J.Crew

UPDATE: The store director just called to apologize. He sounded appropriately mortified, and was very nice. He asked for more info about my experience, and is sending me a gift card. Seemed genuinely interested in making sure all customers feel welcome, so hopefully this will filter down to the floor.
Original review below:
This review is for the customer service, which appears to be both terrible and possibly discriminatory against… I don’t even know what. Short people? People with curly hair? People who aren’t already dressed head-​to-​toe in J. Crew apparel or something like it?
I came in here last summer with a friend who is a tall, pretty blonde. We were both holding a few items and standing about 2 inches apart. A saleswoman came up and asked her if she wanted to start a room. Did not even look at me.
Today, I walked in in desperate need of a dress (read: ready to drop some $$ if necessary). Mostly I was totally ignored, but a few sales people looked at me in my clear state of dress-​hunting need and then totally ignored me. One woman almost ran me down heading for something behind me. People, I assure my invisible cloak was hanging securely in my closet at home.
I finally found a dress that looked perfect, but not in my size. I asked a guy attempting to speed past me if there might be one somewhere, and he said he’d go look. Finally! I saw someone else ask him for something, too, and away he went. He came back a few minutes later and brushed right past me to tell her something. I literally had to block his path before he would take one second to tell me they didn’t have what I needed. No «sorry.» No «but maybe you could…» Nothing.
If you absolutely must patronize this store, I recommend doing it somewhere else.

I don’t know why I bother with this store… Every single time I go in, I walk out empty handed. If I could give zero stars, I would. I love the ‘crew. I am on their website every single day. I was on the hunt for a stylish Spring jacket. Today, there was no greeter and the blonde gentleman working on the first floor today looked too preoccupied to make eye contact. The blonde woman working today looked annoyed as she was getting sizes for a customer. There was one very petite girl upstairs working in the crewcuts section. She was the only one who actually acknowledged me and asked how I was doing. Kudos to you and only you, sweet petite girl!

Lately, I mostly browse the catalogue and ask myself, «what were they thinking.» The last time I shopped the Westport store, the two staff members I have any familiarity with were helpful, though I’m not fond of the «punting to the cashier routine» that happens when you’re ready to pay. Also I was very comfortable with the old store, especially the fitting rooms. The new «hospital corridor» style fitting rooms just seem less friendly. I suppose the new layout was intended to address the demand for increased privacy in the fitting room. And yes, when asking the eternal «do these pants make my ass look big» questions, more privacy is good. But consider for a minute that the cut of the clothes contribute mightily to your perception of your ass in the mirror. I’m one of those yo-​yo types with an athletic build that leans toward stout after the holidays. If you’re built like me, J. Crew has NOTHING for you. Only my thinnest self shops their stores, let alone buys their clothes. They once had a catalogue campaign for their «universally flattering café capris». Flattering for whom? Anyone with a hint of thigh can’t get a good fit in J. Crew’s universally flattering cut. And the toothpick jeans? Forget about it. Even the J. Crew corporate employees who modeled for the «universally flattering café capri» campaign looked dreadful in them.
Since the basic silhouettes change very little from season to season, I have to conclude the corporate focus is on fabrics, suggesting the company has special arrangements with textile makers that perhaps don’t trickle down to the design and manufacturing elements. Also I’ve found their cashmere sweaters to pill marvelously after a few wearings.
Finally, this is what most pisses me off about J.Crew. They don’t have clothing reviews on their web site. Nearly every competitor does. So I guess I’ll stick to Gap, Banana, and Anthropologie where I can find not only reviews but actual shopper photos of the clothes they try and maybe buy.

It’s true, I’m a fan of J.Crew. I think this store is very beautiful. The staff isn’t quite in-​your-​face – rather, they are vaguely cool in conduct. But this is one case in which I don’t mind because the customer service is superb. They truly go above and beyond to help with any minor issues or questions, and I’ve always come out of the store feeling pretty good about my purchases/J.Crew in general.
Check the section in the back – there is usually something on sale there.

Petra is a doll. If you come here, try to get served by her! Overall I think J. Crew has declined in terms of quality and classic style, but I always find a top or a dress here with Petra’s help.

the most beautiful j crew store in the world. seriously: light-​filled and gorgeous!

It’s been years since I’ve been here (my friend lived in Danbury) but I wanted to relive my memories of Westport, a lovely little New England coastal town. Back then Martha Stewart still lived in town and it had a mix of small town and chain stores (mostly independent stores though), a lovely bookshop, a place to buy Provencal linens, a deli, etc. I popped into J Crew — it was an average size J Crew, well maintained. The clothing suits the town, preppy and clean.