From Crates to Chic: The Complete History of Crate & Barrel and CB2

In 1962, Gordon and Carole Segal returned home from their honeymoon with an idea that would change American homes forever. Inspired by the simple, affordable, beautifully designed housewares they'd seen in Europe, the young Chicago couple opened a store filled with imported goods stacked on shipping crates and barrels—giving birth to the beloved brand Crate & Barrel.

From this modest storefront in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood, Crate & Barrel would redefine the home furnishings industry. Decades later, its modern sister brand, CB2, would follow suit, capturing a younger generation with fresh, urban designs.

Here's the story behind these iconic brands—from their early days to becoming cornerstones of modern home decor.

A New Kind of Store (1960s)

When Crate & Barrel opened its doors, America’s department stores were traditional and formal. By contrast, the Segals presented casual European designs that were simple yet stylish. Imported directly from small workshops abroad, these affordable, quality products included French glassware, Danish dinnerware, and German cookware.

The Segals' unconventional approach—merchandising items on their own shipping crates—kept costs low and visually conveyed authenticity. This novel concept was an immediate hit, especially among young Chicagoans decorating their first homes.

Why was Crate & Barrel special?

• European-inspired modern housewares
• Direct importing, removing middlemen
• Casual store atmosphere, accessible prices

Milestones: Growing a National Brand (1967-1999)

• 1967: First Crate & Barrel catalog mails nationwide, introducing its signature clean aesthetic to homes beyond Chicago.
• 1971: Opens first mall store at Oakbrook Center, suburban Chicago, making modern design accessible.
• 1977: First out-of-state store opens in Boston, expanding to the East Coast.
• 1982-1985: Enters South (Dallas, TX) and West Coast (San Francisco, CA), marking nationwide reach.
• 1990: Grand opening of iconic Michigan Avenue flagship in Chicago, architecturally significant glass-and-steel structure that defined modern retailing (Read more).
• 1995: Launches into New York City, including a Madison Avenue location.
• 1998: Germany’s Otto Group acquires majority stake, fueling further national and global expansion.
• 1999: Pioneers online retail with launch of crateandbarrel.com.

CB2: The Modern Urban Sibling (2000s–Today)

By the new millennium, Crate & Barrel identified a younger, urban demographic with different needs—affordable pieces for smaller spaces, bold modern styles, and a hip retail experience. Thus, CB2 was born in 2000, opening its first store in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood.

What makes CB2 unique?

• Minimalist, fashion-forward furnishings and decor
• Targeted toward urban, apartment living
• Affordable yet design-conscious pieces
• Notable collaborations (Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop, Lenny Kravitz, and vintage designs from Paul McCobb)

From small beginnings, CB2 has grown into a popular brand operating over two dozen stores in fashionable districts of major cities worldwide, including SoHo (NYC), West Hollywood, and Toronto.

Adapting to the Digital and Sustainable Age (2000-Present)

Crate & Barrel and CB2 quickly adapted to modern retail realities, leading the industry in digital innovation and sustainability.

• Early e-commerce adopter: Launched a successful online store in 1999; today provides advanced digital features like 3D Room Planner, augmented reality shopping, and comprehensive online wedding registries.
• Sustainability initiatives: Committed to responsible sourcing with FSC-certified wood since 2008; recipient of FSC Leadership Awards; actively reduces carbon emissions, packaging waste, and promotes circular economy practices (Learn more).
• Collaborations and curated collections: Partnerships with notable designers and celebrities, including Leanne Ford, to bring fresh styles and exclusive designs to customers.

Where Are Crate & Barrel and CB2 Today?

Currently, Crate & Barrel Holdings operates over 100 retail locations across the U.S. and Canada, and through franchise agreements internationally from Europe to the Middle East and Asia. CB2 continues to thrive as a leader in contemporary home design, maintaining a strong online presence alongside physical boutiques.

Under CEO Janet Hayes (formerly of Williams-Sonoma), both brands focus on blending cutting-edge design, outstanding customer experiences, and meaningful sustainability commitments—guiding customers toward building stylish, responsible homes.

Experiential Retail Innovations:

• The Table at Crate: Restaurant within Oak Brook, IL store, transforming shopping into a community experience.
• Design studios: CB2's Malibu Design Shop and Crate & Barrel's Pasadena Design Studio offer personalized design services for interior designers and clients alike.

Legacy: More than Home Goods

Over 60 years since opening day, Crate & Barrel is more than a furniture store—it's a part of people's lives. Known affectionately for wedding registries, quality home essentials, and thoughtful service, the brand has become part of generations of memories.

Likewise, CB2 has earned its own passionate following, recognized as a trendsetter shaping contemporary aesthetics and urban lifestyles.

From a single Chicago storefront filled with crates and barrels to international acclaim, these brands continue their founders' legacy of innovation, authenticity, and style.

Quick Links for Further Reading:

• Crate & Barrel Official History
• CB2 Collaborations
• Sustainability at Crate & Barrel
• Crate & Barrel Registry

(Historical information sourced from official Crate & Barrel documentation, Chicago Tribune archives, Furniture Today, Forbes, and retail industry analyses.)