A J. Crew Factory store is coming to the former GameStop location in Westwood Village. It's set to open this fall.

J.Crew sits in the mid-tier fashion market, offering quality pieces that are more affordable than luxury brands but pricier than fast fashion. Here's a breakdown:

General Price Range

• Frequent sales and promotions (30–40% off) make prices more accessible.

• Compared to brands like Gap, J.Crew is statistically more expensive, with an average price difference of $34–$76 per item.

Target Age Range

• Historically aimed at 18–35-year-olds, especially young professionals and style-conscious college grads.

• The brand is now trying to appeal to Gen Z while retaining its classic-loving Millennial base.

• J.Crew’s aesthetic — preppy, tailored, and versatile — resonates with those seeking polished but approachable fashion.

J.Crew operates several types of retail stores, each tailored to different customer needs, price points, and shopping experiences. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

J.Crew (Mainline Stores)

These are the flagship stores offering the brand’s full-price, premium collection.

• Product Quality: Higher-end materials and construction
• Designs: Original, trend-forward, and often exclusive
• Price Point: Premium pricing
• Location: Typically in upscale malls or urban shopping districts
• Experience: Polished, boutique-like atmosphere with personalized service

J.Crew Factory

This is J.Crew’s outlet brand, offering more affordable versions of the mainline styles.

• Product Quality: Slightly lower; uses more synthetic fabrics and simplified construction
• Designs: Inspired by past J.Crew styles but made specifically for Factory
• Price Point: 30–60% lower than mainline
• Location: Found in outlet malls and online
• Experience: Standard retail setup, focused on value and volume.

Here's a quick history of the company:
 

• 1947: Founded as Popular Merchandise, Inc. by Mitchell Cinader and Saul Charles, selling low-priced women’s clothing via in-home demos.

• 1983: Rebranded as J.Crew, launching its first catalog with a preppy, aspirational aesthetic curated by Emily Cinader Woods.

• 1989: Opened its first retail store at South Street Seaport in NYC, expanding beyond mail-order.

Expansion and Influence

• 1990s: Catalogs boomed — 24 editions a year, 80+ million copies mailed. Factory stores and international ventures followed.

• 2003: Mickey Drexler (ex-Gap CEO) took the helm, transforming J.Crew into a lifestyle brand. Jenna Lyons became creative director, defining its modern aesthetic.

• 2008–2010: Michelle Obama wore J.Crew publicly, boosting its cultural cachet.

Financial Turbulence

• 2006: Went public, raising $376M.

• 2011: Taken private in a $3B leveraged buyout by TPG Capital and Leonard Green & Partners.

• 2014–2020: Faced mounting debt, declining sales, and identity confusion. Filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2020.

Reinvention and Recovery

• 2020–Present: Emerged from bankruptcy, appointed Libby Wadle as CEO, and refocused on quality, sustainability, and inclusive sizing.

• Collaborations with designers like Brendon Babenzien and platforms like ThredUp helped modernize its image