Off the Rack: Joe Fresh Launches at JCPenney

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March 20, 2013

Budget Babe reviews the new Joe Fresh for JCP clothing line

Canadian-based fashion brand Joe Fresh was scheduled to launch its new line at JCPenney stores last Friday, March 15, so I headed to my nearest store to check it out - and lo and behold, there it was! A brightly lit, Joe Fresh store-within-a-store, fully stocked and ready to go. Quelle surprise!

Visually, everything looks great, a million times better than the rest of the outdated department store (which has been slowly getting revamped as well). And the styles are right on point, think classics pieces with a modern sensibility. Highlights include the colorful skinny jeans, gingham button downs, crochet shorts, tailored shorts in bright prints and casual day dresses.

I didn't feel up to trying things on what with my bump and all, although I'm sure some of the knit tops would have fit me just fine, so I can't speak to fit. But in terms of quality for the price, I think they're right on. Most items are under $39.

I had the whole shop to myself during my trip with the exception of one group of 3 ladies who came through to check it out and I overheard one say to another, "Hey these cardigans look nice! $16, not bad!" (direct quote LOL). So there's some anecdotal evidence that shoppers might be responding well. I've noticed a few items are sold out online, too. Joe Fresh for JCP is a breath of fresh air, no doubt about it, but will it be enough?

After perusing JCP, I ventured back into the mall and into the adjacent Forever 21, which has been newly renovated and now occupies two levels. I was greeted by high ceilings, bright chandeliers, and loud music. Eager shoppers shuffled around, deeply engrossed with rack upon rack of eye-candy. It was a stark contrast to JCP and made me wonder if the flailing chain can survive. Maybe they should start selling groceries and toilet paper? That's what gets me to Target...

Have you scoped out the new Joe Fresh for JCP collection? What did you think?

Photo credit: TheBudgetBabe.com

Comments (24)

Posted in: JCPenney, Joe Fresh, Off the Rack

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Comments

JCP quality level always feels so much nicer than Forever 21.. it's a shame really, their price points are really reasonable.

Now.. if only they'd restock their darn tall stuff online, I'd be buying basics left and right!

#1 Stacy on 2013-03-20 11:03 (Reply)

I so agree...JCP has great quality, uptodate styling without being overly youthful (read lots of skin exposure). If they close, it will be a big blow to affordable, good quality clothing. Not sure why more people don't shop there...I prefer there to Macy's

#1.1 Natalie on 2014-09-01 13:03 (Reply)

I saw it all in stores, and it looked pretty cute. I need to go back when I have more time and try stuff on.

It's funny you compare it to Forever 21 because I heard a radio DJ-read advertisement the other morning that said something like "it's trendy, it's {something}, and it's INEXPENSIVE". I thought to myself, now that sounds like a Forever 21 ad...

We shall see! I still love me some JCP.

#2 Elizabeth on 2013-03-20 11:05 (Reply)

Stopped by JCP yesterday to try on Joe Fresh shorts. Sized kind of big, but that's okay, b/c I've put on a few over the winter. Fabrics are not as nice as more upscale stores, but from a distance no one will know. I thought the fabric prints were very cute. Also, the v-neck tees were a great deal at $10 each and came in a variety of colors. I definitely think this collab was a good move for JCP.

#3 Beth on 2013-03-20 11:20 (Reply)

I loved the collection! The only thing was the pants ran really big! But the shirts I can't complain, good stuff.

-Franci
www.TheFashionPalate.com

#4 The Fashion Palate (Homepage) on 2013-03-20 11:31 (Reply)

Our store didn't get the Joe Fresh collection unfortunately but I did order the cream crochet shorts you showed above. They're backordered to April 11th but here's to hoping they fit! I've been looking for a pair ever since Kate Hudson wore a pair in "Something Borrowed" but everything I've found has been with a 1.5 to 2 inch inseam which this girl can't do. These were listed as a 4" inseam so hopefully they work!

#5 Sarah on 2013-03-20 11:36 (Reply)

I always stop in JC Penney whenever I'm in a mall or area that has a store and always find really good deals. I agree that the quality of the brands at JCP is so much better than F21. Haven't checked out Joe Fresh yet, but I'm sure I will see something I want to purchase.

#6 Brenda on 2013-03-20 11:47 (Reply)

Saw Joe Fresh at my JCP yesterday, and was very impressed. My JCP is kind of a mess, but that display looked great. Sort of separated from the rest of the mess by some temporary walls... If that makes sense. Really loved all the ivory crocheted stuff, shorts, tops, skirts. Didn't have time to try anything on, but will definitely be back!

#7 ErinG on 2013-03-20 13:08 (Reply)

Super cute!

I wish I had the legs for those lace shorts.

#8 Kristin S (Homepage) on 2013-03-20 13:16 (Reply)

I was actually very disappointed in the Joe Fresh for JCP collection. I don't know if you've ever been to an actual Joe Fresh store, but their quality is so much better than this JCP collection. $39 for a flimsy, unlined polyester dress? No thank you. Overall, while most pieces looked cute on the hanger, I found this collection to be overpriced and of poor quality, especially compared to what Joe Fresh offers in its regular stores.

#9 Rachel on 2013-03-20 13:26 (Reply)

I'd seriously like to know where you shop. $39 MSRP for an unlined polyester dress doesn't sound unreasonable to me. The last time I bought a lined cotton dress at its MSRP cost me more than twice that much.

#9.1 Maggie on 2013-03-22 00:52 (Reply)

Yes, I've been to Joe Fresh on 5th Avenue. Gorgeous store. The prices there are much higher - maybe the quality is too (?)

I've also shopped Joe Fresh in Canada and I think the quality and pricing of their JCP line is comparable to what I saw in Canada:

http://www.thebudgetbabe.com/archives/5019-Off-the-Rack-Joe-Fresh-August-Offerings-in-New-Brunswick,-Canada.html#.UUx0kVs6WSM

#9.2 The Budget Babe on 2013-03-22 10:04 (Reply)

I checked out this line today. There were a lot of cute items, but upon trying them on, the sizing is off. I tried on a size 12 dress and I was SWIMMING in it. The next size down was too tight and too short. Nothing was lined, either.

I think it is a little expensive for the quality as well.

I am more a fan of the JCP brand.

#10 Andie (Homepage) on 2013-03-20 15:19 (Reply)

I love the new look of JCP to match the change I see in their catalogs. I can't to check out the Joe Fresh collection. The striped dress with the red stripes at the bottom is my favorite! Hope it helps the ailing store too!!!!

#11 lisacng @ expandng.com (Homepage) on 2013-03-20 15:38 (Reply)

I checked out Joe Fresh at JCP last Friday and thought everything looked really good. The quality seems nice and the styles seem fresh and on trend. I picked up a couple of pieces and plan on getting a few more pieces. I really hope this helps turn JCP around because I love their quality and prices.

#12 Liz G. on 2013-03-20 15:56 (Reply)

The $19 skinny jeans run really small. I wanted to buy something, but I left empty-handed!

#13 Allison W. on 2013-03-20 17:10 (Reply)

I want to get one of the gingham tops. I've searched for a gingham top at a bargain price for two years and I think this is finally the right one for me. I hope!

#14 Laura on 2013-03-20 19:51 (Reply)

I ordered two items online (lace tee and one of the $24 dresses) and for the prices, they were pretty cute. Comparable to what you'd find at H&M, maybe slightly better quality than F21. I don't know if this will save JCP because it has many, many problems.

#15 lazypadawan on 2013-03-20 21:29 (Reply)

My JCP is nice and has great merchandise. I like F21 but as a size 14 I can't fit anything, and I'm not crazy about their plus size.

#16 Sherry on 2013-03-21 00:23 (Reply)

Just wanted to put this out there: I didn't mean to imply Forever 21 is better than JCP, but as a shopper "experiencing" the mall, Forever 21 appears dynamic and exciting and full of shoppers (of all ages) whereas JCP feels staid and outdated (except for the new store-within-a-store sections, which I love). Perception is everything!

#16.1 The Budget Babe on 2013-03-21 09:16 (Reply)

I agree. We have the plus size section in our F21 store and it's just a mess. Ton's of prints that don't flatter full-figures at all and see through, cut off tops with strange angles. T-shirts with neon colored faces on them. And the dresses...I won't even go there.Why they can't just make cute plus size versions of their cute tanks/shirts and dresses and leave the heinous prints and scissors behind is beyond me.

#16.2 Nikki on 2013-03-22 10:05 (Reply)

Yes, I love the re-branding of JCP and started a FB page - Bloggers4JCPenney and would love it if you would repost this to it.

#17 Antionette Blake (Homepage) on 2013-03-21 05:55 (Reply)

Unfortunately, there is no JCP near me, unless I drive an hour north or south. But if I happen to be near one soon, I'll definitely check out this line. FYI, I think that JCP must have bought one of Target's direct-mail lists, as I never shop at JPC yet I got a glossy Joe Fresh catalog in the mail last week. It was impressive, and I wouldn't be surprised if JCP is trying to lure Target shoppers away.

#18 Target-Addict (Homepage) on 2013-03-21 08:47 (Reply)

If the pants run big, then I need to run and get them! LOL! I really like JCP and I need to freshen up my wardrobe, so this weekend I may stop in and see what I can get. I feel bad for JCP. I just brought a cute dress from there for $10. Great Quality. I have a hard time shopping at F21, but that might be because I am 30 years old.

#19 DeeFlowers (Homepage) on 2013-03-21 17:15 (Reply)

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