Brooks Bros. and J.Crew did not file bankruptcy due to the present international crisis.
I expected both marques to be processed through bankruptcy years ago as both entities have been horribly managed for over a decade.
I remember writing a letter to the J.Crew CEO over five years ago probably about the same time I made my last major Brooks Bros. purchase.
J.Crew developed an increasingly toxic internal culture, this paired with Gap quality and presentation did not bode well with their established audience.
Brooks Bros.’ lack of consistency in fit, service, and self-determined dilution of identity across countless collection segments was of equal disgust to J.Crew’s shortcomings.
Traditional J.Crew menswear can be had by the original designer elsewhere with a higher quality and more client-focused experience. J.Crew could be saved by resorting to old standards with new optimism for the future.
The cost and time associated with Brooks Bros. required by their patrons unlocks more satisfaction elsewhere. Brooks Bros. could take some of the panache associated with their gift boxes and expand on it. I recently received a Brooks Bros. shirt for Christmas… the shirt went back, but I was happy to keep the gift box around a while longer.
Other mentions
Michael Kors’ Capri Holdings may have just pushed off their dock but it will not be an easy sail for them, and I remain pessimistic about Michael Kors’ sustainability and any realistic vision for an American luxury conglomeration to hold their ground against stronger independents.
Outlet-anchored marques remain at-risk in a hyper competitive environment. I am looking at you, Frette.
