Wednesday, August 14, 2013

J.Crew Factory Exclusive Early Access: Shop new arrivals before everyone else

"Thanks!" to many of you, who shared the following news/email from J.Crew Factory with us.

J.Crew Factory is offering up to 30% off new arrivals and free shipping (no min!). This offer expires today. The fine print includes:
*Prices as marked reflect discount. Offer valid on the purchase of select items at jcrewfactory.com from August 14, 2013, 12:01am ET through August 18, 2013, 11:59pm ET. Offer not valid in J.Crew or J.Crew Factory stores, at jcrew.com or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases or the purchase of gift cards and cannot be redeemed for cash. Offer not valid on Toysmith and Natural Products Ltd.™ merchandise. Valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms of offer are subject to change. 
**Offer valid on a purchase made at jcrewfactory.com on August 14, 2013, 12:01am ET through 11:59pm ET. One-time use only. Offer not valid in stores, at jcrew.com or on phone orders. Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases and cannot be redeemed for cash or used in combination with any other offer. To redeem, enter the unique code provided in your early access email in the promo code box at checkout. Limit one promo code per order. Orders will be shipped via regular ground shipping (4 to 7 business days). Return requests must be made in accordance with our return policy. Offer valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Terms of offer are subject to change.
There are also some new arrivals online that will hit J.Crew Factory online soon too, including a lot of French Hen inspired items!

Some of you have noticed that the items look too similar to the regular versions (as in identical, as oppose to inspired). I am wondering if this is a good thing (for those who missed out) or a bad thing (why buy the regular)? Personally, I am torn about this issue. I missed out on the Hen Scarf and now I just purchased the Factory version. However, I bought the regular Hen Silk Shirt and am kind of bummed out there is an exact Factory version. So clearly it depends on what's in my closet currently. ;)

By the way, some of you might have received in the snail mail a coupon for 20% off in-store purchases of $125 or more at J.Crew Factory. If you flip the card over, there is a 9-digit code on the bottom for 20% off online purchases. Make sure you copy down the code before you use and hand over the card to a store associate!

Have you received this email? Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? Any items you are interested in? If so, please share!

73 comments:

  1. I just vented about the last part of this post! I'm torn, as there are pros and cons, but I think I'm leaning toward "why should we buy retail?"

    :)

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  2. You can also use the cardperk code to get an additional 25% off if you use your J Crew card for payment.

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    Replies
    1. but then you can't use the free shipping code too.

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    2. You can get the free shipping if you order a new arrival at 30%. It worked for me plus the cardperk promo.

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    3. I could not get both codes to work, so here is a free shipping code if someone wants one: FZPJN77FY

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  3. Don't forget to use code CARDPERK if using your J.Crew card as you'll get an add'l 25% off! Herringbone vest is only $55.00 with code!!!!

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  4. Would someone please provide a link? Thanks.

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  5. I'm sure I got the email, only Outlook is down and has been all morning. :( At least my account is affected. For some reason my husband's isn't.

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  6. I'm really excited because now I can buy the french hen sweater. What color do you all like better? I can't decide between the navy and light blue. Any input would be appreciated!

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    1. Thanks for posting this. I didn't click on it because it didn't say more colors. I assumed it only came in the blue. I prefer the navy. I think it would go with more. But both colors are nice! I'm glad to get the chance to buy it because I missed out on this last year too!

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    2. I cannot find the sweater online. Will you post a link to it?

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    3. I ended up getting the navy. It only cost $4 with my rewards card and the card perk code. Score!

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  7. Can anybody please help compare the sizing between factory and regular stores? I thought I read on here before that factory tends to run bigger. Looking to buy some of the French hen items I missed out on last year but unsure of what size to get. Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. the size on their version of the jackie sweaters is much smaller but everything else seems to be about the same.

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  8. I was very disappointed in the quality of many of the "Factory" versions of these items when I saw/tried them IRL, especially for the price. The printed fabric of the herringbone vest is cheap-looking in person (the solid colors are really nice, though). The hen sweaters are also noticeably inferior to the retail version in terms of construction and fabric.

    Factory is always hit or miss for me. Some of the factory items (perfect fit tees, for example) are better than retail, but sometimes the dupes aren't worth it to me and I will pass - there will always be new retail items rolled out that I will covet and buy on promo.

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    1. I agree ruffles. I don't mind when Factory comes out with a nearly identical version of something I bought in the retail store, b/c with the exception of the tees, I feel like retail materials (especially for sweaters, silk, and leathers) are much better. And, if I missed out on the retail version, I'm happy to buy the Factory version even if it isn't quite as nice b/c it's a lower price and usually better than not having it at all.

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    2. Regarding the price at JCFactory, if you shop there you really dont need to pay the ticket price, there is a % offered all the time.

      I wouldn't buy anything there for the full price
      and I don't have an issue with the re-issue of their designs, some of them are almost identical to me.
      I am hoping now that the camo* vest I saw at the concept store in Paramus might show up next fall.

      *quilted camo print with a binding, really nice but over priced.

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    3. I feel the same way. There isn't much at Factory I like these days. It's all fine, but nothing ever wows me there lately. I'll try their wool skimmer pants again this year, since they fit me much better than the retail ones did, but chances are they changed the cut.

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    4. Just got the factory herringbone vest. Great print. No issues here. Doesn't look cheap to me and I am the first to admit I am picky. Got it with my rewards card and on sale and extra % off so paid $20 for it. Very happy. Much better than the retail one.

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  9. I bought the French Hen sweater, and thought it was a good deal with all the discounts. I bought the lighter blue for my mother and the navy for me. I like them.

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  10. Ugh, just checked out the new arrivals and the one item I would try is already sold out!
    Any reviews for the FACTORY WARMSPUN HERRINGBONE JEWEL-COLLAR SWEATER IN CABERNET vs the retail version from last yr?
    Interested in an XXS if anybody sees one . Thanks

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    1. Yeah, I was bummed out about that too. But I'm sure they're doing what silver_lining below said. So annoying.

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    2. They removed the link for now when I search on google and click the link it directs me to the main screen. ANNOYED. I was hoping to catch it as soon as it (mysteriously) becomes available.

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  11. Me too- literally as I checked out the site wouldn't let me checkout because I think everyone was checking out same item and then I watched it slowly disappear from my cart!

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    Replies
    1. Or they pulled it because it was selling and will put it back on the site (at full price) in a couple of days.

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  12. OT. But Alexis you mentioned about writing down the code before handing the code over in-store. Is that true for the J Crew bounce back codes? I already used one and did not do that because I was told I could only use one or the other but in retrospect don't think that is true. Anyone know for sure?

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    1. Yes! Write down the online code, take a picture of it, or ask for the card back. I did all 3 and have used in the in store card and the online code no problem.

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    2. Thanks so much!! I did use one but they took the card at retail store and told me it was only allowed to be used online or in store not both.

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    3. JRSConifer, maybe the store will give you another card after explaining what happened? Especially since the SA told you something incorrectly. Worth trying. :)

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  13. I am seriously looking at the merino pleated wool skirt - anyone seen it IRL?

    Oh - and I think I am going to get "hatched" this fall....

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  14. I went to my nearby Factory store and purchased the Herringbone vest, then saw this email and re-purchased it since it was cheaper. The vest is so cute; nearly identical to the retail version. I sized down to a xs and it fit perfectly.

    I also tried on a couple of dresses: the burgundy/polka dot one and the chambray polka dot shirtdress. Will post pics on my blog later on.

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    1. Too much trouble to buy/return. I don't have the time in my life for that... Glad I got to see my vest in person before buying. I refuse to buy online anymore. Too many defective items. Would rather pay a bit more and have my pick of the items:)

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  15. Did the factory stores get the new arrivals yet?

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  16. I found the retail French Hen sweater on eBay in Heather Acorn, but if I had known that it would be on Factory, I probably would have waited. I also got the scarf and phone case last fall. However, I wish the girl's shirtdress was for females, because it is adorable.

    Also, does anyone know if the Charley polka dot sweater has wrap-around dots or if it's like the Factory Swiss dot?

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    Replies
    1. It has polka dots all the way around.

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    2. Thanks! I don't have a Factory near me yet, so I'm not able to physically see what the items look like.

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  17. I tried to order the XXS Herringbone Vest and it sold out already!?!?!? Does anyone have one they will sell to me?!?!?! I can NOT BELIEVE THIS!

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    1. Ashley, if you want one now, you can try a store search and get them to do a charge-send for you. I bet there are plenty of stores with xxs in stock right now!

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    2. They don't have any for sale in stores. In store sizes started with XS :(

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    3. I know. They were practically sold out of all sizes in store. Flying off the shelves.

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  18. Ashley, the XXS in Herringbone Vest was backordered until October 10, 2013. I ordered one at about 3:15pm EST today, and it didn't have a "limited stock" alert. very strange. maybe they'll restock more closer to October? - masha

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    1. I really hope they do!!!! I was so upset it sold out before I could order :(

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  19. On whether to buy retail or factory: I guess it depends on whether you are willing to pay a premium for owning an item earlier, as well as for generally better (we would hope!) quality. I suppose if it is an item that would fill a serious hole in your closet and you will make more than sufficient use of before the factory version comes out, it would be worth it. I can understand being disappointed about a factory reissue if an item you paid big bucks for languished in your closet.

    Still, as someone commented in an earlier post, it is a very smart retail move for JC. Copy-catting is so prevalent in the fashion world these days. What's so smart about JC is that they can copy-cat their own designs without any legal issues, plus they keep the customers' money within their retail family instead of it going out to, say, an Old Navy copy-cat version.

    Out of curiosity, any predictions on what iconic styles from this year (spring, or what we've seen so far from fall) will make it to factory next year? I'm guessing jeweled collars and beading, maybe the monarch and punk floral prints? Maybe a foulard dress (although I know factory already has a foulard shirt and blouse)?

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    1. I definitely think the punk floral prints will be, and I'll be waiting!

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  20. Looks like the factory has many of last year's popular items. I'm bummed the lace printed sweatshirt wasn't reissued. Anyone has the sweatshirt you're willing to sell (#34800). Looking for a size XS or S.

    TIA

    ms.wendyyu@gmail.com

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    1. I have the cutout eyelet sweatshirt listed in "Looking to Sell" this week. Sz. S, NWT, but I'm not sure that's the same as Lace Printed Sweatshirt.

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    2. Thanks, Jruby18...not the same item number. I appreciate you helping!

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  21. Was the coupon from corporate or your local store? And was it only for cardholders? I didn't receive one so trying to figure out why? Thanks.

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  22. I don't live near any stores and wasn't able to pick up a bounce back card, and snail mail sometimes takes forever to get to where I am. Does anyone have a retail bounce back code or factory 20% off $125 code they'd be willing to share with me? Thanks! (clotted.creame@gmail.com)

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  23. Can anyone comment on the accuracy of the back order dates for factory? Both the herringbone vest and jewel collar sweater were wait-listed until the end of September. Will it really take that long? Especially since they just came out online today for early access!

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  24. I actually like that JCrew brings back many of its popular items in a Factory version. Often they are items that I don't want to buy at full price at the retail store (realistically, though, I, like most others, rarely pay full price at JCrew), but by the time they hit sale, they are sold out in my size. The French Hen sweater and silk shirt and heart throb shirt from last year are examples of items I missed out on at retail but am excited to see at Factory. In many cases you can spot the quality difference immediately, and I tend to stay away from those items, but in many others they look and feel very similar or identical to retail. This morning I went a little nuts and ordered the cabernet jewel collar herringbone sweater (wait listed to August 27 when I ordered early this morning. It seems that the date has been pushed back since then), the French Hen sweater in navy and the French Hen scarf, the merino wool skirt in black (I have the retail version in camel from a few years ago that I love), boucle peplum jacket in graphite (I have the retail navy version that I love, so we'll see how this one compares), the resin drop necklace in graphite, the herringbone "jewel collar" sweater in acorn (according to the picture, it doesn't really have a jewel collar though and it's cheaper than the cabernet one, so I think the description is a mistake in the written copy) and the herringbone vest (back ordered to Sept 25). A few weeks ago a new Factory store opened near me in a new retail outlet mall (just outside of Chicago, only about 20 minutes from my house near O'Hare airport. It's very nice if you live in the area, you should check it out) and I bought the houndstooth schoolboy blazer and a jade/ turquoisey green school boy blazer (haven't seen online) that I love. They fit and look like the retail versions (although not 100% wool, but a wool blend, which is ok with me), and the ponte dress in velvet dot dress in black that I love, love, love! Its is super flattering and I actually like it better than the retail version. I also bought the French Hen silk button down shirt. I never tried on the retail version so not sure how it compares but this one is nice and runs a little loose. I stuck with my normal size though. Phew! Reading this I'm realizing that's a lot of stuff!

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  25. Also don't forget that the CARDPERK promo is still working. You get 25% off if you use your JCrew card. I am not sure if you can combine with the free shipping on Early Access though. My order exceeded the minimum for free shipping.

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  26. FS code: FZPJTYSHJ

    Please comment if you use it. Thanks!

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  27. I can't find the French Hen sweater anywhere on the factory site.

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    Replies
    1. Hi LdyEdgware - try Mel's Early Access Link up near the beginning of the comments.

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  28. Wondering if anyone can comment how these two Factory items compare to their original J. Crew versions in terms of fit and quality?

    - Factory printed popover (#02668) vs. Circle Print Chambray Popover (#30313)

    - Factory (#02081) vs. J. Crew Boucle Peplum Jacket (#11654)

    Thanks!

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  29. Hi HollDoll129 and TC, thanks for responding to my comment on a previous post. The reviews for factory were great, and I stopped by the store yesterday and got a great haul!

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  30. I agree with the dilemma Alexis. The herringbone vest BLEW UP again when it hit factory and I was kinda bummed because I bought it last year and felt like I was part of a small club. Although I'm happy for everyone that coveted it, I felt like it's going to be everywhere now which diminishes its exclusivity.

    However, then I saw the factory houndstooth sweatshirt that I coveted last year and missed out on... and I was so happy they put out the identical styles!!

    Ahh hypocrisy. LOL

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  31. Hi
    Looking for a bounceback code. Gonna try to order from factory store directly and see if they accept code over phone.
    Thanks!
    willewunka (at) gmail (dot) come

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  32. The copycat Factory items probably cut down on the eBay selling frenzy for certain items. That would be in J. Crew's best interest to put the money in their own pockets with the Factory re-issues.

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  33. Do Factory stores do a red-phone type search? Or if I called the nearest one, are they willing to ship items to a customer? I can't believe that herringbone vest sold out already

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  34. Gabriela...the factory stores are willing to ship to a customer.

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  35. I could care less whether and item is redone in factory or not. I think it is great for those that missed it first time around. Great idea, JCrew. YEAH:)

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  36. R, I own the retail indigo peplum boucle jacket from last year and LOVE it. I was so shocked to see the exact same jacket in the factory store! I felt it and tried it on and it is pretty much EXACTLY the same! The grey color looked a teensy bit lower quality, but the indigo looked almost identical to the original.

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Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)