Friday, September 16, 2016

J.Crew Introduces "Freak Out Prices"

As many of you have probably noticed and already mentioned by now, J.Crew is very excited about the prices of some of their new arrivals. So much so that they highlight the item with "Freak Out Price" labels. (Which is very different then the "Best Seller" labels they have for some time now.)

Not sure how I feel about it but it certainly caught my attention. I am also not sure if I am freaking out by the price points, as they are still relatively high.

What are your thoughts on the label? Did it work and get you to buy?
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28 comments:

  1. AnonymousSeptember 16, 2016 at 10:27 AM

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  2. barbaraSeptember 16, 2016 at 10:28 AM

    I think it cheapens the brand. If this were Forever 21 I would feel it appropriate but not for JC. They need to decided what they are all about. The fun "pink catalog" vs. the new "windmill catalog" tells me they are all over the board right now with out clear direction. Sigh.

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  3. joySeptember 16, 2016 at 10:28 AM

    I think it cheapens the brand significantly. I expect this kind of marketing from Old Navy or a discount store like Marshalls or TJ Maxx. The brand is going in two different directions with this type of advertising versus the high-priced collection items. What does JCrew want to be?

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  4. barbaraSeptember 16, 2016 at 10:28 AM

    I think it cheapens the brand. If this were Forever 21 I would feel it appropriate but not for JC. They need to decided what they are all about. The fun "pink catalog" vs. the new "windmill catalog" tells me they are all over the board right now with out clear direction. Sigh.

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  5. LuxetteSeptember 16, 2016 at 10:40 AM

    I don't like this marketing scheme either. I'm look for reasonable prices on QUALITY pieces. The first thing I think of when I see cheap prices is who made this and what is it made of? I would actually be thrilled if J. Crew would do more ethically made pieces - like the Kate Spade "On Purpose" campaign. I'd "freak out" if I could shop knowing that the clothes were made with quality fabrics by people working in good conditions and earning a living wage.

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  6. Shopping CelleSeptember 16, 2016 at 10:53 AM

    I'm over it as well. It wouldn't have been so bad if they had mentioned the freak out pricing only once instead of repeating it ad nauseum.

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  7. wellfedfredSeptember 16, 2016 at 10:56 AM

    only if "freaking out" means "shaking head sadly."

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  8. VioletSeptember 16, 2016 at 11:34 AM

    Completely agree with Barbara & joy! Everything J.Crew is doing lately screams "We have no idea who we are!" Lack of a clear, cohesive vision and strategy comes from the top. They can fire every stylist, designer, and marketing exec they want, until things change at the top, this ship is going to keep sinking. And all the polyester, pom poms, and glitter are going down with it.

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  9. cobaltSeptember 16, 2016 at 12:47 PM

    Totally agree. I just got a "wish we had enough" e-mail for something I ordered on Tuesday. Can't remember if it had a freak-out price or not, but my reaction to the cancelled order was "well, that's probably one less thing I'll have to return." Makes me sad that I don't have greater confidence in JC!

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  10. RNSeptember 16, 2016 at 2:22 PM

    Doesn't bother me but typically this would be the move of a budget store so may not be the best idea for the brand's over all image.

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  11. StrayCatSeptember 16, 2016 at 3:07 PM

    Didn't make me "freak out". Just made me ask "what?".

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  12. justmeSeptember 16, 2016 at 4:57 PM

    What Luxette said.

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    1. bully4kateSeptember 16, 2016 at 10:51 PM

      What all of you said. I've been shopping this brand for over 25 years, and to see them reach way down to get us to buy something is too sad. Used to be, when I was getting the suits for another season, I'd trust the design and the manufacturer. Now? Nope.

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  13. RufflesSeptember 16, 2016 at 6:45 PM

    To me it's just amateurish. Does anyone take it seriously enough to change their price/value perceptions of those items? That tactic just invites counter-argument and it's not effective. I wish J. crew would expend energy on the stuff that matters to customers - quality, special pieces. I don't need "freak out prices" to buy those!

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  14. jcrew guy in CanadaSeptember 16, 2016 at 7:24 PM

    I can see a retailer showing best sellers, but this label surprises me. If they truly want to freak me out offer a steal of a deal.

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  15. jcrew guy in CanadaSeptember 16, 2016 at 7:24 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  16. stripedsocksSeptember 16, 2016 at 8:39 PM

    I don't like the phrase "freak out," and I think it's off brand for jcrew, but I do appreciate that the prices are more reasonable, like suede pointy-toe flats for 98 instead of last year's 178, some necklaces at 68-98 instead of 128 plus, etc. In recent years prices have seemed more and more out of whack, especially compared with quality. Even for items I really like, I never buy until they're at least 40 percent off, because it's just not worth it to me. I'm not spending 50-60 dollars on a tee shirt, no matter how cute it is. So, I appreciate that they're trying to ground prices more.

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    1. TM93September 16, 2016 at 10:25 PM

      @stripedsocks, I have to say that agree with all of your points. I do appreciate that some of their pricing is a little more realistic (though I do think they have a way to go -- the Sammies seemed overpriced at their original price, for instance), but I agree that the 'freak out' tag isn't really in keeping with the brand's image. I notice that they've been emphasizing how 'inexpensive' they can be during the past few catalogs, always making a point to mention that 'X starts at only' or pointing out the 'style math', etc. That's not out of the norm for a retailer, but it seems out-of-character for them. Wish they wouldn't do that, seems tacky. But yeah, I am pleased with some of their prices.

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  17. TeriLynn13September 17, 2016 at 8:20 AM

    I could see them introducing a section or promo for updating your fall wardrobe within a budget, or choosing budget friendly items, something like that, but this seems a little silly. I'm a woman looking for quality clothes from a brand I have been wearing since 1990. I'm a little put off by all the cutesy names that occupy entire pages in the catalog or a blinking freak out logo, maybe in smaller doses it wouldn't bother me as much. It's also possible that I'm just not the demographic they wish to court any longer. Companies like Boden can make their catalog and website seem fun and welcoming without making me feel as if I just hit the two for one section at a Forever 21 store or am too old to shop there.

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    1. cateSeptember 18, 2016 at 8:29 AM

      I don't like the "Do You Speak J Crew" stuff in the catalogs. Like you said, it's too cutesy. "Dutch Sky", "Tomgirl", "Shiny Ponies". They've been pushing "shiny ponies" for a while now and I hate it. They're not horse shoes, we're not horses, the shoes aren't ponies. Maybe I don't get it lol! They've also been doing this experts-giving-advice thing in the style guides for a while and I don't like that either. We know what we want, J. Crew doesn't need to tell us. I think I'm not their target demographic either. I don't understand the freak out pricing either. Freak out pricing is the hauls some JCAs get at the clearance stores. I'm not going to be happy buying a small cross-body purse or sunglasses for $128. Who considers that a good deal?

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    2. VavaSeptember 18, 2016 at 12:46 PM

      Agreed. These dorky phrases they are using are just that.......dorky. Shiny ponies is especially stupid.

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    3. wellfedfredSeptember 18, 2016 at 5:22 PM

      the styling advice is aimed at space creatures - summing up: how to style a mini skirt: wear a top with it. How to style jeans: wear a shirt. How to style a dress: wear shoes. Reminds me of the Era of the Gray Tee Shirt. Evening wear: a few years ago, a jean jacket went over everything. I probably shouldn't have reminded the stylists.

      I also don't like making up silly redefinitions to replace servicable words that actually communicate. A hook-up is a hook-up. A skirt and top in the same or coordinating fabrics - "separates."

      Oh, and tomboy dressing has been around since at least the 1930's. Didn't anyone at that company actually study fashion?

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  18. RoseSeptember 18, 2016 at 2:26 PM

    Someone needs to go back to marketing school at JC.

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  19. Awakening my WardrobeSeptember 18, 2016 at 5:58 PM

    I also agree that the phrase "freak out prices" cheapens the J Crew brand. Not a fan of that phrase or the cutesy language J Crew has been using as of lately in their catalogs. How about they focus on quality fabrics and workmanship this fall? Now THAT would be "freak out" worthy!

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  20. Julie ColwellSeptember 19, 2016 at 2:31 PM

    I agree with everyone's comments.I think this might be more in line with their branding for J.Crew Factory and not the Retail stores.

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  21. The Conservative PrepSeptember 20, 2016 at 3:19 PM

    Got on today and realized the Freak Out Price is gone!

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