I was dismayed upon making my purchase to learn that although I would receive the extra 30-percent off, I could no longer "stack" it with my educator discount (which is an extra 15 off that amount). I read about it here J Crew Aficianado a few weeks back but I was hoping the post was based on the inconsistency of the discount.
My SA, who knows me VERY well as a frequent customer, informed me in a very apologetic way that J. Crew corporate announced the terms of the discount in a store email/memo two weeks ago.
I realize that for people who never received an extra 15 -percent off, there is a temptation to feel that is fair, not a concern, etc. My issue is that J. Crew has offered the discount on sale items for a long time and NOW it is being discontinued? I can't help but feel it is greedy on the corporation's part. We all know that J. Crew has marked up retail prices in the last year or two and I don't mind playing the pricing "game" if I can get a fair deal. That said, I cannot imagine that I will be shopping as much in J. Crew in the future. I was only able to afford to shop J. Crew frequently because of the stacked discounts. If J. Crew items are no longer in my price range, I will be shopping elsewhere. I realize I am just one person, but J. Crew has a lot of competition from stores like LOFT, GAP, Banana Republic, and even Target. I will definitely be using the "Target test" (i.e. can I get an item similar to this at Target for less?) on future purchases.
With all that said, I am happy with today's purchase -- the Liberty blazer in case my rant made you forget! LOL -- but I just hope I get the "cost per wear" out of it. And I hope I don't see this blazer marked down to $70 online in two weeks, although I probably will.
What are your thoughts on the blazer? Are you a teacher (or student or military member) affected by J. Crew's decision to restrict the educator discount?
I purchased this jacket too and it should arrive today. I hope its as cute irl...I have lots of ideas for this little guy. :o)
ReplyDeleteI will look forward to seeing you wear it on your fabulous blog! Thanks so much for commenting!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have wanted it so much had I not seen it in person on one of my rare visits to a B&M during my recent business trip. But alas, the size 00 are gone in that jacket. Oh well, I will enjoy seeing you rocking it and get the jeans and maybe the shirt too.
ReplyDeleteBoo on the educator's discount. My husband used to teach and I have a real appreciation for the work and responsibilities involved and how little teachers are paid.
Your Target test is a little like my Williams-Sonoma test (if this white bowl wasn't so beautifully photographed for their catalog, would I even look at it twice sitting at some discount kitchenware store?).
Yes, I love William Sonoma as well (and Pottery Barn) so I get it!
DeleteThanks for commenting!
Hey TC - I wanted to let you know that corporate is once again allowing the educator to be combined with the extra % off promos. This change has just happened within the past few days, and I have verified it myself with J.Crew corporate and know it to be absolutely true. The definitely brings new meaning to the current promo name GOODNEWS! :)
ReplyDeleteHi FFM! Thanks for your comment and for the news about the discount. I am happy to hear that, as I am a frequent shopped. I am, however, skeptical and frustrated.
DeleteSkeptical in the sense that I am worried that the SA who rings me up next time will tell me the discount is NOT allowed -- then what do I do? I wish J. Crew would post the policy on their website or send me an email I can print out.
Frustrated, because my store purchase was already made, and I foresee the next purchase being a hassle.
PLEASE JCREW--- please post your policy on the website!
If they say that they cannot combine the two due to the new policy, tell them that you know for a fact that it has been changed back, and that combining the two discounts is allowed once again. If they still give you a hassle, tell them your friend has spoken to the corporate office and verified it, or to call corporate themselves.
DeleteAs for your recent purchase, I would take back the receipt and ask them to apply the 15% discount to it. I am going to do that on my recent swimsuit purchases.
Thanks FFM! I might just do that.
DeleteWhat a bummer, TC! I'd be totally upset too (lol altho, I can't get that discount anyway). J. Crew has been doing a lot of sneaky things lately. And what with Gap's impressive sales increase, I think their competition is really coming for them. We'll see how the crew holds up.
ReplyDeleteHey Tasia, thanks for your comment. According to FFM the discount has been reinstated. And I was just at Factory this weekend (post to come later this week, and yes, it involved another heartthrob item!) and didn't have a problem getting the additional discount. However, it's the grief of the back-and-forth on the policy that is annoying. I don't like going to a cashier and not knowing what my total will come out to be -- that can be embarrassing. As a sale rack shopper, I budget to the last dollar so I like to know the I suppose it is lack of corporate communication and the selective store enforcement that irritates so many customers!
DeleteAnd yes, GAP is stepping it up so J. Crew better make up its mind!