I came in one day to pick up a paper application (I don't believe they have an online application, at least when I applied), and then dropped it off the next, the manager asked me if I could interview immediately and I said yes. She and I went out into the mall corridor and sat on a bench and chatted (it was really more of a chat - where are you from, why do you want to work here, what kind of hours would you want), and then she told me she was sure they would hire me, they just needed a background check and the general manager's approval. 3-4 days later they called to officially hire me. The next day I went in to fill out some paper work with the HR representative, and then another 3-4 days later I had my first shift.
Recommendations: both days when I stopped in the store, I was wearing a nice J.Crew dress and looked professional and put together. After my interview, one of the managers immediately commented on it my dress - they will recognize that you are wearing J.Crew clothing and like that. I also picked up and dropped off my application on a weekday afternoon, when the store was quiet and I could be interviewed on the spot, if you stop in on a Saturday afternoon when the store is swamped, honestly the managers probably won't remember you and your paper application may get shoved to the side, weekdays are much better than weekends. I applied in late August, applying August/September is ideal with the fall turnover and upcoming holiday.