Crate And Barrel Opening Largest Chicago Store With Opening Gala To Benefit Children's Memorial Hospital

Furniture World Magazine

On June 10, Crate and Barrel opened its largest Chicago store at the northwest corner of North and Clybourn Avenues. In addition to almost 47,000 square feet of housewares and furniture, it has a large parking lot which it shares with The Container Store and Seigle's Kitchen and Bath Showroom. Crate and Barrel's second and third floors are reachable by escalator or elevator from the large housewares collection on the first floor. Floors number two and three showcase furniture pieces in spacious, accessorized vignettes. All three floors are merchandised in the interesting and ever-changing display techniques for which Crate and Barrel is known. There will be two new concepts not found in any other Crate and Barrel stores. The third floor has a small cafe, featuring Alterra Coffee Roasters brand drinks, and classic pastries. On the first floor there is a small flower market, adding to the ambiance and pleasure of the shopping experience. The Crate and Barrel store on Michigan Avenue will remain the company's flagship store. However, because of the size of each of the floors, the North and Clybourn store provides a much more comfortable shopping experience, especially on weekends when the Michigan Avenue store has traditionally been crowded with tourists. Also, by providing complimentary parking for almost 200 cars, Gordon Segal, founder and CEO of Crate and Barrel, believes "this will become a shopping destination for the many people living in and moving into this exciting Chicago area." The evening before the store opens, a preview party was held to benefit Children's Memorial Hospital. The store hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Colleen Heil, formerly of the Old Orchard Crate and Barrel, manages the housewares floor and Amy Jamnik, formerly of Michigan Avenue, is the manager of the furniture floors. Crate and Barrel, founded in Chicago in 1962, has 75 stores across the U.S., plus a catalog operation and nation-wide bridal registry. The company is well-known for its exciting display techniques, unique, functional and affordable merchandise and the quality of its people. For more information on Crate & Barrell call 800-323-5461.