Nordstrom doubles down on J. Crew brand

Nordstrom and J. Crew Group are expanding a merchandising partnership.



Nordstrom is doubling the number of stores that will carry J. Crew’s Madewell brand of women’s apparel items and accessories.



The department store retailer plans to expand the number of stores carrying Madewell products from 15 to 30 by the end of July, with Nordstrom.com also offering Madewell goods. Nordstrom is the only U.S. retailer to sell a broad assortment of Madewell merchandise, outside of Madewell stores.



“Our customers are responding very well online and in the first 15 stores where we launched Madewell earlier this spring and the Madewell team has been great to work with,” said Tricia Smith, Nordstrom executive VP and general merchandise manager of women's apparel. “We're always looking for ways to evolve our offering to be more relevant and the Madewell brand has been a great addition to our merchandise mix.”



J. Crew is expanding its end of the partnership as the retailer is cutting jobs and planning to open a discount banner. Madwell products have been selling well even as overall J. Crew sales have been falling. E-commerce retailer Net-a-Porter also sells Madewell goods online.