J.Hilburn Newsroom

Category: My Business

  • Operations Update: Announcing our New Fabric Status Classifications

    We understand how frustrating it is for you to place a Client’s order and then discover that it can’t be fulfilled because the fabric, lining, or trims are out of stock. This isn’t the 5-star service we wish to provide to you and your Client.

    To ensure your order can indeed be made, we are implementing new fabric status classifications and rules. This is to avoid order delays that cause you and your Client frustration, decreased confidence, and overall dissatisfaction with the order.

    To ensure that your order can be made, we’re making the following changes in our order process workflow:

    Effective Thursday, May 22, you will be able to place orders only for fabrics that are in stock.

    To enable this to happen, we have classified all fabrics as being: 

    • In Stock: available at the Factory, and ORDERS ARE ALLOWED
    • Low Quantity: available but limited stock at the Factory, and ORDERS ARE ALLOWED. Replenishment may be on the way, but current inventory is low.
    • Temporarily Out of Stock: not available at the Factory, and ORDERS ARE NOT ALLOWED. However, there is an estimated time of arrival (ETA) of replenishment stock.
    • Sold Out: not available at the Factory, no plan for replenishment, and ORDERS ARE NOT ALLOWED.

    These Fabric Status Classifications mean that:

    • Pre-orders will no longer be accepted; and
    • Back-orders will no longer be accepted.
    • All Pre-Ordered or Back-Ordered fabrics will now be classified as Temporarily Out of Stock.

    However, please keep Sold Out swatches, as sometimes we reissue fabrics in an upcoming season.

  • Introducing a New, Improved JESSI to Elevate your J.Hilburn Business 

    Over the past year, several teams within J.Hilburn—especially Stylist Support, Sales, and Technology—have been evaluating how we can help you, as a Stylist, to use AI in a way that gives you an immense competitive advantage in managing your J.Hilburn business. Our goal is to equip you with AI-driven tools that streamline your workflow, enhance client service, and support sustainable business growth.

    There were many challenges to overcome, such as bringing our AI efforts in-house, developing and refining new technologies from the ground up, and making them easily available to all Stylists. We are now happy to announce a new, improved JESSI available to you in the J.Hilburn Stylist App on iPad and iPhone.  

    Click below to watch an overview of our improved JESSI:

    Our improved JESSI was made with an obsessive attention to quality that is at the heart of J.Hilburn. With a deep contextual understanding of the conversations you have with your Clients, and up-to-date access to product availability, JESSI will be your go-to personal assistant, accessible to you 24/7! Below are some example questions that you can now ask JESSI within the iPad and iPhone app. 

    What kinds of questions can JESSI answer? 

    In addition to questions about the business process, such as the remake/return policy, regular promotions, and other timeless J.Hilburn information, you can now also ask questions about products and inventory! 

    Examples of prompts and messages to send

    Following are examples of the types of questions and prompts that you can send to JESSI about product-specific questions, fabrics, and garment recommendations: 

    • “My Client really likes the NI60. Recommend other shirts that are similar.” 
    • “Recommend some sportcoats that use Loro Piana fabric.” 
    • “Recommend sportcoats in linen.” 
    • “What trousers use silk in their construction?” 
    • “Tell me about which collar options are available for button-down shirts.” 
    • “Which corozo buttons are available for sportcoats?” 
    • “What is the difference between a plaid and windowpane pattern?” 

    Below are actual conversations with JESSI  based on the example prompts above: 

    How reliable are JESSI’s product recommendations?

    When you ask about J.Hilburn products, JESSI will infer which clothing items you’re searching for and then suggest items from among the top 50 relevant results. Because JESSI operates on a proprietary, custom-made J.Hilburn workflow, JESSI’s responses are over 90% accurate on the day’s inventory. However, for low in stock items, we recommend that you contact Stylist Support to make sure that the item is still in stock before offering it to your Client.  

    How can you correct and improve JESSI’s responses?

    If you suspect that JESSI told you something inaccurate, simply respond in the chat with what you feel the correct answer should be. JESSI will now remember that information for the rest of the conversation. However, in new conversations, these corrections won’t transfer over unless they are deemed essential information for our internal quality assurance review.  

    What is out of scope for JESSI?

    While JESSI is much more advanced than the original version, it doesn’t have access to much of the information and functionality within the iPad app. It also cannot act on your behalf to run business processes for you. This functionality is presented within the iPad app. 

    JESSI also will not search the web or present third-party information that is not within its training. This is to help keep the responses relevant to your J.Hilburn business while minimizing hallucinations (falsehoods) that are sometimes propagated by AI models.  

    How will JESSI continue to improve?

    JESSI is built on top of state-of-the-art Large Language Models (LLMs) like Gemini using the Artificial Intelligence technique of Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG). Essentially, Every time you ask a question, this technique retrieves relevant information about J.Hilburn in a way that improves the relevance of the answer to your business.

    Currently, we are looking at adding additional information to JESSI’s knowledge base, such as Newsroom articles and common tickets that Stylist Support receives. As well, there are several promising techniques to allow JESSI to act on your behalf and automate specific processes around Client communication.   While JESSI has already evolved a lot, we are planning on continuously improving it in support of helping you to grow your business and provide a 5-Star experience to your Clients. To help JESSI continue to improve, please talk to JESSI! The more you talk to JESSI, the more it will listen, learn, and become better able to support you!

    Get More Information

    JESSI Tutorials can be found in Revolution.

    To access Revolution: 

    1. Click on ‘My Team’ in the iPhone or iPad app.

    1. Click on ‘Videos’.

    3. Click on ‘Stylist App Tutorials/Quick Tips’. 

    Have questions about JESSI?
    Book a one-on-one Zoom call to get personalized support and answers to all your questions:

    Book 1:1 Zoom Call for JESSI Support

  • Operations Update: New Pricing Effective April 22, 2025 – FAQs

    Dear Stylists,

    While no new tariffs have been imposed since our April 9 update, the company has absorbed the 10% tariff applied to all our products leaving the exporting country since April 5. Additionally, the company has been absorbing increased costs from our suppliers, including freight, packaging, and materials.

    New Price Effective Date

    In this context, we will introduce a new product pricing structure effective Tuesday, April 22, at 12:01 a.m CST. The company will continue to absorb all increased costs until then. In our April 7 communication, we allowed three days for you to submit orders at current prices before the anticipated price increase. Due to Passover and the Easter holiday, we are giving you six days to submit your orders before the price change on Tuesday, April 22, at 12:01 am CST.

    Pricing Structure Changes

    The new pricing structure follows the principles outlined in our initial communication on April 7. We evaluated our current pricing against key competitors, analyzed our sales in detail, and allocated the necessary increases to protect our more price-sensitive garments with smaller percentage hikes while applying slightly higher increases to items that comfortably remain within market value. We did not implement a flat percentage increase across all garments and tiers.

    Please see the new pricing structure below:

    With the new tariffs impacting pricing, it’s essential when communicating with Clients to shift the conversation focus from cost to value.  Clients may not initially understand what sets J.Hilburn apart – but as a Stylist, you do.  This is a key opportunity to reinforce what makes our brand and service truly exceptional.

    Provide the Client with some context:

    “With recent changes to U.S. tariffs, prices across the industry are shifting. At J.Hilburn, our garments are made-to-order and not mass-produced—so while others may delay their increases due to inventory, we are adjusting in real time based on actual production costs.”

    Premium Quality + Personalized Fit + Sustainable Shopping

    “For what you are getting – luxury-level quality, personalized fit, white-glove service, and a made-to-order model that minimizes waste – our pricing still competes with off-the-rack brands that offer none of that.”

    Quality over Quantity – With a Conscience

    “Most brands sell based on trends.  We focus on craftsmanship and longevity.  You’re investing in pieces that reflect your values: purpose, quality and sustainability.”

    Luxury That Leaves a Lighter Footprint

    “From the custom fit to the minimized waste, you’re getting luxury-quality garments with a lighter environmental footprint – and a bigger return on every piece you own because they’re made to last.”

    💡 Reminder: Stay Close to Your Clients

    Now is the time to lean into your business, not pull back. Reach out to clients personally. Reassure them with your guidance, remind them of the value they’ve come to expect, and position yourself as a trusted partner—not just a salesperson.

    Even with these necessary price adjustments, we remain well-positioned in the market and committed to offering strong value in every category. We appreciate your continued partnership and look forward to supporting you and your clients this season and beyond.

    FAQs

    Why are we increasing our prices at J.Hilburn?

    • The price increases directly result from the tariff increases imposed by the U.S. government. To maintain the company’s financial health and growth, we need to pass these costs on to the Client.

    • The majority of garments will be affected by these changes.
    • There will be no immediate price changes to Ready to Wear, however, this does not preclude future changes.
    • These changes will affect orders placed on or after Tuesday, April 22, at 12:01 a.m. Central Time.
    • No. The tariffs affect the company’s operating costs, but your commission percentage remains the same.

    There will be no price increases on Styling Options at this time. 

    • No. The PSVB is unaffected. In fact, higher prices mean each sale will contribute more to your total sales volume, helping you reach your bonus thresholds sooner.
    • No. We remain committed to delivering the same high-quality products, service, and experience to you and your Clients.
    • Keep it simple. These increases result from government-imposed tariffs that directly increase our import costs.
    • Consumers who purchase any imported products will likely see similar price increases in the next few months.
    • Yes, as long as the order is placed before Tuesday, April 22, at 12:01 a.m. Central Time. The company will absorb the new tariff costs on all orders submitted before that time.
    • We encourage you to contact them immediately to inform them of the upcoming tariff and price increases, as well as the deadline to submit orders before prices go up.
    • Again, please follow up promptly to advise them about the upcoming tariff increases, the price changes, and the deadline to place orders before the new prices take effect.
    • Same as above: reach out immediately and let them know about the deadline to avoid higher prices.
    • Explain that you do not control the company’s standard pricing. Reassure them you will continue to provide exceptional service and quality.
    • Our remake policy remains unchanged. Please reach out to Stylist Support with any questions.
    • Contact Stylist Support right away if orders have not been completed. We’ll do our best to help you place the remaining orders before the new prices take effect.
    • Please reach out to Stylist Support immediately if you have a committed program. We will see if we can suggest alternatives within the agreed-upon price or otherwise align with new pricing.
    • There are many unknowns, so we cannot make a definitive commitment at this time. We will reassess if or when tariffs are reduced, with the goal of providing outstanding service and value at any price point.
    • We do not anticipate shipping delays specifically related to these tariffs. You can stay informed about shipping dates through the Stylist App and Green Room. If you have any concerns, please let us know.

    We appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time. If you have any additional questions, please contact Stylist Support.

  • Operations Update: The Impact of Tariff Regulations

    Dear Stylists,

    Please see our update as of today, April 7, 2025, on the impact of the United States Government’s new tariff regulations.

    Government Rules

    Based on the new tariff rules, effective April 5, orders leaving the exporting country will be subject to a 10% tariff increase. Effective April 9, orders leaving Thailand will be subject to an additional 26% (for a total of 36%), and orders leaving Vietnam will be an additional 36% (for a total of 46%).

    Shipment Expectation

    Currently, garments from Thailand (Suits, Sportcoats, Trousers, and Outerwear) are grouped together and shipped to the Dallas warehouse and then individually shipped out from the Dallas warehouse to the Client.  Today, all Vietnam-made products are shipped directly to the Client (and do not go through the Dallas warehouse).

    There are complicated permutations that can allow us to reduce duty/shipping costs.  We have calculated that the most efficient way is for the majority of shipments from Thailand (Suits, Sportcoats, Trousers, and Outerwear) to be sent directly to the Client (i.e., not through the Dallas warehouse).  In addition, for some orders, we will need to split shipments.  For instance, if one order is placed for multiple products, the Client may receive the multiple products in separate packages.

    We will continue to review the best ways to improve the Client delivery experience as we navigate the complex rules.

    What Are We Going To Do?

    The company will absorb these new tariff costs for all orders already placed. This ensures no price changes for your Clients on orders already submitted.

    Our business model differs from that of traditional retailers because we do not carry finished products in the U.S. Instead, our products are all made on demand. Traditional retailers typically have existing stock in U.S. warehouses or stores before new tariffs take effect. They will eventually raise prices, but not right away—only when newly shipped products (on or after April 9) arrive in the U.S. (which may take over a month by sea).

    At this point, every new order we (J.Hilburn) receive from you will incur a substantial loss due to the extra duty imposed when it leaves the factory. We cannot sustain such losses, so we will be increasing prices on the majority of garments.

    New Price Effective Date

    The new prices will take effect for orders placed on or after Friday, April 11, at 12:01 a.m. Central Time.

    We considered raising prices sooner to reduce losses, but we recognize many of you have already discussed potential orders with clients and need time to finalize. Therefore, we are allowing an additional three days for you to submit orders at the current (lower) prices. Any orders placed before Friday, April 11, 12:01 a.m. Central Time, will not be impacted by the new tariff-related price increase.

    Pricing Structure Changes

    While closely monitoring this situation, we are developing a new product pricing structure for suits, jackets, and outerwear, effective April 11th. We have reviewed our current pricing relative to key competitors and have analyzed our sales in detail. Our goal is to distribute the necessary price increases in a way that protects more price-sensitive garments (with lower percentage increases) while placing slightly higher increases on items where we remain comfortably within market value. We do not plan to impose a single flat percentage increase across all garments and tiers.

    Please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide below to address common questions in more detail. We are also working closely with Stylist Support to ensure you receive the assistance you need during this challenging time.

    By the evening of Wednesday, April 9, we will communicate the new pricing structure to you. The company will continue to absorb the increased tariff costs on all orders placed before Friday, April 11, at 12:01 a.m. Central Time.

    We appreciate your understanding, patience, and support.

    FAQs

    Why are we increasing our prices at J.Hilburn?

    • The price increases directly result from the tariff increases imposed by the U.S. government. To maintain the company’s financial health and growth, we need to pass these costs on to the Client.

    • The majority of garments will be affected by these changes.
    • These changes will affect orders placed on or after Friday, April 11, at 12:01 a.m. Central Time.
    • We will announce the new pricing structure by the evening of April 9. The company will continue to absorb the increased tariff costs on all orders placed before Friday, April 11, at 12:01 a.m. Central Time.
    • No. The tariffs affect the company’s operating costs, but your commission percentage remains the same.
    • No. The PSVB is unaffected. In fact, higher prices mean each sale will contribute more to your total sales volume, helping you reach your bonus thresholds sooner.
    • No. We remain committed to delivering the same high-quality products, service, and experience to you and your Clients.
    • Keep it simple. These increases result from government-imposed tariffs that directly increase our import costs.
    • Consumers who purchase any imported products will likely see similar price increases in the next few months.
    • Yes, as long as the order is placed before Friday, April 11, at 12:01 a.m. Central Time. The company will absorb the new tariff costs on all orders submitted before that time.
    • We encourage you to contact them immediately to inform them of the upcoming tariff and price increases, as well as the deadline to submit orders before prices go up.
    • Again, please follow up promptly to advise them about the upcoming tariff increases, the price changes, and the deadline to place orders before the new prices take effect.
    • Same as above: reach out immediately and let them know about the deadline to avoid higher prices.
    • Explain that you do not control the company’s standard pricing. Reassure them you will continue to provide exceptional service and quality.
    • We are still in discussion on how to handle this.  We will provide an answer by April 11th.
    • Contact Stylist Support right away if orders have not been completed. We’ll do our best to help you place the remaining orders before the new prices take effect.
    • Please reach out to Stylist Support immediately if you have a committed program. We will see if we can suggest alternatives within the agreed-upon price or otherwise align with new pricing.
    • There are many unknowns, so we cannot make a definitive commitment at this time. We will reassess if or when tariffs are reduced, with the goal of providing outstanding service and value at any price point.
    • We do not anticipate shipping delays specifically related to these tariffs. You can stay informed about shipping dates through the Stylist App and Green Room. If you have any concerns, please let us know.

    We appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time. If you have any additional questions, please contact Stylist Support.

  • Denim Update: April 1, 2025

    Stylists, we have an exciting update regarding Denim production:  

    The Trinity Denim washes are now available again as of today, April 1st!  

    This includes all three versions of the Trinity wash: 

    • CID2-DP: Trinity Medium Clean Wash Italian Denim 
    • JHD2-DP: Trinity Medium Wash Stretch Denim 
    • JHD4-DP: Trinity Medium Clean Wash Stretch Denim 

    As of now, the wash formula is still being perfected to achieve the quality standards we require for the remaining denim washes, which may take a few more weeks to complete, but we are working urgently to complete testing and resume production.  We will let you know as soon as we have additional updates.