J.Crew was founded in 1983 by Arthur Cinader hoping to capitalize on the success of The Official Preppy Handbook and Ralph Lauren. J.Crew would be the antidote price conscious yuppies growing legions of buyers. Cinader create a complete catalog with glossy photography that seemed to belong to the editorial pages of a magazine and propelled the brand in the spotlight . The company, though initially an overwhelming success , hit a wall in late 1990 .
Texas Pacific , known for its ability to turn around companies shaking , bought a stake in the company in 1997 . The company went through several CEOs , before landing at the miracle Millard “Mickey” Drexler, former CEO of Gap . J.Crew quickly became a store that appealed to younger buyers who make investment purchases , Birkin Bag- toting moms cut back on splurges at Neiman Marcus and focused on career women who can not get enough of skirts pencil and slim pants .
It is a model recession proof that few shops imitate – $ 500 sequin and tulle skirts expertly sit next to their $ 150 counterparts , with cleverly crafted mannequins to help shoppers style the look for the night ( with a tank silk ) and office (with a shirt and wool sweater with belt). Every purchase seems like a great buy.
