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.)If you have recently encountered items that are similar to J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.
Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including experiences with certain merchandise pieces, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.
Review of a BR sheath and ON d'orsay flats here.
ReplyDeleteFor those of you interested in my LOFT gripe from last week (re: photo ID required for B&M returns of online orders), I received a response from corporate a few days ago. They wouldn't quantify the return policy either (because there are "many factors taken into consideration" when determining how many returns would result in a warning/refusal), but said that it should not affect online clients erroneously because they understand that online clients tend to have more returns because of buying multiple sizes, etc. Not sure that I'm buying that, but it will definitely influence my shopping at Loft in the future.
ReplyDeleteLike I said last week, I totally understand tracking people that are trying to return without a receipt, items without tags, worn items, etc. However, if my packing slip shows my order was recently placed, the items are new/unworn/tagged and I have all my paperwork, scanning and storing my driver's license should not be necessary. Especially given all of the recent data breaches in retail.
All that being said, their overalls in Gem Blue are very cute. I sized down to an XS.
Silver lining, AT/LOFT has been doing that for at least a few years now. I am an online shopper, and on my second purchase from them, they required my DL to process the return which was new, placed a few days before, had all the paperwork, and my first return. I was told it was their policy, and I refused because of the retail breaches. They didn't persist (I was creating a "scene"), but told me they could not process returns in the future without my DL. I haven't shopped there since. My take: If they want to to track people, track those that are returning worn items, without tags, without receipts. If you're an honest customer, particularly online (especially when apparel is not consistently sized), you should be left alone.
DeleteHi savvy shopper - thanks for posting. As with most things, I think they’re trying to have a blanket policy that annoys a few instead of just going after the real offenders.
DeleteA couple of months ago, I was behind a guy at Gap that was attempting to return a crumpled-up button down and pair of jeans that were obviously worn - they actually looked like he just picked them out of the hamper and decided to return them, no tags, no receipt. The SA’s kept saying that they were worn and could not accept them but he was so persistent that the manager just reached in the register and gave him $100 to get rid of him. I was appalled.
I observed a similar scene at Target, where the returns associate had actually scanned the bar code in an attempt to be helpful - only to learn that Target didn't even carry the item. A lot of screaming and cursing, followed by appearance of manager, who said he'd call the police....
DeleteI saw this at JC -- a woman in front of me was trying to return a pair of jeans -- she said the hem frayed after one wear. The SA said that it looked pretty clearly that the jeans were worn and damaged by the shoe heel, and called over another SA when the woman really started to make a scene ("you are calling me a liar!") and asked her to look at the hem and that SA said the same thing, hole made by a heel. In the end, a manager came over and also refused a refund. For worn items not returned for a quality issue, I do really feel for retailers. But for new items with receipts, I totally don't get what the issue is...
DeleteI return more than I ever buy to J Crew (on line) all have tags attached,are within the 60day window and receipts included. I always wonder if they will stop me from ordering because my returns are so numerous..
DeleteWhat I am doing is trying on for size and quality...to perhaps order when on super sale ( although I have kept a few gems that were almost FP) i bet they dislike me...
With regard to Loft, I suspect (and I mentioned this in my response to corporate) that because they have such a high minimum for free shipping ($125) and almost never have FS promos, people may order more to get FS that ends up being returned, and that they should considering offering a lower minimum or FS promo more frequently than once a year. I didn't realize Ann Taylor's minimum was even higher ($175) - I was eyeing a $22 sale tee and did not want to pay $8.95 to ship it, or have to order over $150 more to get free shipping. Of course they can do whatever they want, but it may be interesting for them to see if they get fewer returns overall after offering some free ship promos.
DeleteIt would also be awesome if they would do price adjustments for percent off promos. I purchased a sweater full price last week and now it is 50% off, but they won't adjust the price. So, I end up re-ordering the sweater. That costs more for Loft in the long run. And annoys the heck out of me!
DeleteI used some of the Madewell new arrivals as styling inspiration for my J.Crew items here and here.
ReplyDeleteAlso, GAP sweater inspiration for J.Crew similar here.
DeleteDisney Store - 25% off Friends & Family thru Mon, 2/16. Picks in this post.
ReplyDelete