Just walking through a couple retailers made me realize how crucial it is for merchandisers, buyers, and the team that sets the look and mood for a store to somehow nail the feel of their customers. Some stores nailed it, while others bombed.
Winners:
JCrew. They went gangbusters this season by approaching their clothes with a ladylike air that just stepped off the train from Paris, the mountains of Scotland, or some other place that harkens the imagination. Everyone was surprised at how cute most of their jewelry turned out to be, but they balanced price with quality in their enamel pieces, particularly with the fleur-de-lis locket that I wrote about in an earlier post. Their Lexington (shown left in grey) and Bella jackets, two pieces that epitomized refinement were huge smash hits. Other pieces were called attention to because they borrowed patterns directly from the ’50s and ’60s (like the bateau sweater).
Losers:
Express. There was a time when you could find a good deal at this store, mixing it with pieces to pull together a cool look. Well, not this season. Their decision to not stay the course of quality showed. The fit of many clothes left much to be desired, and the clothes looked cheap — definitely not what women tend to be going for these days. There sizes also seem to have gone up, as their items seem to have newly forsaken the petite girls. They used to sell cashmere sweaters that were well cut to flatter the female figure — let’s hope they revisit their old files from this era. By the look of their new marquis image at left that emphasizes glamour, it looks like they’re getting the message and repositioning.
Jasmine Sola. I just don’t get how clothes that 
look so cheap can cost so much. This store is boasting sales on all their merchandise; it just seems like they missed the boat this season. And their signs that advertise this fact look like they came from a dollar store. At least they’re finally offering a somewhat decent return policy.
Coach. I don’t know what it is, but I don’t feel that excitement when I walk into the store. The bags all seem pretty much “been there while wearing that two years ago,” and while some are solid designs, they just don’t seem to quicken the 
pulse. This bag, the Leigh leather pocket flap, basically rehashes the Legacy bags from last season, just changing it with tilted pockets and chain handles.
