisis's "One Too Many Closets" blog, in her "The Blue Train" post.
