The folks from J.Crew were kind enough to invite me over to check out the new men’s store at 484 Broadway in NYC. The shop, which used to be a newsstand, is a perfect mix between a normal J.Crew store and the more directional J.Crew Liquor Shop that opened last year. So basically, there are special items like Superior Labor tote bags, Alden shoes, staplers, Mister Freedom clothing and all of the basics that you have come to expect from J.Crew. A good combination if you ask me.
Instead of taking shots of the interiors, I decided that it would be more fun to get the little details. Note the special brown leather Long Wing Alden shoes that are special for J.Crew. Better move quick if you want a pair. Enjoy!
Next time they invite you somewhere, tell them to produce some damn extra smalls. And a pant in a 27 or 28 waist.
This is so exciting – Thank you for uploading the photos !
Michael, I was there briefly to bad I missed you. I
was certain I’d see you.
Just checked it out, and met Richard Haines – the sketch artist who drew the notification cards. He was kind enough to draw a sketch of my dad and his 1967 MGC – which I will be giving to him (my dad) for Father’s Day. really nice guy. the store looks amazing!
Those longwings look awesome. Just when I thought I didn’t need another pair of shoes…I do.
I went to the J. Crew store in my local outdoor mall the other day and it had recently been turned into a women’s only store. I could tell by the looks on the employees faces that they have had this problem before. So I pretended to be browsing for my wife for a good 10 minutes so as to not let on that I walked in by accident.
It sounds like you had a much better experience than I did.
Here’s to hoping they bring a store like this to Oregon.
J.Crew is has really been doing a great job the past few years. Some of their stuff..like the Timex Military watch are a bit hokey (seeing that Timex never made a military watch that even looked like that one)…but they are definitely on the right track. What’s the guys name that revamped the Gap and then was hired by J.Crew? Anyway, he has really taken things to a whole new level for them. Good job!
Mr Drexler, right?
Nice one Mr Williams, the store & mix looks amazing!
to the first comment:
J Crew does make x small, and 28 inch waist. As far as I know, online only. I am the proud owner of 2 x small sweaters and 1 secret wash shirt ( the sweaters on crazy sale, and the shirt at a buffalo exchange with the tags on, for less than half). The fit on all 3 is so ideal. Have yet to try the 28 inch waist, but I hope it works as well, nothing like their ‘small.’ More like, awkward and large
They have bottles of Jarritos lying around at J.Crew? Wow.
It looks like a nice place and the selection of goods looks on point. They obviously took cue from Beams+. Nothing really wrong with that.
Now, if only Banana Republic would adopt more of a brand identity like J. Crew seems to be doing.
Looks amazing! Wish they sold more the stuff you’ve got in the photos on line…no hope the J. Crew store will carry anything more than the bare minimum in Michigan.
I totally agree with Andrew H. I love the stuff from Jcrew but they need to make more of their stuff in smaller sizes
yeah I love j.crew’s latest turn around and would love to shop there more but their sizing is just a bit off IMO. I’ve tried there stuff and the shirts especially are just too boxy for my build I guess…I would love to wear a small if the lengthened the sleeves a bit and kept the body slim…just saying…I’ve been turning to Rugby instead….hope they slim them down soon, they are making tremendous product…
@Dry Goods and Gear
The vintage Timex military watch on my wrist disagrees with you. Not exactly the same (mine has the date and little green circles marking the hours instead of triangles), but it’s clearly the inspiration for J. Crew’s repro.
Otherwise, I agree with you. J. Crew has been excellent as of late. And I wasn’t aware that the guy who revamped The Gap moved to J. Crew. That probably explains why the Gap’s men’s offerings have been beyond boring lately.
Mickey Drexler. He was shown the door after many years at the GAP, but cashed out big time. He is taking J.Crew upscale, and you can see by these pics he is very talented merchandiser. It’s a good thing I’m not in NYC, I would totally run up my VISA in the Men’s Store!
Thanks for the post Michael.
I’ll be sure to visit next time I’m in NYC. J Crew has been on a roll for me the last few seasons, maybe I’ve just been drinking the koolaid but I think they are doing a great job.
I can’t believe they are carrying Aldens. I hope to see some of their Indy or brogue boots come Fall time.
hey sam nice meeting you and thanks for shout-ouy and for coming to the opening!
Is it just me, or has J Crew totally ripped off Ralph Lauren? RL has been merchandising like this for about 10 years. That said, the new store does look good, just strangely familiar…
I like what J Crew is doing but they should drop the ridiculous vanity sizing. A catalog companys clothing should FIT PROPERLY. I dont want to have to keep sending things back.
Good point on Banana Republic Thackery Brown – It’s been a little while since I’ve been in a store, but to me they’ve felt very stagnant for some time.
The J.Crew store looks nice, if a tad predictable.
Great photos! I went to the opening yesterday and these shots capture it perfectly.
Wish I had gotten a few mins with Richard Haines….
What’s interesting is that someone said JCrew is ripping off Ralph, and another commenter bemoaned the lack of a Banana brand identity, but all three have been ripping off Orvis for years. Those guys are the real deal — around since 1856, they’ve been carrying Alden, Red Wing, grosgrain ribbon watches, authentic military items, Scottish tweed blazers and patch madras anything — all long before JCrew (or even Ralph) got in the game. Plus, they still make fly fishing rods in their Vermont factory. Tough to get more American and authentic than that.
In fashion “ripping people off” is called “inspiration” and it is what makes the carousel go round and round.
ACL
Fashion wise, “Ripping people off” is illegal. “Getting inspiration” is not. That makes a difference. Even if there’s a very thin line between the 2 ideas.
I Would not cheer someone who copy paste my designs. But I’m dreaming everyday about inspiring people.
Pfft Drexler may have amped up the marketing, but he totally ruined the quality. JCrew Khakis used to be formidable and get better with each washing, now they seem to harden with age and fall apart long before a desireable fraying has the chance to occur. They also shrink at an alarming rate.
To those male bitches complaining about the absence of extra small sizes: Grow a pair, start eating and stop being such pussies. Idiots
totally disagree Jack, the quality has been superior, I own many J. Crew things, and as they say, “things get better with age.”
Mickey Drexler is a merchandising genius and in my opinion has completely turned J. Crew around with a “focus on focus”. The quality of their product has improved over the years. Their $59 men’s woven shirt is a steal when compared to their competitor’s offerings at the same price point — the sewing is nice and the fabric is soft. There are very few companies the size of J. Crew that have such a strong and unwavering point of view. Here’s an interesting interview:
http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/9050
Are those suede boots Alden as well?
J. Crew and so many others are doing what Ralph Lauren’s group has been doing for so many years already with RRL, among other areas. The industrial 40’s/50’s manly man vintage office desk fetish dude who is in touch with his inner interior decorator. Entirely derivative. Sort of the Pottery Barn of mens “traditional” style.
J.Crew + Jarritos at the Men’s Shop. Pretty awesome since both are a staple of my saturday afternoon cook outs with friends.
My BIGGEST wish is that J.Crew carried XS in stores…. I hate having to always order online, even though they are a joy to wear. They fit so perfectly on me!