J.Crew Or J.Screwed?

Is J.Crew actually becoming J. Screwed?

All is not well at the iconic apparel retailer J. Crew. The lead designer for women’s clothing has been ousted and the customers aren’t happy. In a rather unusual way they are letting their feelings be known.

The Washington Post sums up the mood with the following:

“Customers aren’t just abstaining from buying the company’s famously preppy clothes, however. They are publicly criticizing J. Crew’s alleged style and quality shortcomings on blogs and on social media. Using the Twitter hashtag #revivejcrew, disgruntled customers are doffing their cashmere gloves and airing their complaints in 140 characters or less.”

(The Post story does have a good roundup of the rather tumultuous history of the brand.)

Before we get deeper into the store’s problems it should be known that this is my favorite clothing retailer. For years it’s been the place where I have routinely purchased pairs of light hickory bowery pants in a classic fit.