This is the weekly "Looking to VENT with J.Crew" post, a place to share our not-so-stellar experiences with J.Crew.If you have recently experienced a frustrating situation with 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 poor experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.
Not a vent....new markdowns in the sale section! As today is the last day to get the 40% off sale items.
ReplyDeleteThe metallic tweed jacket is marked down + 40% off. I'm tempted.
DeleteI reviewed both the metallic tweed blazer & lace shoulder top (all colors now $59.99 in this post.
DeleteThanks Gigi. It looks great on you! I am currently sitting on my hands since I have a closet stuffed to the gills with awesome clothes and I want to be better about wearing all the things I currently have (perpetual New Year resolution?), but it's tempting.
Delete(Enabler) Do it, Blake! :-D
DeleteMy risk paid off. I ordered yesterday the Collection Faux Fur Jacket that popped back in XXXS. I ordered an XS before, and I was swimming in it, probably two sizes too big. So this AM, saw that the jacket went on sale, and got a price adjustment.
1. I hope the jacket ships, and 2. I hope this size fits me.
@ blakemdjohns, I'm trying to be disciplined too about my choices, so I am keeping a spending journal and that's helping my efforts a lot. Ordered the Collection A-line Midi Skirt in blue since it finally went on sale and the buffalo check shirt jacket in navy and ivory because it hit sale too. I know I'll wear both items quite a bit. The skirt is sold out online, but I called a store in NY and was able to locate it. Don't know if anyone else wanted this skirt, but it may be worth a shot. It was on my wishlist and I liked Rynetta's review of it.
DeleteMy hand-sitting paid off. It's sold out in my size.
Deletelol @Blakemdjohns. That's hilarious. Congrats on waiting it out.
DeleteIsn't it such a good feeling when you can stop exercising self control :p.
DeleteI have been stalking the lady day coat since Christmas in hopes to get one on sale + 40% off but their stock is nonexistent even on full-price colors (even basic black). The only sizes they normally have are 000 and 00. Some new colors came up on sale this morning but again - not much size selection. it's winter, JCrew!
ReplyDeleteI got burned doing the same thing last year and ordered earlier this year when they were 30% off. I did very lucky a caught pop back right before x-mas on the Bright Butternut. Overall, I think the Lady Day is always pretty popular so J. Crew doesn't want to have any stock left when it comes time for sale + 40% off
DeleteI want a new promo that takes at least 40% off the full price items that they have been holding back on! I really hope they don't let me down tomorrow when the promo changes.
ReplyDeleteStalking sale over the weekend, I noticed that the
ReplyDeleteRhodes blazer in houndstooth(item E1471) in Regular was on sale for $199, so it sold out quickly. (For anyone who's interested, there are a few popbacks in sizes 8 and 10 today, now on sale for $189.) The Petite version remains elusively and stubbornly at full price, $248. I guess there are differences in pricing for petite, tall & regular sometimes, but I hadn't noticed it THAT often before. JCAs, is this common, that the Regular version of an item goes on sale, but not the other versions? I'm really short so Petite works best on me for certain items, especially blazers.
The Petite Rhodes blazer in houndstooth is item E3604 if anyone is curious.
Deletebored...move on J Crew. please...
Deletebored...move on J Crew. please...
DeleteTM93 - Usually both sizes go on sale if it's on promo or marked down. This morning I saw an item where the regular and petite were on sale, but not the tall. I figured it's an error. I would call customer service and see what they say. Oh, actually, I just had this happen in-store. The mgr stated that the petite would have to be on sale online in order to price match and it was. So I guess it's possible that they're not putting the blazer on sale in P. I would still ask.
DeleteThanks for the reply, Gigi, I thought that was the case, that usually both versions go on sale. I'll go ahead and contact CS, see what they say. Can't hurt to ask!
DeleteDislike the differences in US an Can. sale section. Not just the prices but the fact the US sale site will have 200 -300 more items in Womens.
ReplyDeleteThat's weird. I have never noticed that. Usually it's all the same things regardless of picking the Canadian or US ship-to.
Deleteright now...1409 in Canada's women's sale and 1600 on the US site....
DeleteProbably because there are certain partnership items like some of the running shoes and a few home/gift items that never ship to Canada because of agreements here. So if they hit the sale section likely the same thing. Doesn't sound like we are missing a ton.
DeletePlaced an order for 7 items, including 3 pairs of socks. All socks shipped individually. Ha! Also, the flannel pj's are pitifully thin this year. I don't know how they dare charge $95 for them. I feel slightly cheated even at the $35 I paid.
ReplyDeleteI had the same thing happen at Madewell. My lone pair of socks is shipping from somewhere in Texas. Hope they have a nice trip to Tennessee. Also, finally all my stuff I ordered from Madewell did finally ship even though it is all coming from stores in about umpteen different packages. Sometimes the stores take forever to pull and ship, that is frustrating. They need a better inventory/shipping system. Items show that they are sold out online but if you have someone check store inventory, the item can be easily found in a store. I could give you numerous examples. I really wish they would put the option on their website for the customer to check to see where has the item like other retailers do. Today and tomorrow are going to be embarrassing if I can't intercept the mailman/ups man at my office before everyone sees all the packages...:(
DeleteYou're not alone - had FIVE envelopes at my door yesterday. Every retailer seems to be using the store fulfillment shipping now. One envelope contained a pair of socks and one had one pair of undies (Gap). The UPS guy has to think I have a shopping problem. Oh yes, more packages due to arrive today!
DeleteSame here -- my mailroom doesn't care, but I've felt the need to explain on several occasions that I am NOT a shopping addict, not some crazy spendthrift, and that it's just the company's way of shipping things. Ack!
DeleteFunny! I just explain to people that I work hard and I buy stuff from J crew when I am stressed out. They seem to understand (and perhaps persuade them to put fewer additions to my pile!).
DeleteA blink-and-you-miss-it amount of new arrivals are on the site. JC appears to be continuing with the short tops (v-neck cardigan sweater in merino wool and wool-blend pointelle cable sweater, midweight boatneck tees), dropped shoulders (reversible sweater-jacket) and exposed zippers (striped ponte sweatshirt). *headdesk*
ReplyDeleteI'm interested to see what is in the full February rollout at the end of the month.
While I don't have much of an opinion on exposed zip, I guess I'm the only person who really likes the cut of the sweaters currently. I prefer my sweaters drapey to fitted and I don't see how the tops are that short. People act like they're cropped.
DeleteI'm 5'9 and with a long torso so they do fit like they're cropped on me.
DeleteI just wish they'd offer the shorter sweaters in tall sizes.
5'8 here and definitely look cropped.
DeleteI'm only 5'5 but I have a long torso, and I have the same problem.
DeleteI'm 5'10 and a long torso and long arm and they look cropped on me too. Why doesn't crew offer sweaters into tall. BR does so does gap.
DeleteThanks Silver Lining! I'm curious to see the cap sleeve dress in 120's wool. I really like that fabric. The sleeves might be a little odd IRL though.
ReplyDeleteSo - do we think a 50% off promo tomorrow? Maybe a zany 75% sale like this past summer?
ReplyDeletePic of the new striped Gemma on my IG
ReplyDeletethose are cute! but i don't see them on the site yet :/
DeleteThey probably will be in the big roll out third week of january
DeleteThe striped gemmas are adorable. It looks like stripes on shoes are big this spring. Boden has quite a few (Bonnie, Ashley, scallop flat, ballerina, etc). I love the Boden Bonnie and Ashley striped shoes. I have noticed Boden uses a thick padded insole like Taryn Rose shoes. I really hope J Crew follows suit. I had to stop wearing the Kiki and ballerina flats because the sole is too thin and when I added a gel insert my foot was too high up compared to the sides of the shoes, if that makes sense.
DeletePounced on the military trench this morning when I noticed that it got another cut. I had to go down a size but if the material is really thin it could work. Also got the patchwork pants (I am tired to wait for the 00 to pop back so since the 0 was available at the same time than the trench - hello free shipping - AND the price dropped even more I took my chance on the 0. Will see). Happy shopping everyone
ReplyDeleteOperation package interception an epic fail...Coworked paraded them through the office and yelled out, "Here's your stuff!!!"
ReplyDeleteOh no, I just cringed for you, DD!
Delete:/ Sorry! A coworker once texted me a photo of a pile of packages/boxes at my desk (I was off work). I now ship them to my husband's office ;) People may talk, but I don't have to know it if they do!
DeleteI explained to a colleague that my packages came to the office so I could be sure of their safe arrival. She thought it over, decided I had a good point, and had her next order sent to the office. It was an 8x10 rug.
DeleteOk now, that is hilarious. Unless the rug was for her office ....
DeleteThose are great stories LOL. :-)
DeleteLOLing like crazy!
DeleteI made a couple of in-store returns today. Comment from the store manager, "You shop online. A. Lot."
ReplyDeleteHmm...let's see...your company is shippng an order of four items, one-by-one. I buy anywhere from XS - M and some things simply don't work no matter what the size. All that aside, glad I'm buying *anything* at J. Crew.
Very few stores and their employees are good about flipping a return into a sale. The couple of people that were stellar at it have moved on. Getting me to leave with a new purchase should be the focus. Not stating the obvious, with an undertone that something is wrong w/shopping. You're a retailer!
that should say...."be" glad I'm buying...
DeleteThat's super annoying. The judgemental comments are so silly and not exactly going to get you coming back for help (and sales) with that person.
DeleteI was in the Buffalo Walden Galleria store a few weeks back (not my regular store) and got totally ignored, not greeted, brushed past with that "i'm looking right past looking super busy so we don't make eye contact thing", and yet I watched several of them fall all over greeting and helping a better dressed woman who walked in just after me and was looking right in the same area as me. I had recovered from a migraine so I was dressed pretty casual with little makeup but still had some quality brands visible on me and certainly looked presentable enough, if not as wealthy and glammed up as this other woman. I won't go into detail but it was very insulting. Anyone who works in retail should no you can't judge how much someone will spend by how they look walking into your store. I have worked in retail - I know this - why don't they at that location? I walked out empty handed because it was a really uncomfortable experience for me. Little do they know how much money I dump into Jcrew. I assume they don't care.
*know*
DeleteSunny, that stores SA's have obviously not seen 'Pretty Woman' suggest you go back with Richard Gere and see what happens.
DeleteI got so much attitude for returning my holiday purchases today. I've been avoiding peak times after work so I went in at an awkward time during my day off around 3 pm, and my store (prince st soho store) was so empty...the SAs were talking about how slow things were. So much attitude, ie) you should try some on these things in store instead.....
DeleteJRSConifer, love the Pretty Woman reference. "Big mistake. Big. Huge"..... ;)
Delete@Gigi - I hope this wasn't at the SF store. Ivr always had good experience returning there. No unnecessary comments, or side-eye looks. And I know who the managers are, which I don't go to when they are at the counter.
DeleteJSR - lol at bringing Richard Gere in. Great flashback.
DeleteNo, my experience wasn't at the SF. I usually don't get any comments and rarely feel bad about returning. I should never feel bad about returning, regardless. There was another comment and I slightly pushed back on that one. I don't want to get into the specifics. The net takeaway --that I didn't retort -- is that the customer shouldn't bear the brunt of an employee's error. Work out the rules behind the scenes and communicate them effectively to the staff. I'm not staff.
I would love to say that if sizes were more consistent, I wouldn't be returning as much. It's also partially my fault for buying something that I hope will be of better quality only to find out that it's not when it arrives.
DeleteI've bought very little from JC of late, but I did order a couple dresses to try for an event I have coming up. The dresses didn't work and I went to the store to return them on New Years' Day which is normally a big shopping day. The store was empty. Luckily, it was some unknown SA who did my return. When I was shopping there more, I'd dread walking in there w/a return b/c I felt their snootiness and irritation toward me. Blah.
Delete"Very few stores and their employees are good about flipping a return into a sale."
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with this. I hate feeling like I'm putting somebody out because I'm making a return (don't even get me started on Loft's policy of scanning drivers licenses to process returns of NWT items with receipt within their timeframe!), and I also hate when I point out that the return is because of poor quality, damage, inconsistent sizing or whatever and my receipt says "Changed Mind". If anybody looked at return data (ha ha, I know) they'd probably think that everybody changed their minds and not that anything was wrong with the actual product.
I've asked at my B&M if online returns counted against their numbers (because it's not a big deal to me to pop them in the mail if need be) and was told they don't, but I just feel like sometimes they just can't hide how irked they are at processing returns. Back in the days of better quality and consistent sizing/fit, I rarely returned anything. They also had free ship/no minimum on a weekly basis, which was awesome. No ride-alongs! I think that they may do well to take a closer look at Madewell and how the free shipping is working out for them.
There is an art to it, I had an employee once try and try to convince me to try on another size when I was returning a PXS for being too big. It might have been better to help me find a similar style that didn't run so large but I had to convince her that really, I'm sized out this time.
DeleteUgh. 'Changed Mind' is ridiculous. I've bought some things from Boden and Athleta recently and I believe both of their return slips have 20 or 25 possible reasons for returning.
DeleteI agree that "Changed mind" shouldn't be a choice. I mean it is implicit in the act of returning something that I have changed my mind (otherwise I wouldn't have returned it, d'ho). It should be changed into "Prefers not to tell", if anything. However I am puzzled at why the SAs seem to systematically choose that case even when we provide reasonable explanations. I am assuming the majority of the SAs are not just being lazy or uninterested in the answer. There should be a case that describes better the customer's reason than "Changed mind" (too big, too small, color misrepresented to name a few. I guess there isn't a case for "suffers from drop shoulders" but "too big" or "didn't like style" should apply better than "changed mind"). So, I am genuinely curious to know: what's in those other cases???
DeleteSpeaking of returns, I am returning three (yes, three) sizes of the Collection Fair Isle skirt on Friday if anyone wants one (or all). It's a gorgeous skirt, I just know I won't wear it, and trying to do better about my closet not being a collection of art that I don't wear. It's a wearable skirt, just not for me. Anyway, I have an XXS, XS, and M. It was $200 online.
ReplyDeleteAhhh, is it weird that I'm sad it didn't work for you. I love that skirt too much.
DeleteIt is absolutely a gorgeous skirt. The colors are so great. It's just not dressy enough for when I need to be dressy at work, and when I don't need to be dressy, I go really casual. And it's a little dressier than my day to day life calls for. Plus, it's squarely a winter or late fall skirt, so that limits it a bit. And most importantly, when I put it on, it didn't make me look and feel amazing, which is my new standard for keeping clothes.
DeleteHow have you worn yours so far?
Luckily I live in the Pacific NW, where conservative work culture is not a thing. It's sort of a spectrum. I wear it to work with a cashmere long sleeve tee and black leather half d'orsay heels. I've also worn it to brunch. I also half a wide role at work, where I can be in court or on a home visit, very different sets of clothing. I also wear different clothes in my personal life. I like to change it up. I am mostly a solids and nice basics person, but then I think that makes it easier to incorporate a fun piece like this one.
DeleteI also only believe in having things I will wear, so I totally understand sending it back. This skirt called to be from day one though. I'm a Fall/Winter person and if I buy seasonal things it tends to be Winter things. Fair Isle done right is like catnip for me.
silver_lining - I agree that "changed mind" should not be the selection all of the time. I agree that more free ship no min needs to happen. Many companies could stand to work that out. I passed on some rainboots at Lord & Taylor today and got Nordstrom to price match. Free shipping both ways over there. As far as J. Crew -- I can imagine it gets tiring to try to flip sales. However, I'm a known Crewhead. It should be pretty easy to direct me to something else. Doh!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the attitude, Gigi, that's completely unnecessary and uncalled for. You are a known Crewhead and I'm sure that manager knows you also buy plenty of stuff from them so this is rather perplexing. I had a big return right before Xmas, but was lucky to have a sweet cashier who sympathized about how hard online shopping can be -- I promised him that I buy more than i return! But still, like you said, one shouldn't have to feel guilty about returning stuff, for any reason.
Delete(FFS, yesterday I debuted a Tippi I bought way back in the fall. Folded in a drawer with tags. I snip off the tags, put it on and look to see a little hole, bigger than a hole, in the mid-section. Sigh. I guess I didn't notice when I received the item. In any case, I just wore it b/c I was running late for work, but will have to darn it eventually. I haven't had any problems with any of the other Tippis I bought last year.)
I never got a January catalog! Did anyone else??
ReplyDeleteI never got a January catalog! Did anyone else??
ReplyDelete