Dear J.Crew, Stop Double Charging International Customers

"Thanks!" to Alexandra from the U.K. who had the following to share:

So J Crew have started shipping to the UK and Canada! It is now a bit clearer about how they are doing it. I have made some observations below.

Good news: UK customers can get direct shipments from the main site: all the same things as US customers including petites, bridal, shoes, etc.
Bad news: Prices are in UK pounds. And the exchange rates the site uses to convert from US prices are really REALLY terrible: today it was 1.09 dollars to the pound. That compares to today's market rate of about 1.65, and the 1.61 rate that UK customs uses.
Bad news: UK customers can only pay by Visa and Mastercard. Not American Express (unlike the US customers).

Good news: the site calculates and charges UK customs duty and tax upfront. So you know precisely what you are in for when you order.
Bad news: because the UK prices are so high, customs duty is triggered on many items (anything over £140 in value).

Good news: There is only one shipping method available: flat rate 1-2 week international shipping to the UK for only £9.95, or about $15. That compares to the average $40 I pay for 2 day Fedex shipping at the moment via my mail forwarder.
Bad news: All parcels are sent by DHL: in my experience the slowest and least reliable transtlantic carrier.

Just to give you a couple of examples to illustrate what all this means: a Taryn wedding dress would cost $598 to a customer living in Florida, including all taxes and shipping. The same dress would cost a staggering US$1071 (£650) to a UK customer if shipped direct! A pair of classic leather ballet flats - which are cheap enough to come in below the customs duty threshold - will cost a US customer $128.27 - but a UK customer will pay $211 (£128).

My conclusion from all this is that J Crew's e-commerce partner is using an appalling dollar-pound exchange rate to subsidise its (quite slow) flat rate shipping. This means that the price points are very high and even worse, a lot of parcels will wind up as worth over £140 and trigger customs duty, which is a disaster.

Please please do the math before you choose the direct shipment option to the UK. By my calculations, it will always be quicker and nearly always cheaper to do this instead: order from the US website, pay US tax and shipping, get it delivered to a US friend or mail forwarder, then get it sent onto the UK via Fedex (ideally in parcels worth $200 or less), and pay the UK tax!!!!

Shipment example under $200 value: Classic ballet flats direct from J Crew to UK: $211. Same flats via US mail forwarder: $199 ($128 incl US tax and shipping + $35 Fedex+ $36 UK Vat and handling fee)
Shipment example over $200 value: Taryn dress direct from J Crew to UK: $1071. Same dress via US mail forwarder: $803 ($598 incl US tax and US shipping + $40 Fedex + $155 UK vat and duty and handling fee)

So in the end, J.Crew has really hiked up the prices for international shoppers! Just read the comments in the "J.Crew Opens its Doors in Toronto" & "J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!" posts and you can find a lot of heated words over this topic.

There are lots of posts on other blogs about this too, including:

• Delectably Chic: "Making Sense of the New Canadian (Online) J.Crew Prices"
• One Too Many Closets: "Love/Hate"
• DaniBP Mop Philosopher: "Some Fall Picks"

Well, I am going to add my two cents... Although this change does not impact me directly, I find it really discouraging that they would charge significantly higher prices for international shoppers, in addition to duty and tax! (Charging fair rate prices based on a reasonable conversion is one thing, what J.Crew is doing... well, it doesn't appear to be that way. It appears like a 30-50% markup.)

Right now, it is unclear why they need to “double charge” international customers. J.Crew claims it is "the cost of doing business internationally". Well that line does not sit well with me. Especially since J.Crew was selling the same merchandise just one week ago in Canada without the extra costs.

J.Crew's CEO, Mickey Drexler, always talks about the importance of taking care of its customers. We have seen it first hand from the special gifts to excellent service from Personal Shoppers. It's one of the main reasons why I love them. So I hope J.Crew will quickly reconsider the ridiculous double charge. Keeping the double charge will only drive loyal {international} customers away.

Check Out J.Crew's September Catalog {thanks Suzy!}

A big "thanks!" to Suzy, of the "Bichonluvrs Closet" blog, who scanned several pages of the September catalog for us. To check it all out:

• J CREW SEPTEMBER CATALOG 2011
• More September 2011 J C Catalog pages
• Part III J C September 2011 Catalog

I also wanted to give "thanks!" to Life As A Cat, of the "J.Crew Archives" blog, who posted the entire September and August 2011 catalog. Check them out:

• J. Crew September 2011 Catalog
  
• J. Crew August 2011 Catalog

"Thanks!" to Fabulous Florida Mommy, of the "Fabulous Florida Mommy " blog, who also posted the entire August 2011 catalog. Check it out: J.Crew August 2011 Catalog

Lastly, Roxy (in this post) let us know a great tip relating to catalogs:

For people missing the online catalogs, if you own an iPad there are a few apps that let you browse (and buy from!) J.Crew's catalog. Catalogue by the Find and Google Catalog just to name a couple.

I am confused as to why J.Crew would remove the browse catalog feature. On the bright side, I am so proud of our JCAs who have stepped up and provided us the catalogs to view. ♥Very proud.♥ Thank you ladies for all your hard work. It is much appreciated!!!

J.Crew Warehouse Sale {Charlottesville, VA}

A big "thanks!" to Dea (check out her lovely "the Dea Diaries" blog), and PatmosJD, who shared the following {fantastic} news with us!

J.Crew is hosting a Regional Warehouse/ Liquidation Sale. {wahoo!} The day/time for this event are as follows:

Friday, August 19, 2011
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday, August 20, 2011 - Monday, September 5, 2011
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

The location for this shopping event is:

300 Shoppers World Court
(the old Whole Foods store)
Charlottesville, VA 22901

Congrats to all those in the area!!! :)

Seek & Find: Will you visit J.Crew this Weekend?

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopping by a J.Crew store this weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the SUMMER sale, or to see some new FALL 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!

J.Crew Has A Cult {you don't say?}

Another article about J.Crew from TheStar about our favorite retailer (click here to read in its entirety):

Jenna Lyons and the J.Crew cult
By Derick Chetty
August 18 2011

The cultish appeal of J.Crew can be traced directly to one woman: Jenna Lyons. As president and creative director for the U.S. chain’s women’s, men’s and kidswear, she is the visionary force behind the khakis, bold colours and stripes peddled by the retailer and her personal style is the object of many style bloggers’ obsession.

It’s not just Lyons’ skill at blending blend high- and low-cost items in one outfit — and over and over again in J.Crew stores and catalogues — that appeals to fashion observers. It’s also her ability to turn classic apparel into the most desired and exciting things to own right now, which has made her one of the most influential designers in America.

J.Crew opens its only international store Thursday, a hotly anticipated 5,000-square-foot space in Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre that will stock women’s clothing and accessories.

The design demi-goddess toured Canada in early August, scouting locations in Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton for the retailer’s next store, before returning to J.Crew offices in New York City. ...

As you were travelling across Canada scouting for additional store locations, what did you come to think J.Crew will bring to Canada that is lacking in terms of fashion?
I wouldn’t say there is a lot lacking in fashion. Maybe a niche that is not completely developed. I was sitting in a coffee shop in Vancouver and I felt I could have been in New York, I could have been in Connecticut, I could have been in California.

There are customers out there looking for classic clothes — a great trench coat, a beautiful cable knit sweater — just beautiful, classic, iconic styles. I’m hoping we offer a wide range of colours.

Great colour is what we specialize in, and I was excited to see people wearing colours and stripes, which are some of my favourite things. It’s not necessarily about bringing something that is missing but brightening things a touch.

You’ve been selling a Canadian brand on your website and in stores: Want Les Essentiels de la Vie, a bag line from Montreal. Do you have plans to sell other Canadian labels?
I did a whirlwind tour (of Canada) so I didn’t get a chance to shop and look at other Canadian brands but absolutely we are open to that. We don’t select by origin but by great product. ...

In terms of fashion, what do you think women want?
Women want to look individual. I think the days of looking like everybody else is gone.

There is so much stuff out there now — designers, collections and retailers. How does the average woman navigate this?
We have something in the catalogue called Jenna’s Picks — which was not my idea by the way. We’ve seen a lot of success with that.

I agree there is an intense saturation in the market in terms of information and product and so many ways to communicate with the customer and I do think it’s become overwhelming.

So I think having an opportunity to edit is helpful to people and that’s a reason we work with other brands as well. We want people to say (they) can shop with us because we will help curate things for you so you don’t have to look at everything.

The merchandise seem to be changing at J.Crew. It’s not as preppy. (There are fewer) ruffles and sequins. It’s more cleaned up. Why change a successful formula?
The idea of a formula is a tricky conversation. Fashion is evolutionary and needs to evolve. That was our look and we were doing it and we turned around and we were seeing it in a lot of different places. . . . All those ruffles and sequins and all of it together didn’t felt special and unique and we felt it was time to move on and forward.

It doesn’t mean that those things wouldn’t come back and we certainly have sequins and ruffles but we’ve toned it down and highlighted other things, like a coloured pant or beautiful tailored shirt and those things, interestingly, we are seeing our customer going in that direction as well.

The catalogues are meticulously styled. Are you involved with that and is that part of the design process?
It’s our way of being unique and individual. The catalogue comes out 14 times a year. We can show the same item — the cord pant, jacket cardigan or cashmere turtleneck — and each month is an opportunity for us to take that item that you may already owned or you thought wasn’t for you and show you a different way to wear it.

The styling is just as much a part of our DNA and part of our visual vernacular that people relate to just as much as the clothes are.

Your most famous customer is Michelle Obama. Now that she is a style icon, is she a source of inspiration?
What I love about her, in terms of inspiration, is not necessarily designing clothes for her. It’s the way she connects with everyday people.

She’ll wear a Comme des Garçons sweater with an Alaia skirt with a J.Crew cardigan, showing people they don’t have to have to wear all designer clothes to look beautiful. I love the fact that she is not a Size 2. She is a normal, beautiful, healthy woman and incredibly fit.

How do you approach shopping for yourself?
I have a huge appreciation for clothes. I love all clothes. I don’t discriminate. Everything from pulling things from lookbooks, going online, going to stores. I’m an obsessive shopper.

You’re 43 years old and six feet tall. Should women dress for their age or body type?
Body type is the first thing. I’ve always advocated that if you are curvy, wear sexy dresses; if you are straight, dress like a boy.

I think working towards your strengths and actually not worrying about trends is something I’ve always been a huge proponent of. I think people get tripped up about, “Oh should I wear those skinny pants?” If you don’t feel comfortable wearing those skinny pants, don’t wear the skinny pants. The most stylish women have always plays towards their strengths.

As far as age goes, there is nothing more tragic than someone who is trying to look too young. This country and society does a number on women and the pressure to be perfect at any age is really unbelievably challenging.

When observing women, what are some of the things you frequently notice that can be corrected easily in terms of style?
The No. 1 is too much makeup. It’s the kiss of death for anyone.

The other thing I see people doing is insisting they are a Size 6 when they are really a Size 8. Don’t worry about the number on the clothes. Does it feel comfortable? Do you look great in it? Wearing clothes that are too tight is never good.

And I think people underestimate how important smiling and having a firm handshake can make you so much more beautiful.

Could not agree more with her last line about smiling and handshake! As for some of the other points mentioned in the article... Catalog! I am happy to hear that J.Crew believes it is an important part of the brand. So why, oh why, did they take that feature away on their website? Bring. It. Back. Now. I also enjoyed the quote about ruffles and sequins, because it is true!

What are your thoughts on the article? Any points you found particularly interesting?

J.Crew Email: Breaking news: We've arrived in Phoenix

"Thanks!" to Crewbie who shared the following email & news: J.Crew opened a new store in Phoenix, Arizona! Crewbie shares: "I also got a postcard in the mail for 20% off a $150 at the new store".

To shop and check out the new digs, visit:

Biltmore Fashion Park
(Location Main Level 1C)
2502 E. Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 955-0669

So don't forget to check your mailbox in the next few days to see if you got something extra special from J.Crew!

Congrats Phoenix shoppers! :)

J.Crew Opens its Doors in Toronto

"Thanks!" to so many of you, including Shana, as well as imbachick & pixelant (in this post), who let us know about a post over at SideWalkHustle (click HERE to read in its entirety) about J.Crew's grand opening in Toronto, Canada.

There are lots of incredible images of the merchandise inside the store. And it looks like Jenna Lyons made it to the party too (she is the one in the screen skirt, can't miss her!)

J. Crew Launches in Toronto
by Hawley
August 18, 2011

Last night we attended the launch of the beau­ti­ful brand spank­ing new J.Crew store at (le sigh) York­dale. Filled and mer­chan­dised to the brim with pas­tel cash­mere, cropped trousers, silk blouses, lus­cious leather goods, and even a shoe salon, the store was more than we imag­ined it to be, espe­cially in its gauche mall surroundings.

The lovely cre­ative direc­tor Jenna Lyons wel­comed a who’s who of fash­ion­able guests into the per­fectly prim shop to enjoy sum­mer treats while pre­view­ing the colour­ful fall col­lec­tion before the stores offi­cial pub­lic open­ing today. Sneak a peep at the dis­plays and launch pho­tos below.

How did Hawley get to take pictures inside the store?! I snap three photos and I get an SA rushing over to ask me to stop, with a side of shame. I thought there was a "rule of no photos inside"? Okay, I am not bitter or anything... ;)

But seriously, the store looks amazing. It is so great to see what it looks like inside. Although it is smaller than I was expecting it to be. I don't know why, but I pictured it bigger.

For more info on this, check out fellow JCA Louise @ Cosmetic Bee in her "J.Crew finally opens in Toronto!" post. She has tons of great photos that are worth checking out. (She is adorable too! I love her for waiting in line early. I would have done the same.)

What are your thoughts on the new store in Toronto? For those who live by, will you check it out soon? Or will you wait awhile?

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Bourbon&Pearls, as well as GigiOfCa (in this post), c.angela (in this post), life as a cat (in this post), & Irina, who let us know that J.Crew had an update to its website today (click here to view online).

There are some new arrivals for men (click here) & women (click here). {wahoo!} It looks like Crewcuts (click here) has been updated, as did the J.Crew Collection (click here).

J.Crew has also updated their site with some noteworthy changes:

• Unfortunately, J.Crew is no longer posting their catalogs. (Although, we knew this from the last update. I just had hoped they changed their mind and included it again.)
• The upper right hand corner displays an option to change country (United States, Canada, Japan, and United Kingdom) as well as currency.
• You can calculate your state tax and apply a promotional code at checkout before logging in now.
  
• Free shipping on orders of $175 without a code. J.Crew is offering flat-rate shipping of $8.95 for all orders too! It is applied automatically at checkout, which is kind of nice. This will be a constant as they shared on the "Help-Shipping and Handling" page:
  "We're excited to introduce flat-rate shipping for $8.95 and free shipping for qualifying orders of $175 and up. Free shipping applies to jcrew.com online orders shipped via ground shipping and totaling $175+ after applicable discounts and before shipping, handling and taxes are added. J.Crew Gift Cards do not count toward the $175 order total. Orders of $174.99 or less will be shipped within the United States at a flat rate of $8.95. Qualifying orders totaling $175+ and including shipments to multiple addresses will receive free shipping. Orders of $174.99 or less shipped to multiple addresses will be charged $8.95 for each individual shipment."
  

There is also one massive update to the Final Sale section (click here to shop online). Over 1700+ items for Women, and 460+ items for Men.

I am off to check out the new Fall arrivals now... In general, this is one of their better Collections in recent years. I am loving the shapes (puff sleeves!), longer silhouettes (hello knee length skirts!) and colors (I kneel before heather majestic purple!) for Fall. This is what J.Crew does best and I am happy to see them return to it!

Loving! I own too many Winter coats, but that doesn't stop me from drooling over the Double-cloth Townhouse Trench (Item 49612; $350.00). {gasp!} It is gorgeous! And I am happy to see the return of the shirtdress with the Blythe Shirtdress (Item 47714, $178.00).

Could have been great! Oh J.Crew, you make the incredible Teddie dress (Item 47465, $198.00) and add an exposed zipper in the back. Why? Just when you started getting me again, you pull something like that.

J.Crew, you use to make pants that fit me. But in the past few years you and I have not worked out in that department. The Foundry Pant (Item 50160; $158.00) is a perfect example. What is up with the saggy crotch area? And the back view isn't that great either. You can do better than this. Much better.

Really? Who came up with the Sequin Fanfare Bag (item 49265, $498.00) over at J.Crew? Because I would like to know the back story on it. (You know it is probably good.) It looks like a hot, galactic, mess. The worst part is that it doesn't even look expensive! Maybe it looks better in person. Who knows, I might change my mind. But right now, no thank you.

What items are you most excited about and why? Which items are you surprised (or not surprised) to see? Which items did you hope would be included? Were you expecting a bigger roll-out today? Also, did you receive the latest catalog? :)

JCA "Help Style Me!" Weekly Post

This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine (in this post) says it best, "You know, that thing you bought because you love it and you keep pulling it out and then putting it away without wearing it?"

Please share your J.Crew item (either that you own or are thinking about getting) that you would love help creating an outfit with.

Also, please help out by offering your styling advice. Feel free to include links to your blog (where you incorporated that piece) or to Polyvore (where you showcased an outfit with that piece). Thanks in advance! :)

"Looking to LOVE" with J.Crew

This is the weekly "Looking to LOVE with J.Crew" post, a place to share our favorite experiences with J.Crew.

If you have recently experienced a positive 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 stellar experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.