Exciting News For J.Crew Mens!

A big "thanks!" to Simon and David (in this post) who shared with us the following articles with fantastic news.

Breaking: J.Crew Men's Joining Topshop on Broadway
By Leslie Price
October 15, 2008
Racked (click here)

This is some mind-blowing late-in-the-day news right here: J.Crew will be opening another men's shop (a la their Liquor Store location) in Soho. The store will take the space that currently houses Universal News at 484 Broadway, which is right next door to the giant Topshop store set to open in March. From DNR: "The size and opening date have not been determined, but it is expected to debut in early 2009." Will it beat Topshop? Probably.

Muytjens to Head Men’s Design at J.Crew
By Jean E. Palmieri
Oct. 15, 2008
DNR News (click here)

NEW YORK — J.Crew is changing its top men’s merchant and will open its third freestanding men’s store in Soho next year.

Effective Monday, Frank Muytjens, currently senior design director within the men’s area, will be elevated to vice-president of men’s design. He will succeed Todd Snyder, senior vice-president of men’s design, who will exit the company on Nov. 14, reportedly in preparation of launching his own men’s collection for fall ’09.

Muytjens, whose background includes Polo Ralph Lauren, officially takes over the men’s design duties on Monday. He had worked with Snyder at J. Crew for the past several years.

Men’s wear has been a priority of late for the specialty store chain. In August, the company unveiled its first standalone men’s store in the site of the former Liquor Store Bar in Tribeca. The 925-square-foot jewelbox at 235 West Broadway has set a new standard with its unique merchandising techniques.

Another men’s only store is set to debut at the Garden State Plaza mall in Paramus, N.J. on Nov. 14.

The third store will be located next to Madewell and Topshop/Topman on Broadway. The size and opening date have not been determined, but it is expected to debut in early 2009. It will take over a site currently occupied by a newsstand.

Very exciting news indeed! I am sorry to hear Todd Snyder's exit, but I look forward to seeing Mutjens vision for the men' side of the business. I am also excited to hear that J.Crew will open another men-only clothing store in NYC. Hopefully, the economy will be in a better position by the time it opens. :)

What are your thoughts on the article? What do you think of Snyder's exit and Mutjens new position? Do you think you will visit the new men's store? :)