Is JCrew dropping its prices?

Laura

Looking through the new catalog last night, it seemed that prices were definitely lower -- and I don't mean sale prices. Did anyone else notice that or am I making this up?

17 years ago

General

5 replies

Latest reply was from Ana

Ana

(website)

Veteran

No, they are dropping their prices on some "key items." Our wonderful personal shopper at J. Crew, Lauren, sent out an e-mail a couple of weeks ago:

"Our corporate office and CEO has announced that in response to the current economic times J.Crew has rolled back prices on many key items in the upcoming Women's & Men's Spring Collection 2009. Rather than marking down items in the future, we are introducing the items at already rolled-back price points. J.Crew will continue to utilize the very best fabrics and manufacturers for our Collections, so have confidence that we are NOT rolling back quality in any way. You'll love the new price points and we hope you'll continue to love our clothing Collections this year!"

So you're definitely not imagining things, Laura!

I wonder what this means for sales and things? If J. Crew is still going to have them? I know sales are bad for brand image, and people will hold out for something if they know it's going to go on sale soon. I think this is partly why J. Crew does "Final Sale" with most of their sale items. It deters people from waiting until a sale to buy something because if it doesn't work, then they're just out of luck.

17 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Interesting, Ana. I wonder if JCrew is trying to cope with the steep-discount-sale culture that's developed in this economy, with people waiting for fire sales before they'll buy (I've been one of them!). There were some articles a few months ago saying that retailers are concerned that after this past year, they'll never get people to pay full price again. Maybe this is JCrew's answer.

I noticed it in terms of their shoes, which definitely seem less expensive, handbags, and knitwear.

17 years ago

Lee Hovey

Active Member

It also goes to show that the businesses can STILL make money without charging an arm in a leg for things.

17 years ago

tarzy

Veteran

How do you work with a J. Crew personal shopper? Do you go into any store and ask, or do you have to set up an appointment before hand? I don't usually shop at J. Crew because I find the clothes are cut for slimmer body types than mine, but it would be interesting to work with a personal shopper.

17 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Tarzy, every J. Crew store has one "dedicated" personal shopper. It's their job to let customers know about store events, and things like that. How much of that stuff a shopper does probably varies by store. The personal shopper at our J. Crew, Lauren, is really energetic and I think she really likes her work. For me, it kind of started because she was always there when I went into the store, and she always helped me. Then when I would go in, I'd ask for her if she was available, and then she added me to mail list. But I know you can call your J. Crew store and ask to make an appointment with a personal shopper. They will keep you in the loop about sales and stuff, and also sometimes they will put stuff aside for you if you are going shopping, and you can just have everything ready for you when you go in the store. I like it and it's been a good experience for me. I really like Lauren personally too, so that probably helps.

17 years ago

Category