Photo: Courtesy of J.Crew.If there's one standout complaint about J.Crew's collection or on-trend, mass-retail merchandise, it's the price. As the range of offerings has grown and the company has become one of the most influential brands of the past few seasons, the cost of goods has risen as well, oftentimes competing with department-store-stocked contemporary designers instead of the other mall-found retailers in its ring. However, your grousing hasn't fallen on deaf ears.
During a discussion yesterday at The New School in New York City, J.Crew CEO Mickey Drexler revealed that pricing was a huge concern for the brand and that the company was taking measures to bring costs down. "For spring, you'll see our prices [are] much more friendly this year. We can't compete with designers." While J.Crew Collection — its more expensive and more fashion-forward range of clothing — will stay the same, the retailer's regular offerings will get a bit of a price slash.
However, expecting J.Crew prices to drop to Topshop and Zara levels is probably a pipe dream. But, hopefully, we'll be experiencing sticker shock of the opposite variety in a couple of months. See you later, $375 sweatshirts? (WWD)