J Crew Kenton Sahara plain toe Interest Thread

13

Comments

  • Castle007Castle007 Posts: 44MI6 Agent
    Not sure if anyone else has emailed the link and received a reply but I did and here’s the reply I received:

    Hello,

    While I can't say for certain, if or when the boots will be available again, I appreciate your feedback. I recommend checking our site periodically, as our inventory is dynamic and changes often.

    Please let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns. Have a wonderful day!

    Best,
    Clarissa V
    J.Crew Customer Service
  • DB6DB6 EnglandPosts: 1,196MI6 Agent
    Disappointing but not a surprise :(

    Given that a run would have to include a certain number in a range of sizes to make it viable they probably don't regard 50 as 'demand' for normal commercial production.

    I wonder if we could reach out to them with a special order i.e. specific numbers in specific sizes as has been done successfully with Tom Ford?

    I'm happy to lead on this but have no special contacts at J Crew - does anyone have any contacts other than their generic customer info email?

    It might even be we could show them how some companies respond to customer demand so very well.....
    My name has changed! I’m no longer dufus......now I’m DB6
  • What's most disappointing is that I was told by three different people that if I gathered interest and submitted it,
    they would forward that information to the department responsible for reissuing and choosing next season items,
    but after everything, I feel it didn't go past customer service and a generic "Sorry not this season" response.

    Really? it's not available? Tell me something I don't know.

    It comes back to the classic expression: Actions speak louder than words.
  • MikeG77MikeG77 Posts: 1,778MI6 Agent
    MrE,

    Very disappointing and I'm sorry to hear that you were mislead but everyone appreciates you taking the initiative and trying to get this done!

    Thanks,

    Mike
    I know where you keep your gun!
  • BondClothingBondClothing Posts: 383MI6 Agent
    I think we should just blast them with emails!
    Lifestyle guide to the products and locations featured in the James Bond films.
  • James BrosnanJames Brosnan Posts: 865MI6 Agent
    I emailed them too and just got a generic response as well. I guess they don't realize that these kind of connections make us lifelong customers or not. I was going to buy a Jcrew polo for work because of the Bond connection. I will be looking elsewhere now.
    "Whoever she was, I must have scared the living daylights out of her." & "Tell mother I died game."
    CR/QoS, TLD, DN, GE, TSWLM, LTK, TND, TWiNE, TMWTGG, TB
    http://www.iconicalternatives.com/author/james-brosnan/
    https://www.instagram.com/shawn.michael.bongiorno/
  • 007Downunder007Downunder Hobart, Australia Posts: 374MI6 Agent
    I emailed them too and just got a generic response as well. I guess they don't realize that these kind of connections make us lifelong customers or not. I was going to buy a Jcrew polo for work because of the Bond connection. I will be looking elsewhere now.
    I too received a generic response with a suggestion that I go to website and add to wishlist.
    I then told them that facility not an option but that I signed up for updates generally
    Anthony
  • 007JBDCMWR007JBDCMWR Posts: 2,526MI6 Agent
    edited October 2017
    I think we should bear in mind here gents that they are a huge company, a few (which 50 in reality is) customers seeking one boot isnt really a viable business proposition to make from cust services to the board

    And bear in mind as a selling line, they had to clearance it to shift stock at the time

    Im pretty sure they will reissue it anyway as its a classic design
    Skewered, one sympathises...

    1. CR. 2. TSWLM. 3. LTK. 4. GF. 5. SF.
  • James BrosnanJames Brosnan Posts: 865MI6 Agent
    I inquired about a dedicated run just for us and got this back:

    "I’m so sorry, but we aren’t able to make a special order for these boots. I’ve shared your interest in the boots and should they become available, they’ll be featured on our website. I recommend checking it from time to time to see if they are being offered. If you have further questions, feel free to reach out."

    I think we just arnt getting to anyone who has the authority to run the numbers on this sort of thing. Additionally, customer service isn't going to realize how many people are watching this and deciding that JCrew really isn't the Bond Brand they want to give their business to because of the cold shoulder like this. Not really sure how to get in touch with someone with the authority to be more creative regarding striking a deal. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know and I can keep pushing onward. -{
    "Whoever she was, I must have scared the living daylights out of her." & "Tell mother I died game."
    CR/QoS, TLD, DN, GE, TSWLM, LTK, TND, TWiNE, TMWTGG, TB
    http://www.iconicalternatives.com/author/james-brosnan/
    https://www.instagram.com/shawn.michael.bongiorno/
  • Castle007Castle007 Posts: 44MI6 Agent
    You know, I’ve been thinking about this for a while. Has anyone ever seen the Aldo Meggiano boot? It looks virtually identical to the Kenton except for the laces. Maybe we could try convincing Aldo to re-issue the Meggiano if it seems increasingly apparent that J Crew won’t play ball.
  • CommandantCommandant Posts: 1,374MI6 Agent
    Castle007 wrote:
    You know, I’ve been thinking about this for a while. Has anyone ever seen the Aldo Meggiano boot? It looks virtually identical to the Kenton except for the laces. Maybe we could try convincing Aldo to re-issue the Meggiano if it seems increasingly apparent that J Crew won’t play ball.


    This is a good idea, but I'm not sure Aldo will be interested.
    This specific model was on sale for a while on their internet site and in their shop.
  • Castle007Castle007 Posts: 44MI6 Agent
    Commandant wrote:
    This is a good idea, but I'm not sure Aldo will be interested.
    This specific model was on sale for a while on their internet site and in their shop.

    It couldn’t hurt to try. We already know what J. Crew’s response is, maybe Aldo’s will be different. I’d be willing to spearhead this one if someone wants to point me in the right direction. Also, would it be safe to assume that interest levels would be the same, in terms of numbers, that they were for the Kenton? Maybe Aldo could be convinced to do a limited run similarly to Tom Ford items in the past.
  • James BrosnanJames Brosnan Posts: 865MI6 Agent
    I had the Jcrew Kenton's in the wrong size, and I own the Aldo. In terms of appearance, the two are nearly identical. However, the quality of the the Jcrew is much better. If no one posts it by tonight, I'll take a pic of the Aldo's info, so you can submit a request. They are a good boot and I would buy a second pair. -{
    "Whoever she was, I must have scared the living daylights out of her." & "Tell mother I died game."
    CR/QoS, TLD, DN, GE, TSWLM, LTK, TND, TWiNE, TMWTGG, TB
    http://www.iconicalternatives.com/author/james-brosnan/
    https://www.instagram.com/shawn.michael.bongiorno/
  • Castle007Castle007 Posts: 44MI6 Agent
    I had the Jcrew Kenton's in the wrong size, and I own the Aldo. In terms of appearance, the two are nearly identical. However, the quality of the the Jcrew is much better. If no one posts it by tonight, I'll take a pic of the Aldo's info, so you can submit a request. They are a good boot and I would buy a second pair. -{

    Excellent. Like I said, J. Crew doesn’t seem like they’re very into the idea of re-issuing the Kenton anytime soon, if at all, so the Meggiano seems to me like the best alternative.
  • James BrosnanJames Brosnan Posts: 865MI6 Agent
    Well, I got through like 5 layers of customer service, each one trying to politely tell me to let it be, but I seem to have hit the brick wall:

    "Your email was forwarded our way because we handle high level inquires like yours. While we don’t have a process in place to special order items at this time, we’ll definitely keep your inquiry in mind as we move forward."

    If what this person is saying is true, then JCrew is just incapable of doing a special run. So, a rerelease could be the only option. they will likely need many more interested parties to make a rerelease worth it. I will talk with this person and see if we have any options

    Castle007, I totally forgot to get the pics of the Aldo's, but I will get them! -{
    "Whoever she was, I must have scared the living daylights out of her." & "Tell mother I died game."
    CR/QoS, TLD, DN, GE, TSWLM, LTK, TND, TWiNE, TMWTGG, TB
    http://www.iconicalternatives.com/author/james-brosnan/
    https://www.instagram.com/shawn.michael.bongiorno/
  • rebentonrebenton Birmingham ALPosts: 276MI6 Agent
    Just my two cents, but thinking like a business maybe it would be better to appeal to the potential demand for these boots. There’s 40 or so of us currently checking this board that are interested. Traffic always picks up when the movies are coming up. Think of the people who read this board but aren’t members. The publicity that could be had by sites like “The Bond Connection” and “James Bond Lifestyle”. Instead of trying to sell a limited run, try to sell what the connection to Bond really means. Think how fast Bond related items go when they’re available. Tell them how this can benefit their business and you might get a better response.

    Hope this helps.
  • DB6DB6 EnglandPosts: 1,196MI6 Agent
    More great news from J Crew customer service!

    I asked J Crew customer service about getting the same soles from the boots to replace worn ones (as they are Goodyear welted and they advertise them as being able to be resoled, giving many years of wear etc etc) and here's the response:

    "so sorry to share, we don’t offer replacement soles for the boots and we’re unable to suggest a specific website for ordering. I’d recommend reaching out to a local cobbler to see if they carry the EVA soles or if they are able to order them for you. Alternatively, you may also search online to see if they are offered by an alternate retailer."

    I wasn't expecting them to sell them but their "customer service" is very disappointing.

    "My apologies for any inconvenience caused. If there is anything else we can assist you with, please feel free to reach out - we’re available 24/7" (from the same email)

    Based on our experience of them, I very much doubt the small scale consumer interest we could generate will have any impact.

    Looking online I think it will be a challenge to find the same brick red EVA sole with the same tread pattern - has anyone found them?
    My name has changed! I’m no longer dufus......now I’m DB6
  • James BrosnanJames Brosnan Posts: 865MI6 Agent
    rebenton wrote:
    Just my two cents, but thinking like a business maybe it would be better to appeal to the potential demand for these boots. There’s 40 or so of us currently checking this board that are interested. Traffic always picks up when the movies are coming up. Think of the people who read this board but aren’t members. The publicity that could be had by sites like “The Bond Connection” and “James Bond Lifestyle”. Instead of trying to sell a limited run, try to sell what the connection to Bond really means. Think how fast Bond related items go when they’re available. Tell them how this can benefit their business and you might get a better response.

    Hope this helps.

    Well, ya know what they say man, great minds think alike. That's exactly the strategy I tried with my reply email. I explained the other brands that have been able to capitalize on the franchise connection and how a reissue would create life-long customers and I now got this:

    "Totally hear you and sorry if Sandi’s email created any confusion – I don’t think she realized that I had already spoken with the appropriate parties. Sorry to say I’m not able to put you in touch with them directly, but did discuss the possibility of reissuing the boot, and while it’s not something we can accommodate at this time, we’ll keep your thoughts in mind for the future. Apologies for any disappointment, but that’s where we stand for now."

    As with most things in life, it's all about who you are and who you know. I am both nobody and I know nobody :))
    "Whoever she was, I must have scared the living daylights out of her." & "Tell mother I died game."
    CR/QoS, TLD, DN, GE, TSWLM, LTK, TND, TWiNE, TMWTGG, TB
    http://www.iconicalternatives.com/author/james-brosnan/
    https://www.instagram.com/shawn.michael.bongiorno/
  • Castle007Castle007 Posts: 44MI6 Agent
    Well I tried emailing Aldo’s customer service centre through their website but for some reason, despite my repeated attempts, the emails didn’t go through. I’ll have to figure something else out.
  • A new pair on ebay, size US 9.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/J-Crew-Kenton-Sahara-Plain-Toe-suede-boots-US-9-NIB-James-Bond-007/362139988321?hash=item545139b161:g:eNAAAOSwZW5Z7n7B

    Appear to be overpriced, but then again a used/ink stained pair sold for $300, so maybe not.
  • DB6DB6 EnglandPosts: 1,196MI6 Agent
    A new pair on ebay, size US 9.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/J-Crew-Kenton-Sahara-Plain-Toe-suede-boots-US-9-NIB-James-Bond-007/362139988321?hash=item545139b161:g:eNAAAOSwZW5Z7n7B

    Appear to be overpriced, but then again a used/ink stained pair sold for $300, so maybe not.

    Given that they were £228 new (I think) that's not too bad really.......If they were my size I'd be tempted!
    My name has changed! I’m no longer dufus......now I’m DB6
  • Westward_DriftWestward_Drift Posts: 3,113MI6 Agent
    A new pair on ebay, size US 9.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/J-Crew-Kenton-Sahara-Plain-Toe-suede-boots-US-9-NIB-James-Bond-007/362139988321?hash=item545139b161:g:eNAAAOSwZW5Z7n7B

    Appear to be overpriced, but then again a used/ink stained pair sold for $300, so maybe not.

    The ebay seller is well known around here. He ended up getting banned.
  • Castle007Castle007 Posts: 44MI6 Agent
    A new pair on ebay, size US 9.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/J-Crew-Kenton-Sahara-Plain-Toe-suede-boots-US-9-NIB-James-Bond-007/362139988321?hash=item545139b161:g:eNAAAOSwZW5Z7n7B

    Appear to be overpriced, but then again a used/ink stained pair sold for $300, so maybe not.

    The ebay seller is well known around here. He ended up getting banned.

    What did he do?
  • Dirty PunkerDirty Punker ...Your Eyes Only, darling."Posts: 2,587MI6 Agent
    Castle007 wrote:
    A new pair on ebay, size US 9.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/J-Crew-Kenton-Sahara-Plain-Toe-suede-boots-US-9-NIB-James-Bond-007/362139988321?hash=item545139b161:g:eNAAAOSwZW5Z7n7B

    Appear to be overpriced, but then again a used/ink stained pair sold for $300, so maybe not.

    The ebay seller is well known around here. He ended up getting banned.

    What did he do?
    ditto.
    Anyone we'd know?
    a reasonable rate of return
  • James BrosnanJames Brosnan Posts: 865MI6 Agent
    Castle007 wrote:
    Well I tried emailing Aldo’s customer service centre through their website but for some reason, despite my repeated attempts, the emails didn’t go through. I’ll have to figure something else out.

    That sucks to hear. I wish you the best of luck on this. I finally got around to taking pictures of the Aldo's, as my little guy gave me a break last night from the terrible 2's. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any product code on the boot themselves, and I didn't keep the box. Here are the pics though, hope they help in some way:


    IMG_9263.jpg

    IMG_9264.jpg

    IMG_9265.jpg

    Note that the laces are not the originals, they were much darker and I don't have them anymore. These laces are not as good as close in color as I would prefer, but they work for now.

    All the best
    "Whoever she was, I must have scared the living daylights out of her." & "Tell mother I died game."
    CR/QoS, TLD, DN, GE, TSWLM, LTK, TND, TWiNE, TMWTGG, TB
    http://www.iconicalternatives.com/author/james-brosnan/
    https://www.instagram.com/shawn.michael.bongiorno/
  • Castle007Castle007 Posts: 44MI6 Agent
    Thanks, I’ll figure out a way to get a hold of someone and see what I can do.
  • Castle007Castle007 Posts: 44MI6 Agent
    Also, is anyone able to shed some light on why that Ebay seller that someone mentioned a few posts above got banned? I’m trying to decide whether I should pull the trigger on buying the Kenton’s he’s selling.
  • Westward_DriftWestward_Drift Posts: 3,113MI6 Agent
    edited October 2017
    Castle007 wrote:
    Also, is anyone able to shed some light on why that Ebay seller that someone mentioned a few posts above got banned? I’m trying to decide whether I should pull the trigger on buying the Kenton’s he’s selling.

    He was on the site only to flip items for a quick profit. One sale went very wrong. I can't recall his user name here unfortunately (it was similar to his eBay user name) and haven't had any luck with searching for the threads. Regarding the eBay item, you do have eBay and Paypal protections, so whether you want to submit a Best Offer to him is up to you.
    Dufus wrote:
    More great news from J Crew customer service!

    I asked J Crew customer service about getting the same soles from the boots to replace worn ones (as they are Goodyear welted and they advertise them as being able to be resoled, giving many years of wear etc etc) and here's the response:

    "so sorry to share, we don’t offer replacement soles for the boots and we’re unable to suggest a specific website for ordering. I’d recommend reaching out to a local cobbler to see if they carry the EVA soles or if they are able to order them for you. Alternatively, you may also search online to see if they are offered by an alternate retailer."

    I wasn't expecting them to sell them but their "customer service" is very disappointing.

    "My apologies for any inconvenience caused. If there is anything else we can assist you with, please feel free to reach out - we’re available 24/7" (from the same email)

    Based on our experience of them, I very much doubt the small scale consumer interest we could generate will have any impact.

    Looking online I think it will be a challenge to find the same brick red EVA sole with the same tread pattern - has anyone found them?

    I've been tempted to find a pair in Boulder or the Pacer boot just for the sole. Also, while not as comfortable, red dainite is available.
  • DB6DB6 EnglandPosts: 1,196MI6 Agent
    I have a pair of the shoe version of the Kenton plain toe in Sahara and may well get a red dainite sole put on them to replace the crepe sole they came with.

    Imagine it will give a very similar look. I’ll post pics when I’ve had them done.

    Zalando have the shoe version currently on offer at £115.
    My name has changed! I’m no longer dufus......now I’m DB6
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,458MI6 Agent
    Castle007 wrote:
    Also, is anyone able to shed some light on why that Ebay seller that someone mentioned a few posts above got banned? I’m trying to decide whether I should pull the trigger on buying the Kenton’s he’s selling.
    I think he was the guy trying sell some TF108's which were dubious.
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
Sign In or Register to comment.