J. Crew in good company

Retail is such a tough business especially when the national unemployment rate stands in 10% or there about.  J. Crew, an quintessential American brand that got White House seal of approval from day 1 still holds its edge against also ran Gap.  That doesn't mean J. Crew is resting on its laurels, it's reinventing itself by selling other brands that kind of jibe with J. Crew's style and aesthetic.  Most other stores, notably H&M, Target and Uniqlo have partnered with famed brands (read ridiculously high prized merchandise) to create a one off collection that is affordable to the fashion conscious yet cash strapped crowd.  J. Crew's "in good company" brands however are for the most part equal or slightly higher echelon merchandise that have the same or in most cases a higher price point.  In that regard, J. Crews is really thinking sort of outside the box and against the trend of collaborations.  A very clean very minimal Mackintosh is retailing for $800, hardly a bargain for most people.  I am pleasantly surprised it also carries one of my all time favorites, the Blundstone 500 for $145, a seemingly reasonable price.  And finally one can buy a pair vintage looking Levi's from J. Crew that you can't even buy from Levi's.  As ridiculous as it seems, that's what it is now, the US Levi's site would only sell affordable Levi's in the $30 to $60 range.  I think it's time for Obama to get on with the J.Crew band wagon, just like his wife and daughters.  The guy got a good physique yet he continues to wear high waisted loose or comfort fit old man jeans.