I don’t think it’s really sensible to write a review of a retail location of a national chain and base the stars of that review on the overall brand of the clothing. Yes, J. Crew is expensive. *really* expensive. And yes, you do have to have a certain type of body for J. Crew which not everyone has. But, that just comes with the territory of midrange semi-designer clothes. Each clothing company has a different fit, and I just felt this should be a review based on this particular location of J. Crew rather than the clothing itself. I can’t often afford to shop at J. Crew other than the sale section, and I used to be a textbook size 6, sometimes 6 tall, and everything fit me like magic. Oddly I lost a little weight and now I’m between sizes so their clothing doesn’t fit me perfectly anymore. *tear* where will I get perfectly tailored khakis now?! The company has also changed owners in the past few years and the overall styling and vibe has shifted somewhat. I think that the Burlington location of J. Crew really does a good job embodying the J. Crew brand. For the sake of this review, things like overall store appearance/design don’t really come into play because I’m sure it’s orchestrated by the corporate offices and very regulated as far as what displays look like, how things are arranged, etc. However, it’s up to the staff of the store to make sure that it’s kept clean and organized, and that each shopper feels that they’re attended to without being pushed or hovered over. If I had to take away a star for anything in particular, it might be that at times I have felt a bit bombarded or pressured while shopping there. If I’m in a dressing room and things just aren’t working out, sometimes it’s as though putting things back isn’t an option. There has to be something they can get me to buy. I understand that this is just part of the sales process and give the employees props for going the extra mile for their commissions, but it can be a little overbearing at times. Other than that, though, everything is very neatly organized, employees are generally easy to spot and get help from, and the Burlington location does a great job upholding the standards set forth by the J. Crew brand. If you can’t afford the clothes, at least it’s fun to drool at the window displays walking by.
Shannon T.
Place rating: 2 San Jose, CA
J Crew — expensive but not a fit for everyone. You have to have a certain type of body for J Crew — namely thin and tall. I don’t think the quality is worth the money though. Most of their stuff is dry-clean only too. The catalogue is gorgeous though. This location has a Crew Cuts section — $ 54 shorts for kids. Ridiculous!!!