LONDON, November 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Store on Regent Street Marks New Phase in Retailer's International Expansion

J.Crew Group, Inc. has announced that it will open its first store outside of North America on Regent Street, in the heart of London's premier shopping district. The retailer secured a 17,000-square-feet location on the corner of Regent Street and New Burlington Street. The site is currently under development and will open its doors in late 2013.

The Regent Street location will house separate women's and men's stores-each with its own designated entrance-along with crewcuts, J.Crew's destination for kids. The women's store will feature a carefully edited selection including J.Crew Collection in the most special fabrics and prints, Italian cashmere and a dedicated shoe and handbag salon. The Men's Shop will offer the full range of the renowned Ludlow suit, shirting, shoes and everything in-between alongside items from J.Crew's "In Good Company"-a collection of brand partnerships hand selected by the design team.

"London was an easy decision-it's a place where people understand and respect the integrity of great style and great design. We share this appreciation and are excited to introduce J.Crew to more customers throughout the UK," said Millard Drexler, Chairman and Chief Executive of J.Crew Group, Inc.

Over the last decade, J.Crew has gained international attention through its dedication to quality, timeless design and customer service.  From its partnerships with the finest European mills and fabric houses to its Italian cashmere and shoes made in Italy, J.Crew has built a loyal following all over the world.   J.Crew launched online (http://www.jcrew.com) in over 100 countries globally in late March 2012.

J.Crew acquired the lease from The Crown Estate.

About J.Crew Group, Inc.  

J.Crew Group, Inc. is an internationally recognized multi-channel retailer of women's, men's and children's apparel, shoes and accessories. As of November 27, 2012, the company operates 295 retail stores (including 250 J.Crew stores 8 crewcuts stores and 45 Madewell stores), the J.Crew catalogue business, jcrew.com, jcrewfactory.com, madewell.com, the Madewell catalog and 106 Factory stores. J Crew merchandise was first made available in the UK in May 2010 with a partnership with Net-a-porter.com. Additionally, certain product, press release and SEC filing information concerning the company is available at the company's website, jcrew.com.

About The Crown Estate

Regent Street is owned by the Regent Street Partnership, which comprises The Crown Estate and Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM). NBIM, which manages the Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global, has a 150 year lease on a 25 per cent stake in the Street. The Crown Estate continues to directly manage the properties on behalf of the partnership and retains the freehold interest.

Since 2002 The Crown Estate has been implementing a comprehensive £1 billion regeneration programme in Regent Street to transform the Street into an international destination for business and retail.  The Regent Street Partnership will continue to implement and develop this programme.

The Crown Estate manages a highly diverse property business valued at more than £8 billion.

The Crown Estate manages a diverse property portfolio which includes office, retail and industrial premises; housing; farmland; forestry and minerals; parkland; and around half the foreshore and almost all the seabed around the UK.

For more information, please contact:
Andrew Murray-Watson, Mission PR
Tel: +44-207-8457800
Mobile:  +44-7515-695232
Email: andrew@thisismission.com