Crate & Barrel is an American chain of retail stores dealing in housewares, indoor and outdoor furniture and home accessories. The company’s headquarters is based in Northbrook, Illinois and Otto GmbH owns the company. The company has over 170 stores in the United States.
The business began by Gordon and Carol Segal in 1962, and the first Crate & Barrel, (1,700 square- foot store) was opened on Wells Street, Illinois. The company opened its second store in 1968 in the Plaza del Lago shopping center in Wilmette, Illinois, and the third store was opened in Oak Brook, Illinois in 1971.
In 2008, Crate & Barrel opened its first international store in Toronto, Canada at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Crate & Barrel stores offer a variety of upmarket housewares, furniture, and other accessories. The company innovated the “Vignette” style display, where the items are grouped together as they would appear in the home. The company also has two sister stores CB2 which is a home furnishing division that is geared towards young adults.
