Nordstrom to sell J.Crew clothes

J. Crew Group’s flagship chain will start selling an assortment of women’s clothes at Nordstrom stores, part of a push to revive growth at the moribund apparel brand.

J. Crew will introduce the collection on Sept. 12 in 16 Nordstrom locations, as well as the department store’s website, according to a statement Monday. The move builds on an existing partnership with Nordstrom, which already sells J. Crew’s Madewell brand in 76 stores and online.

“This was an easy decision,” J. Crew chief executive officer Mickey Drexler said in the statement. “We both share the same high standards of customer service and store experience. Additionally, we are known for exceptional design, quality and style, which we know will appeal to the Nordstrom customer.”

J. Crew is looking for ways to win back shoppers — especially women — after price increases and a shift away from classic styles alienated customers. The retailer has revamped its merchandise, but same-store sales have slid during the past seven straight quarters. As part of his turnaround plan, Drexler also has opened more off-price stores and expanded Madewell, the New York-based retailer’s younger, hipper brand.

The agreement with Nordstrom is the only one of its kind in the U.S., and not a push toward selling more clothes through other chains, J. Crew said on Monday.