Lake Minnetonka Residents Hold Vigil for Closing J Crew

MINNETONKA — “Lakehouse” scented Anthropologie candles covered the 22 miles that spanned Lake Minnetonka as citizens held a vigil for the closing J.Crew store that once held a place between the Banana Republic and the former Marshall Fields. Many held signs featuring the J.Crew logo and phrases such as “Forever In Our Closets,” and “Pattern Mixing Gone, But Never Forgotten.” The mourning peaked as a slideshow began outside of Maynards featuring the Minnetonka residents’ favorite outfits throughout the years, bringing the entire crowd to a frenzy of tears.   

“It’s a loss that can never be replaced,” said Amanda Johnson, Lake Minnetonka resident and aspiring social media influencer. “We’re not sure how we’re supposed to feel represented in the retail community without a J.Crew that we can access regularly. We hope that this brings light to how necessary affluent casual wear really is.”

After announcing that over 10 stores would be closing across the country, at least a hundred local citizens expressed their outrage by immediately purchasing necessities such as cashmere socks, plaid jackets, multicolored button-up shirts and fuzzy blankets by the case at the Southdale location. 

“We hoped that our actions would call attention to the corporate office that this store is a staple in our community,” said Jake Andrews, Minnetonka High School Sailing Team Captain. “We wouldn’t be able to get our team sailing shorts with custom rope tie at the waist without J. Crew. We’re determined to keep local businesses running!” 

Despite the endless town hall meetings, weekly luncheons, and Paint and Sips to raise funds to keep the retail chain afloat, the citizens have said their final goodbye.