NEW YORK, Feb 20, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- J.Crew Group Inc. (NYSE: JCG) will open its first flagship Madewell boutique at 486 Broadway in New York City today -- marking the seventh Madewell shop for the hip women's specialty retailer. Once an authentic work wear company from New Bedford, Massachusetts, founded in 1937, Madewell has put its stamp on timeless cool style.

J. Crew Group Chairman and CEO Millard Drexler, who owned the Madewell name just before investing in and joining J.Crew in 2003, says, "We are literally and figuratively now on Broadway. At the end of the day, it's about great style, design and attitude -- New Yorkers just get it."

Since the first Madewell store opened 18 months ago, the brand has quickly gained a following among stylists, artists and celebrities for its tightly-edited assortment of downtown-chic essentials, including garment-dyed denim, washed Italian leather jackets, bright printed scarves, hand-designed graphic tees and Italian suede boots.

The 1882 landmarked 3,000 square-foot, two-story NYC store will feature exclusive items and services including:

• Favorite Finds: A handpicked collection of discoveries from Madewell's favorite designers including Philip Crangi jewelry and Sweet Tater leather belts, plus vintage photographs and memorabilia collected at antique markets worldwide.
• The Made-in-Madewell Series: A Saturday afternoon series in the store featuring eclectic "How-To" workshops and special appearances from buzzed-about New York artists, designers and editors. (This Saturday features Subversive Cross Stitch and their cult following)
• Guest DJ's: A permanent DJ Booth on the 2nd floor will feature some of the hottest "it-girl" NYC DJs, including DJ Cat and DJ Elhaam on an ongoing basis.
• The Madewell Denim Bar: Denim experts will be on hand daily to help customers find their perfect fits.

There are currently six Madewell shops including: Los Angeles, Austin and Short Hills. Madewell1937.com also features an assortment of looks available for purchase by calling 866-544-1937. Customers will be able to purchase directly from the site this May.

About the Building

"Madewell has been around for over 70 years -- the store should feel the same way, but refreshed," states Drexler. Dating back to 1882, the Romanesque Revival landmark building was originally The Mechanics and Traders' Bank of Manhattan (whose vault still remains in the basement). Wanting to preserve the integrity, original charm and details of the building, the architect's mission was not to over-design the space. The original shell and soaring windows remain, but the century-old molding and flooring will be complemented with modern silver and Lucite fixtures. The challenge was to see through the layers of wear and tear, knowing that the store would look just as great 100 years from now as it does today. It's a perfect fit for Madewell.

Madewell NYC
486 Broadway at Broome Street
New York, New York 10012
Ph. 212. 226. 6954

Certain statements about future store openings are "forward-looking statements" made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectations or beliefs concerning future events and may differ significantly from current expectations. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including the availability of suitable store locations and other factors which are set forth in the Company's Form 10-K and in all filings made with the SEC made by the Company subsequent to the filing of the Form 10-K. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE J.Crew Group Inc.

http://www.jcrew.com