Pretty Soon You’ll Be Able to Buy Madewell at Nordstrom and Net-a-Porter

Fans of Madewell, J.Crew’s edgier, denim-centric little sister, are likely aware that the brand is basically only sold in Madewell stores and online. However, come February 24th, these restrictions will be a thing of the past. Fashionista reports:

“As early as Feb. 24, over 70 Madewell pieces will go on sale at Nordstrom.com, followed by arrivals in 15 Nordstrom stores on March 6. On Feb. 25,  Net-a-Porter will begin selling 50 Madewell products. International shipping will be available on Madewell.com sometime before year’s end. The first shipments to both retailers have focused heavily on denim.”

Big changes are coming, friends.

Though it’s a notable foray into third-party retailers, it’s not the first time; Madewell has been sold at Shopbop.com since 2009. (Similarly, J.Crew has been carried at Net-a-Porter since 2010.)

Coupled with its new international availability and reports that Madewell will open 15 new standalone stores in 2015 (they opened a Rittenhouse location in October of 2013), this will cause major exposure for the brand. However, as mentioned by Fashionista, it will be interesting to see how the rarely discounted brand handles the promotions more liberally offered by department stores. Head designer Somsack Sikhounmuong says, “It is the nature of doing that kind of business, wholesaling, so we get it.”

Could this be an indicator of more department store and e-boutique placements? That remains unclear, but there’s no debating that Madewell is on the up and up and making major retail moves. We confirmed that the line will be carried at Nordstrom in the King of Prussia mall, though its arrival date is still TBD. J.Crew, your move.