I really dislike shopping, however the last time I brought a black cardigan was about 3 years ago and from J.Crew. It was a well tailored sweater and worth the extra money - spending $20-30 on a sweater is huge to me, (considering when I do shop it's for bargains), however, it lasted, until this summer, (and I have mended it a couple of times)... Did I mention I'm thrifty? I pass the outlet mall every Sunday as I drive to Batavia for church and because of my aversion to malls and shopping I have always simply, drove by... But my day came after visiting with friends after church and needing a sweater, so I called before going, (Doesn't everybody?). I told the young lady who answered the phone exactly what I wanted. She put me on hold to verify that the item was in the store and returned to my call very quickly. She explained that she would hold it at the counter. She also explained how to access their store, since I had never been to the mall and it was in the newer section accessible by Bilter Road. To my surprised, I arrived after my visit about two hours before closing. I walked straight to the counter and asked the only female her name and explained that I called and spoke with her about the sweater. It was there! I felt compelled to explain my attitude about shopping, which I thought was apparent in how I was dressed, (not trendy - almost aged). The young lady was pleasant, professional and very helpful and I am very pleased to say despite my appearance. read more

This is my favorite factory location. Starting from the parking lot. There is a parking lot right by J. Crew making it easy to park and walk straight into J. Crew. The store associates are always friendly and willing to help, i typically have no trouble finding someone to help me. All the store items are neatly organized with a large selection of items available. Its alot cleaner than Rosemont. I tend to stay away from outlets as the experience of these malls are usually overwhelming, messy and crowed, however I dont feel that way about this store or mall. read more

I went to J.Crew for a few items I had seen on the website. When I walked in, several store associates looked at me but never spoke. I saw the same associates greeting other customers, asking to start fitting rooms, and just having a regular conversation. I assume maybe it was because I looked like I already knew what I wanted. I actually couldn't find a few sizes in a few items. It would've been nice if somebody would've asked if they could help. I guess it ended up working out better for me in the long run. I went over to banana republic and Brooks Brothers and received exceptional customer service and I was able to purchase all of the things I need for my upcoming vacation. If I have to give one piece of advice to the staff at J.Crew, it would be to treat each and every guest the same. Or at least make it seem like you're pretending to. read more

If you can avoid being Mufasa'd by the herds of young ladies descending upon all corners of the store, you gentlemen have some good options here. As my first line just might suggest, this store is mostly geared toward women. I was able to fight my way to the back, though, on my way to meeting, for the first time, the clothes I'd one day throw up on. I found some great plaid shirts (referred to on the J Crew website as "washed favorite shirts"). No clothing short of a bathrobe should be this comfortable when you're trying it on at the store.* I also found a rather dashing hunter green sweater. Makes me look like some rugged Hibernian in an Irish Spring commercial. Contrary to Samantha H's experience below, I was able to take advantage of some outlet savings here. My washed shirts were about 60% off their online cost, and the sweater...well, I'm not sure how much the sweater cost. It was coming home with me at any cost. Damn, it's a nice sweater. There's a good number of changing rooms here, so you won't be waiting around forever. But beware; even in this supposedly safe area, you run the risk of being Mufasa'd by the vicious young women shoppers. I was waiting for the next available changing room when an associate asked, "who's next, please?" I hadn't even noticed the young wildebeest behind me. "Oh, I'm next". She proceeded to run right over me with an enormous pile of pants and blouses that she's still not fitting into. I was nonplussed. Just one of those situations when the shamelessness of someone leaves you quite dumbfounded. After escorting my offender into a room, the associate apologized, quietly but profusely. I appreciated this gesture and assured her that it wasn't her fault--there's not much you can do with these kinds of people. She and her colleague were very helpful, asking to fetch other sizes from the floor while I held my room. This wasn't a special favor for a wildebeest victim, though; they were attending to everyone else in a similar manner. Folding clothes all day and dealing with the public is no cushy job, especially around Christmas, so good on them. There was a huge line at the register, but it moved quickly. One poor fellow ahead of me was cradling a mass of clothing, and his girlfriend was still adding to it, darting out of line to add a scarf to the pile here and pairs of gloves there. I imagined the type of conversation that must have taken place between that morning. Her: "Did you gas up my Expedition yet? We need to be at the mall by 10. Him: "Sure babe, sure thing, it's done. Her: "God, this is awful. I have so many places to visit. I have noooooo idea how I'm going to make it everywhere. You're going to need to hold a place in line for me at Coach while I'm at DKNY." Him: "Babe, I was kinda hoping to stop by Nike at some point." Her: "Are you crazy? I don't wear Nike; do you know what they do to those poor children? We don't have any time for that." I hope that guy got laid that night. *If you try on bathrobes at stores, I want to party with you. read more

Ok, so if I could live anywhere it would be in a J Crew catalog... I'd spend my days at the beach in long shorts and tissue thin sweaters, Sundays reading the newspaper in brightly colored skirts and cardigans, occasionally venturing into the city in a pair of crisp twill pants. Sadly, that is not my life-- and not just because I don't want to pay twenty dollars for a tank top. Still, the outlet brings me a step closer to the life I want to live. It's one of the few outlets that sell primarily "made-for-outlet" designs, without really losing the quality of the name brand. The clothes tend to be modeled after the designs that are in season in the regular store, just cheaper! Next step-- save enough on tank tops to buy a beach house. read more

I cannot say enough positive things about the sales staff at this store. They are ALL very friendly, not pushy, and simply, likeable people. This store is always very clean, well organized and laid out. The quality seems pretty fair for an outlet store. I would highly recommend checking this store out! AND, if you are a student, they offer a student discount of 15% off everything but clearance so long as you have your ID. read more

Other than the crowds on the weekends, this place is usually delightful to shop at. I've gone in several times during the week when it's not a mad house and the salespeople have always been helpful and pleasant. This is one of the few outlet stores that actually has outlet clothes. The quality seems to be the same as the regular J. Crew brand but cheaper - which is usually why you're shopping at the outlet anyway. The clothes are usually the same style as what's at the regular stores as well which gives a cohesiveness to the store. Even though they are outlet prices, I wouldn't buy anything unless there was an extra sale going on. I usually find an extra 50% off day and I go crazy buying stuff that I want/need/desire/require. The sizes can be a hit or miss though. I was looking for a 6 in some shorts and they had a few 0's, few 2's, some 4's, no 6's, no 8's, a size 10, no 12's, and some 14's. If you sign up for their emails you can see their sale days and get extra coupons. read more

I really cannot say enough times how nice the staff is. They are always ready to help when you need it and they don't try to push unnecessary products on you. The clothes are still on the pricey side, but factory doesn't mean free. Compared to retail, the clothes are definitely marked down well and if you pay attention to your e-mails, they send out coupons all the time. They also do a discount for teachers and students which is awesome, because not too many stores offer that. For the quality of the clothing and also the quality of the interactions with the workers, the price is definitely worth it. Just a side note, good luck finding parking on the weekends or holidays. That mall seriously did not plan out the parking situation very well when they built the place. read more

Even though it was very busy on a Sunday afternoon (weekend + nice weather = death wish), the fitting room attendants were really helpful. I'm usually hesitant to ask for any assistance in a fitting room, but the two girls back there didn't appear flustered when I asked for a smaller size... or when I came back for a second time to try on the same shirt in a different color. The store is well stocked with a variety of items: t-shirts, blouses, dress pants, sweaters, etc. But I'll warn you: don't fall in love. I had trouble finding several items in a L or XL. However, this may be a paradise for anyone seeking XXS or XS. My most recent purchases included a hot pink, super soft sweater; a sparkly necklace that FEELS expensive, and a cream-colored graphic tee with gold foil roses. I spent less than $100 for all 3 of these items which would never happen at the regular J Crew storefront. read more

I am a frequent shopper with both J Crew & J Crew Factory stores. In fact you guys have a great marketing tool to get people in stores... Have three transactions and get your fourth transaction 20% off. This campaign drove me into one of your stores today. The only store I wanted to visit in fact on my shopping trip. I was disappointed when I presented the manager with the coupon with two in-store transactions & one online transaction receipt & was told that I did not qualify for the 20% discount. Essentially your marketing tool (coupon) got me to drive 20 miles to take advantage of the promotion but once I got into your store was denied. So good job to your marketing team but horrible job with your in-store team at Chicago premium outlets in Aurora Illinois. You had a loyal shopper but now you don't. read more

Best J Crew around-- outlet or otherwise. Sizes were easy to find and the store had a very organized, logical layout. Beth was incredibly friendly and helpful. She was very approachable and went above and beyond in all aspects. read more

Awful customer service. I went there during the Memorial Day sale to buy eight suits and shirts for my wedding. I was able to find the right sizes for six of them, but they did not have sizes for two of my groomsmen. I asked if they could call other stores to find the sizes before I bought the other suits. They said it was too busy to be able to do so at that time, but assured me that if called back after the sale, they would find the remaining sizes. After two separate phone calls and talking with four different employees, I learned that they do not make pants with longer than a 32 inch inseam. Since I need two pairs of pants with greater than a 32 inch inseam, this would have been nice to know BEFORE I bought the other suits. Neither the employee I worked with in the store nor the employee I talked to on the phone yesterday, both of whom I told that I need pants with a 34 and 36 inch inseam, bothered to tell me that those don't exist for J.Crew Factory. Finally, after talking to three different people at the store today, I have learned two valuable lessons - 1. J.Crew Factory has limited pant sizes, 2. Never shop at this store again. read more

Wow! I had a small mistake in my online order and when I called J. Crew Factory, they were amazing! Seriously wonderful! They immediately fixed my order and overnighted what I needed for no additional charge. They were very kind on the phone and so helpful! I will most definitely order again! read more

Went here over the weekend to get some jeans and look at suits for upcoming weddings and NONE of the workers or even the MANAGER greeted or assisted me. But when a kid and his mom came in, they were greeted and assisted immediately and the same thing happened for a man my age when he walked in. I regularly shop at J. Crew stores elsewhere, but this location seems to be stuck up and more geared towards the "lighter crowds." This experience was very disappointing and after leaving, I went to other stores nearby and received great service so I will be taking my business elsewhere from now on. read more

Pixie Pants for alot cheaper than the store/online! Lots of selections.

I was recently at the J Crew store located at The Premium Outlet mall in Aurora Illinois. While in the store, I heard a lovely rendition of the song "I wanna dance with somebody" by Whitney Houston (bless her). My mother and I shared a beautiful moment listening to the song and browsing the quality clothing found in the store. After leaving, we researched and tried to find the song for ourselves. Tragedy struck, as we weren't able to rediscover the sweet melodies we had heard earlier that day. I called the store and spoke to an employee named Anna, who I can only classify as an angel. She told me that she also liked the rendition of the song, but wasn't sure what it was called. She asked me to leave my number and she would call me back if and when the song was played again. I didn't expect a call, to be honest. I understand it's a busy season and people have more important things to do than listen for some song. But, Anna, my hero, my not-so-caped crusader pulled through and called me back with the song. I wanna (one dance) with somebody. I just wanted to write this to commend and thank Anna for all she did for me. She has a golden heart, and deserves many golden stars. Anna, you're the somebody I wanna dance with. Also the clothes I got were 10/10. read more