Helena Albanese Lacey Price Aleece Kopczenski

Company Information Opened as a catalog retailer in 1983 First store opened in New York in 1989 Brick and mortar (including outlets), catalog, and online retaileronline 206 retail stores, 69 outlet stores In 2003 they expanded service and quality by partnering with several iconic brands such as Jack Purcell, Timex, and Thomas Mason They have continued to expand with opening of several specialty boutiques for men, limited-edition items, vintage finds, and providing a women's suiting and accessories – First bridal boutique opened in 2010 and they continue to expand in the bridal market Offer womens, mens, kids, shoes, accessories, and bridal products profit was 34.9 million Competitors include Ann Taylor; Calvin Klein; Eddie Bauer; Land's End; L.L. Bean; Men's Warehouse; Banana Republic, Anthropologie

Target Market Men and Women (28-40) 80K (combined income) Business professionals Casual preppy chic Urban Global market

First Lady Effect According to nydailynews, in April 2009 Michelle Obama was seen wearing several pieces from J. Crew during a visit in London. By 10:00am that day the sweater (pictured below) was sold out online and there was a 200 person waiting list. As a result the companie’s stock price went up 64% in the following months and increased traffic to J. Crew product pages by 3,000%nydailynews In October 2008 Michelle Obama was seen on Jay Leno wearing $340 worth of J. Crew pieces which increased traffic on the website 64% and those items saw a 464% increase Michelle Obama outfits her daughters in J. Crew’s kids line (called crewcuts) which also increased the companies’ stock by 10.6%

Strengths and Weaknesses Use of multi-channel retailing Variety of price points Variety of product categories Frequent sales and special online deals J. Crew credit card with benefits Online personal shopper Specialty sizes One time price adjustment within 7 days In store credit card only Low number of stores in each state Low amount of advertisement STRENGTHSSTRENGTHS WEAKNESSESWEAKNESSES

Social Responsibility “J.Crew is committed to conducting business with sensitivity to our impact on the world around us. We are proud of our efforts and continue to look for ways to have a positive effect through everything we do. We appreciate that our customers share our commitment to social responsibility." Member of business for social responsibility and fair factories clearing house Work to provide responsible sourcing, code of vendor conduct trainings, and promotes social responsibility in communities Partner with The League Treatment Center to “educate and provide creative opportunities to over 500 inner-city children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities” Offer ‘Hands Helping Haiti t-shirts’ – 100% of profits go to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund Promote Teach for America Sold t-shirts for NYC aids fund Designed and distributed a J. Crew water bottle – 100% profits go to Safe Water Network

Opportunities and Threats Millard Drexler, J. Crew's Chairman and CEO stated: "While we are really pleased with the second quarter, it is more critical than ever to continue to move forward and invest in our business for quality, long term, earnings growth. It's about moving, doing, creating - it never stops." Expand more in menswear and bridal area Enhance return and shipping policies Design collections for different looks Several competitors have similar looks for a cheaper price Companies such as Gap offer international shipping while J. Crew only ships to US territories, Canada, and Japan Other competitors offer free shipping Advertisement THREATSTHREATS OPPORTUNITIESOPPORTUNITIES

References Carter, N. "Michelle Obama J. Crew outfits in London prompt shopping frenzy statewide." Daily News April: n. pag. Web. 25 Oct J. Crew. N.p., Web. 25 Oct Speaker, B.. "J.crew (JCG) opens online ‘outlet’ to boost sales: Consumers win with low prices, retailer wins with high margins." Investor Place : n. pag. Web. 25 Oct