Gordon and Carol Segal opened the first Crate & Barrel store in 1962 in Chicago, Illinois. They were inspired after honeymooning in Europe where they saw many beautiful and durable products at reasonable prices.
The Segals purchased directly from factories in Europe, therefore avoiding the wholesalers markup. Some products are still directly imported from Europe, though Thai, Mexican, and Indian glass and textiles are also found in Crate & Barrel stores.
In 1968 Crate & Barrel opened a second store, and a third in 1971. By 1985 the chain had 17 stores.
In 2008 the company opened its first international store in Toronto, Canada. Crate & Barrel expanded to Dubai in 2009 and Singapore in 2013.
Today Crate & Barrel has more than 170 retail stores and specializes in housewares, indoor and outdoor furniture, and home accessories. Crate & Barrel has more than 8,000 employees and had $1.4 billion in revenue in 2012.
Crate & Barrel
Gordon and Carol Segal opened the first Crate & Barrel store in 1962 in Chicago, Illinois. They were inspired after honeymooning in Europe where they saw many beautiful and durable products at reasonable prices.
The Segals purchased directly from factories in Europe, therefore avoiding the wholesalers markup. Some products are still directly imported from Europe, though Thai, Mexican, and Indian glass and textiles are also found in Crate & Barrel stores.
In 1968 Crate & Barrel opened a second store, and a third in 1971. By 1985 the chain had 17 stores.
History
In 2008 the company opened its first international store in Toronto, Canada. Crate & Barrel expanded to Dubai in 2009 and Singapore in 2013.
Today Crate & Barrel has more than 170 retail stores and specializes in housewares, indoor and outdoor furniture, and home accessories. Crate & Barrel has more than 8,000 employees and had $1.4 billion in revenue in 2012.