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.
What happened to one of my favorites of this week’s roll-out, the ruffle Going-out blazer in black?
ReplyDeleteInitially it showed up as available by the end of January, the next day it showed up as sold out and now it has disappeared completely!?!?
I just saw it in the Sale section a few minutes ago...
DeleteIt’s back again , though not in the Sale section #snif
DeleteSame thing happened to me. I placed a "new arrival" swimsuit in my cart yesterday that said "backordered till Jan or Feb ?- I don't remember the date). Came back today to purchase with a few other items, and it's not in my card and not on the site at all.It was a stripe one piece strapless with a cute cutout back.
DeleteReceived velvet front Harlow yesterday. Stinks heavily of strong perfume. Tag is attached and it doesn’t appear worn but I am still not amused. Tag says dry clean. Anyone have this cardigan and successfully hand washed it?
ReplyDeleteI wash all my wool and cashmere sweaters in my front loader (wool cycle). They might shrink a little so I always order a size up to be on the safe side.
DeleteOn the other hand, couldn’t customer service send you a replacement?
I would ask for a replacement but this is the second time I ordered it. Got the dreaded "wish we had enough" the first time. I'll try hand washing it. I'm definitely contacting customer service to let them know.
DeleteI had that exact same thing happen with an embroidered Harlow earlier this fall. I emailed CS and they refunded me immediately before I had even mailed it back.
DeleteI wouldn't be worried about hand washing the wool, like fleur de lys, I hand wash all my wool and cashmere sweaters, but the velvet might be a problem.
DeleteJeanne, it's the velvet part I'm concerned about. Haven't heard back from customer service re: the stinky sweater issue. Pretty positive there are no more in my size lurking around the warehouse.
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DeleteGo to the laundress.com I use their products and they have very helpful information on how to wash any type of fabric. I washed the Ratti floral print PJ print which is Poly and it came out beautifully.
Delete@shopalot, I Agree with Lynn, I've often used the laundress chart on washing fabrics that I was worried about. I love their products, it was nice when Jcrew sold more of them.
DeleteRe: velvet trim, I took a chance and washed my Tartan Tiered maxi skirt in my front loader and the velvet tie came out fine. I did turn it inside out and use a large mesh bag to protect the velvet tie better.
The list of store locations closing is really ominous ... probably high-rent locations, but high-traffic, high-visibility sites nonetheless. Throwing in the towel at properties like MOA and Menlo is a clear sign that J Crew can’t compete any longer. They’ve stopped trying.
ReplyDeleteEmails and pleading for the days of yore - quality garments, special touches, gorgeous colors/prints and flattering styles - have fallen on deaf ears for years. J Crew is well aware of this blog and feedback from customers - their social media folks are doing digital content analyses just like every other retailer. The old J Crew is not coming back, and the energy is clearly around Madewell.
The outcome might be different if their debt situation wasn’t so horrific. No one wants to take that on, even with pretty strong brand equity among a loyal customer base (though that base is shrinking by the hour).
A rational business analysis tells you that the sun is setting on J Crew. I’m glad I have so many beautiful things from prior years in my closet.
Agreed, ruffles. I wrote this yesterday but never got around to posting it:
DeleteJ.Crew has almost 10 years of qualitative data from this blog (8,194 posts, and thousands of comments). They’ve chosen to ignore the existence of this blog and do nothing with the information from lots of loyal customers, newbies to the brand, across age groups, locations, professions, buying habits, etc. They should’ve begun to take a hard look at their business and made some changes after the great website crash of 2008. A lot of us have held out hope for them for a long time, but they’re done.
I totally agree! I find the lack of a published store closing list fascinating...I don’t understand why they are being so secret about it...unless they are closing even more than planned? Why not let people know so they can shop a location before it closes? I’ve asked in my local store if any are closing in my state and none of the associates can answer the question? Wtf?
DeleteI’m beginning to think we really should spend our gift cards sooner rather than later...I just wish I could find something to buy.
Agreed. In some ways, JC's actions are reminiscent of The Limited's before they went out of business: unusually high promo discounts, more final sale items, iffy transparency about store closings . . . I really hope JC can pull a rabbit out of the hat, but I'm afraid all we'll be left with are puppy e-mails.
DeleteYeah there has been a persistent attitude over the years that they know better than their customer and look where it has gotten them. The models on the new arrivals page like they they are 13 btw. smh.
DeleteHas anyone heard whether the New Orleans and/or Metairie stores are closing? I shop at the Metairie store fairly often and I'd hate to lose it but, of course, I wouldn't be surprised to hear it's closing. I also would not be at all surprised if J Crew filed for bankruptcy in the next few weeks. Things seem to be headed in that direction.
DeleteI have a code for $25 off your purchase. The code is GCC8ZKLZE. Comment below when it's claimed.
ReplyDeleteTried it doesn’t work
DeleteThis weeks...tiny roll out,sale section looking like a clear out. yup....days weeks mths left ? time to stock up on perfect t shirts.writing on the wall?
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking this, too. I've WAY overshopped lately, but I suspect this might be my last opportunity to stock up on the J Crew styles I like.
Deletewas there a roll out this week? is there a larger one next week? anyone have any insider info to share? Feb style guide maybe ????
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DeleteI believe the larger rollout is the week of the 29th. I haven't seen a style guide yet. I know January's rollout are usually a little dull but this isn't promising.
Deleteso its not a catalog..not a style guide....what are they calling it these days? We don't get then in Canada anymore...so I appreciate JCA's who give the updates info..
DeleteRight. Past January roll-outs have always been a snooze. I agree Anne; that it isn’t promising.
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Deletevery cool morejcrew. I bet they are interesting to look at...
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DeleteThere was a rollout yesterday. It was 80 items or 143 as there was conflicting information and glitches. I am actually happy to see the rollouts seem to have a lot fewer items. I always thought there were too many items per rollout last year which is probably true based on the amount of Ots and one shoulder tops left in the sale section. That being said I agree with others who posted yesterday that this is the worst yet. Everything is boring and very similar to items I could get elsewhere for less money. The only thing I wish listed was the long ivory cardigan w/ navy stripes. While I was happy to grab more than I needed at great prices with the 50% off sale over the past two weeks, I think it will be very easy for me to go back to my mindful purchasing for a while.
ReplyDeleteI loved the "big" rollouts ! miss them terribly.
DeleteI love the look of that cardigan too JessF!
DeleteJessF. I tried the cardigan on today and posted on my Instagram @shoppingcelle
DeleteThanks for the review @shoppingcelle. I am about the same size as you so good to know I can size down. Also glad to hear it is thick. At least the one thing I like doesn't seem to be a dud!
DeleteI may be the ONLY one, but ONE of my pet peeves are J. Crew tees. Tissue, Vintage or linen blend? Two washings = holes!
ReplyDeleteI want to state that I am a bit crazy about laundry. I have an exceptional LG set. It’s not the machine. It takes me 30 minutes (yes, I realize that is just crazy) to put in a load. Right-side out & inspect for stains. Treat. (With one of 4 different pre-treat stain busters). Turn inside out if necessary. I have 4 different detergents! Then the 10 different wash choices, 5 different water choices, spin speed, etc... I have about 6+ mesh bags to use as well.
Cycle finishes & I have to inspect everything again! Appropriate dry. Then I usually lay out everything flat, prior to folding. That’s where I find a lot of problems, so perhaps it is my machine?
I do not believe I am abusing my tees. My daughters may as college students who think StainCatchers are the BEST!! Everything in one load!!
I think the Favorite was about the only tee that would hold up, and they are difficult to find. Sure, I like a thinner tee. Most of the “embellished” or tees with “sayings” were cotton/linen blend. We love those. But I literally have 4-5? that have small holes, and one with holes I cannot even imagine HOW they came about.
Even dirt cheap, I cringe at buying one because I know the outcome. I typically hit a Target & buy new tees every season. I have never found a hole or had to repair one. If it’s stained & one wash doesn’t remove it? I just toss it.
In all fairness, none are as lightweight as a Vintage or Tissue. None are as cute, or fun as cotton/linen. I •believe• all, except for an embellished tee, and the cotton/linen blend tees, state “machine wash, tumble dry low”. They should at least update that for Vintage & Tissue...if they even make them any longer? Of course, it could just be me!?!
Rant over.
Not just you! I am also very into my laundry skills and take care of my clothes. I think we may be a dying breed sadly. I stopped buying JC tees years ago when the holes started popping up. Actually I really just stopped buying most tees altogether because they all seem like terrible quality for whatever price they are. I will hit up Target for when nothing but a tee will do but find I like wearing wovens much better. Items are meant to be worn more than just a handful of times. Sigh.
Deleteinteresting..I have many perfect fit t's ...different years. I have yet to have a hole in any. because I love the colours they have come in...after they loose the "wear out of the house" decency (typically 2years ish)
Delete..I wear them for gardening, housecleaning or sleeping in. I have both the long sleeved and short sleeved. I do not own any 'statement" t's. I don't want people reading my shirt...
The perfect fit tees are just about the only ones that don't sprout holes shortly after wearing. They are my favorite, especially the new short sleeve tees with the longer sleeve. There are two new colors and I'm hoping for more solids and stripes for spring. They are my favorite!!!
DeleteThose of you who have problems with holes in your tees: do you have pets, especially cats? IME the tiny holes that pop up in tees are usually caused by my cat's claws, particularly her back feet, and I may not notice them until I wash the tee.
DeleteI'm glad you mentioned the new colors in the perfect fit tees @shopalot. The way the website is now, I missed that there were new colors. The ones with the longer short sleeves are my favorite, too.
DeleteI used to really enjoy looking at JCrew's website. I would spen a lot of time looking at the items and the styling, especially when new items were rolled out.
Now, it's the opposite. I don't enjoy looking at it any more and spend very little time on it.
maryeb, I swooped in and bought the burgundy and pale pink as soon as I saw them. I've noticed that the perfect fit tees are excluded from all promotions, which really makes me chuckle. J Crew has raised the price on these at least once so they know they have a good thing on their hands. Why it takes so long to throw out new colors is beyond me.
DeleteI preordered a perfect tee in Deep Berry before the holidays, the funny thing the color swatch was blank so I have no idea of the exact color. It says back ordered til Feb so I really hope it ships as its been gone from the website since the holidays. I want a couple more but don't want to pay almost $40 cdn since as @shopalot mentioned they have been excluded from promo lately.
Deletejan, I ordered the Deep Berry also! Who knows what color it will be?! Crewlade at work because you know I wouldn't put up with these kinds of shenanigans from any other retailer! ;)
Delete@shopalot your comment made me laugh. I too ordered a cashmere sweater in neon primrose without a picture, but I was able to search the color and knew what to expect. During the popback-palooza from early January, there were tons of products on the website that had no picture, name or title description. Or rather, the title description was "Update description at product level". I wonder if the items were pulled or someone under the influence played a bit of "Crewlette".
DeleteShelly Du, you sound like me with the laundry. I’m very particular! I have the same problem with holes in t-shirts and I have decided that they are mostly caused by denim. I notice that a lot of the holes that develop are where my t-shirt hits the waistband of my jeans (and maybe even chinos). I’m not sure if tucking would help but either way it’s frustrating and unacceptable really.
DeleteI have not had a problem with any of my tees.
DeleteReferring to the comments about store closing, I had a shrinking feeling that JC was either quickly closing more stores than anticipated or slowly closing most (if not all) stores. Last time I reported that Annapolis and Towson were closing in the DMV areas, but then found out that Tyson's WOMEN was closing soon and possibly Springfield...??? Maybe someone already posted those stores but I couldn't believe either store was on the chopping block!
ReplyDeleteI used to live in DC--isn't Tyson's one of those A+ malls, i.e. the ones that the real estate industry calls in good shape and not dying? If so, sad that JC couldn't make it there. Is the Bethesda MD JC still open? Georgetown??
DeleteI think in general people are shopping more online and less at the brink and mortar stores. That is the case for me personally and also I work in the toy industry and that is certainly the trend there. I'm hoping that closing retail stores does not necessarily mean that the business will go away.
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DeleteSpringfield is closed. Tysons closes this week.
DeleteWhat?! How is the J. Crew at Tyson's closing? Such good real estate... if they can't make it there, I fear for the company. The location at Pentagon City isn't great (they're in a back corner by Macy's) and that store is always empty.
DeleteI wonder if the NYC collection stores will be closing now that they have drastically cut back on the collection line. They also have 2 15 blocks away from each other on Madison Ave (one used to be the JC Bridal store).
ReplyDeleteSomething that caught my eye from the latest rollout was the Evie ballet heel in gold velvet (H5592). It’s a pretty colour, and of course I love the block heel, but I can’t see wearing this shoe outside of the holidays. The yellow would be lovely for spring, but velvet doesn’t scream spring (or SPRING!) to me. Is it just me, or are these shoes lost?
ReplyDelete@shopgirl just in case you’re also interested in the Evie ballet flats please check out my post for those.
DeleteI did see your review, Lynn, thanks!
Delete@shopgrrl, from the online pics, these remind me a lot of the Sophia from last winter. I have them in bright cerise patent and black patent, oh and sequin! They're super comfortable and don't fall offf my feet the way the Elsies do. I agree gold velvet should probably have been released pre-holiday! But it's a pretty shoe.
DeleteI still haven't received a response about price adjustments from Monday's 60% off sale.
ReplyDeleteAnd...I just got an email from J.Crew telling me I still have rewards to spend. Say what? I must have missed that memo and of course after I've placed a dozen orders in the last week I get this email.
ME TOO!
DeleteAnne- I received the same email and was positive i spent them. When I tried to apply it told me the balance was zero. I would double check but if you think you spent them you probably did. Another semi misleading email!
DeleteAnne, I got a response yesterday in which the rep took 10% off what I paid rather than an additional 10% off the marked price. :/ I responded with an example of how to calculate what the adjustment(s) should be, but haven't heard anything further...I'm thinking they've reduced CS staff, which may account for the delay?
DeleteI got this as well! I thought I was nuts! I’m sure I spent mine... and it was not the same amount as they said I still had.
Deletethanks, ladies. It's for $25 and I know my reward was larger than that last month...it's telling me the certificate and pin number are invalid. Either way, it's misleading.
Delete@Anne same thing happened to me. Take heart we’re not alone😂
DeleteHi Anne! I haven’t received a response from Monday either (and I sent a follow up email this morning). I live nearby and we are having some inclement weather. I decided to call just now and she said that a lot of their employees are out due to the weather. And I guess only certain people respond to emails and some the phone? So, hopefully you’ll get a reply soon. Or maybe just call......
DeleteEveryone check their emails. I remember someone saying there was a change to the rewards cycle. I did a mock checkout to see if it worked. I had more than $25 but less than $50 and it expires 1/31/2018. The header says Jcrew credit card/Comenity. Your rewards expire soon.
DeleteExact same thing happened to me too! And I honestly don't have rewards this go round. Interesting
DeleteI didn't get an email but the credit card website said my rewards card shipped 1/2 and could take 4-6 weeks! I thought they were transitioning to online redemption....
DeleteRuffles posted elsewhere about overhearing a conversation that sounds like someone sent out rewards in error.
DeleteI'm curious if anyone has had anything from yesterday ship, or alternately, received OOS emails. I'm seeing no movement on my (5) orders placed yesterday.
ReplyDeleteNo movement on the one order I placed yesterday. I’m hoping it ships (great deal) but kind of expecting to receive OOS e-mail.
DeleteI ordered the white high rise destroyed toothpicks ($28!)yesterday and I received an email a few minutes ago that they shipped.
DeleteNo news either way for me. None of the items I ordered are still showing on the website so either I got the last one of each or they weren’t really in stock to begin with.
DeleteYes I had UPS Next Day Air deliver yesterday and today. The UPS hub has had bad snow storms in the area and many flights in general have been cancelled or delayed. I happen to be in South Florida and the deliveries were much later than normal.
DeleteI don't expect to see any movement on yesterday's orders until later in the week. I'm sure they're swamped with sale orders. I just received a UPS notice that a shipping label was printed for my order from the 14th, but it hasn't actually shipped yet.
DeleteOrdered yesterday and nothing either. Usuay not this slow
DeleteI placed 2 orders yesterday and they both shipped same day, both from Lynchburg
DeleteStill waiting for one item to ship from my January 5th order. I got a shipping notice on Sunday. When I click on the UPS tracking, it says label printed on January 10th but no movement after that. J Crew has already charged my credit card but it appears I'm not getting this package.
DeleteI just got an email from Madewell featuring the Silk-Wrap Front top as "just one of the many new arrivals you'll l-o-v-e". I see THREE items labeled "new" randomly dispersed through the page with a lot of items labeled "only a few left" and "best seller".
ReplyDeleteAm I missing something? I hate when new arrivals are in mixed with stuff that is not new. When I take the time to click through an email that advertises new items, that's what I'm interested in seeing - the new items. Ugh!
Well, I've quit the Crew for good this time.
ReplyDeleteI finally found something to order and went to pick up my package on Monday. As soon as I got there I was told NO RETURNS because the store was closing this week...which I had not heard until that moment.
Of course, everything in the order felt of poor quality, inconsistently sized, and just not what I expect of J. Crew. AND I couldn't return any of it to the store I was standing in! So frustrated.
I don't have time to play pricing games, return games, and deal with poor quality items. I'm done with the Crew.
What the heck?! What store?
DeleteOh gosh. I would be very upset. How is one to know if closing listings are not made public knowledge. Other stores: Kmart, Macy’s and Sears for example have store closings announced well in advance of their closing dates. I would reach out to customer service and ask for a waiver of return shipping.
DeleteI read that a number of stores are closing in Atlanta. I hope that @Ina isn't affected.
ReplyDeleteI hope so too!
DeleteOh! Me too!!!
DeleteSilly question but how are you finding out about all the store closures? I too hope Ina is not affected, she is such an effective brand ambassador!
DeleteOh no...I hope Ina’s not affected.
Delete@Anthro Blogger, I just saw it in the news. If you search for JCrew stores closing you'll see diff articles about some that are closing. I wish there was a list. I've been trying to figure out if any in Canada are closing.
DeleteThank you so much for all of your thoughts about me. Sadly my store closed this week.
DeleteSo sorry to hear this, Ina.
DeleteIna I am so sorry to hear of this!
DeleteSorry Ina. :( I hope you have an OK time finding something elsewhere if that's what you decide to do.
DeleteOh no Ina, I am sorry to hear this and wish you well in your next endeavor!
DeleteI'm sorry, too, Ina. I've really appreciated your review posts.
DeleteI also love seeing your outfit and other posts, when you posted about your workouts etc.
If you're up to it, I'd still love to see your instagram posts.
Ina, I am so sorry! Your JC reviews and insights have been very much appreciated. I hope some wonderful new opportunities come your way!
DeleteAww, Ina, I’m so sorry! I’ve only been a part of this community for a short time, but have loved all of your helpful reviews and try ina. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide to do. I hope that you’re able to stay with the company if that’s what you want!
DeleteThat should have said try ons
DeleteIna, I'm so sorry!
DeleteIna ..you will be fabulous at what ever you do!
DeleteThank you so much everybody,your wishes and thoughts are very much appreciated!!!
DeleteSo sorry Ina.
DeleteI miss the Ceces! The new Evie flats look nice, but also seem to be flimsy, I'd be curious to see how JCAs feel about them.
ReplyDeleteAlong these lines, if anybody has any new Ceces in a size 8 that they never got around to wearing and want to let go of for a reasonable price, let me know, I may be interested. My remaining pair was too worn out to fix so I had to get rid of it, and I am definitely missing it. J Crew, please bring back the Ceces in bright colors!
@Anthro Blogger I wrote a review yesterday about them to @Namora. if you’re interested. Don’t bother not worth price. I’m a long time Cece wearer and crushed there are no more of them in the vibrant colors, and absolutely no shoe compares. The only thing I like about the Evie were the colors Red and the Jade. The one pair I received in Red (fabulous red) as in Fire Engine Red yesterday went back immediately. I should have had flimsy as well. Because you have a smaller foot than I (10) try eBay and postmark I’ve had some luck in the back for as little as $29.00. Wish I could help you out I feel your pain :) if you find some I have polish for most of the colors if this would help. Good luck
Delete@Anthro Blogger I just went over to eBay and there are a few available in size 8!
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Delete@Anthroblogger you can take all the bright colors and suede, I'll take the leather ones in the more muted tones (Tawny Sand, Burnt Sienna, Navy, the dark Boulevard Green). Let's hoard them like diamonds!
DeleteI’m not a huge ballet flat wearer, but I decided to try some gold Ceces on eBay for $8 (!), and let me tell you, that’s the new standard in comfort and fit for me! Any other ballet flats I consider will be judged against the Ceces.
DeleteYes! I still have one last new pair in Sand that I'm holding onto for dear life!
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DeleteI like the fit and silhouette of the ceces but for me they’re not as durable as some of my other flats (eg. cole haan tali bow flats). 2 of my 3 pairs of ceces developed holes after 6-9 months of wear, vs the cole haan is still going strong after 2.5 years.
DeleteThe bonjour tippi sweater looks like a shamelss rip-off of Maison La Biche!
ReplyDeleteCertainly does. Their custom monogram service is very good as well.
ReplyDeleteI have a store near me with the monogram service but I’ve never used it. Is it free for up to a certain amount of letters? Can you do it on a sale item or only full price?
Delete