The sophisticated prep doesn’t need to shop online anymore! Toronto welcomed the first Canadian J.Crew store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre yesterday. Though this location sells women’s clothing only, it offers a good selection, including a wide range of sizes. For those of us who’re tiny, select pieces are available in 00 and most t-shirts are available in XXS.
The display window at Yorkdale’s J.Crew store
When I arrived on opening day, a line had already formed outside of the store – and this was after the store had opened. The wait was about 20 minutes before I was able to go in. There was also a wait (about half an hour for me) to get into the fitting rooms. Many shoppers were taking in several pieces at a time. During the wait, staff provided us with water. They were also very helpful to those trying on a lot, giving them advice on what to pair the outfits with.
Because I’m petite, I ended up only trying two. A mini skirt (Origami mini in damask – $134 CDN, $108 US), which I purchased, and a pair of pants (Meander pants – $160 CDN, $138 US). The skirt fit well (especially if I wear a belt with it), but the pants, despite being a size 00, were extremely baggy – think parachute-like. Other than that, I was really there to look. A lot of the pieces will likely be purchased online, in petite sizes, as they fit me better than “standard.” However, I’m a little upset that I’ll have to pay more, just because of my size – J.Crew stopped carrying petites in all stores some five or six years ago. In fact, I may have to pay A LOT more. J.Crew launched a new website today with prices adjusted for Canadians. Unfortunately, the prices not only reflect the higher Canadian costs, but duty is charged on top of it. However, shipping is now a flat rate of $9.95 US.
The author in the Origami miniskirt in damask
According to reports, J.Crew is continuing to scout locations across Canada. There’ll probably be more stores across the country going into 2012. I’m sure that a guy’s store is on the priority list for Yorkdale, but I don’t think it’s going to happen until phase 1 of the mall’s expansion opens.
Have you been to the J.Crew store at Yorkdale yet? What do you think?
