If
you are stopping
by a J.Crew store this weekend to see
what's available (if
anything!) in the SALE, or to see some NEW 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!Also, please let us know if your local store is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)
P.S. I noticed that many of you have already been reporting sale items (and in which stores) in other posts which by the way "thank you!" :) I really appreciate how helpful we are for each other!
My favorite item from last weeks rollout is the Demylee pointelle sweater. Nice 100% merino with a nice fit (slightly cropped so perfect for all the highwaisted pants) and really different from all the sweaters out there. It is soft and fit TTS.
ReplyDeleteThere is an interesting “Deep Dive” article today over at retail industry website RetailDive (sorry can’t link) called “A Timeline of J Crew’s Rise and Fall.” More of an industry vs. customer perspective and nothing long-time JCAs don’t know already.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that struck me was that there doesn’t appear to be much love for the “merchant prince.” The article points out that in his arrogance, he really blew it on
the rapidly changing retail landscape, but still profited handsomely on the LBO.
Should probably also note the peril of being private-equity backed w a mountain of debt. Just ask Sears and Toys R Us. I do hope J Crew survives.
DeleteThe thing is, he really did some beautiful clothes in the fall of 2004. I have the first catalog and it was AMAZING. Was that all Jenna? I don't think so. From the fall of 2004 to about 2007-2008, (but especially 2004-2006) their clothes were incredible and no one was doing what they were doing. Cashmere tweed hacking jackets, lots of British city and countryside photos with a kind of look that was different from Ralph Lauren, it was really unique. I think they lost money in the beginning because the quality was high and it took a while for word to get out so products were marked down. I bought as much as I could afford and could hardly contain myself with each catalog. Did he make money at the cost of the future of the company? Probably. But the clothes sure were amazing.
DeleteMarissa Webb is responsible for a lot of the success during that era, she came in 2000 and worked with Jenna. Jenna became the face of the brand and seemed to imprint her style, which wasn't exactly to my taste, but Webb was head of women's apparel during what I consider to be the golden years. The decision to get rid of bridal and follow the athleisure trend plus a quick expansion of stores and Factory also didn't seem to help. There have been plenty of posts about their identity crisis, and someone posted a good article a few months ago about a similar issue at Brooks Brothers and what they did to turn it around, but the investment in quality items needs to be there with the re-invention. I won't buy a cheaper sweater that will pile or stretch out because of the brand. I want more than that and with the competition out there, they have to do better. Less collaborations and stuff, focus on a core collection with quality and people will buy. Or that's my two cents over coffee on a Saturday morning! Have a lovely fall day ladies.
DeleteTerilynn, yes! Jenna Lyons elevated the J. Crew “brand” in those golden years, but it was actually Marissa Webb who elevated the clothes.
DeleteIt’s not only J Crew that has plunged to the bottom of the barrel in terms of quality at mid tier retailers. There is a sameness in quality level to everything available these days, because everyone is cutting costs to compete and using the same contract manufacturers in China, Vietnam, etc. I read that Walmart’s new “Time and Tru” line is competing w mid tier in quality and design - that’s crazy. What has hurt J. Crew disproportionately is that customer expectations were elevated with the brand, and the drop in quality, design, and cache/status of wearing J Crew has fallen further than the competition. It’s a new retail world.
Yes. All of these articles that identify the brand holding their prices too high and trying to create luxury products as the downfall of the brand are completely missing the mark in my opinion. It's definitely the poor quality that has led me to purchase less. The prices were occasionally a deterrant in my college years, but I thought the clothes worth saving for, and I was grateful for a student discount or a 20% code. By the time I got to the point where I had enough disposable income not to blink at retail prices, there weren't those amazing pieces left to buy. And I still won't buy fashion I don't love even at 40% off.
DeleteIn this respect, perhaps the trade wars/tariffs will help rein in the runaway race to the bottom in terms of clothing quality. I don't know! Just thinking out the scenario. Please don't lay into me from a political stand. But Everlane and the rest of the "slow fashion" crowd have the right idea. Maybe raising prices IS the way to go? So people INVEST in their wardrobes versus cultivating a buy-and-throw mentality.
DeleteIt's really not just J.Crew as ruffles stated. French Connection (I've mentioned before) has become a viscose/poly/crepe wonderland. I mourn the passing of these retail icons.
And as someone who almost exclusively shopped at JCrew, I have not bought a THING since January.
Deletenope. no reason to go. no orders= no returns.
ReplyDeleteI'd go look around if they didn't close the store.
ReplyDeleteWebsite does not work. Does not even open to a page. All good... not that I need anything. Lol
ReplyDeleteTry a different browser, works fine for me with Chrome
Delete