What do you get when you cross Urban Outfitters, West Elm and Conran's? Crate & Barrel's founders, Gordon and Carole Segal, opened their newest store CB2 in Chicago (their hometown) a little while ago, but their website just went live for orders this week.
What's the verdict? We think they should have taken a bigger risk here. Like the parent store, CB2 plays it safe. The press blurb advertises "Smart designs, clever materials. Neat stuff, cool colors. A point of view: In the know, on the go" This is not only a little juvenile, it seems to be selling to a crowd that likes Disney movies, not a crowd that really loves young, hip design. To be sure, some of the designs are interesting and attractive for their rough minimalism (see the Scooter Bed for $450, the Zinc Desk for $199, and the Flip Flop Convertible Sofa for $999) and the prices are low.
We remain lukewarm, but optimistic. We recommend taking a look, ordering something if you need it and like it, and sending us your comments below. MGR
I've been making the trek to Chicago on Ikea/CB2 runs for a few years now. The location is very out-of-the-way (more north-Boystown than Michigan Ave.), but well worth the trip. As a perpetual college student stranded in the midwest, it's the best place I've found for good design that I can afford to take home with me. Many a shabby apartment has been glammed up with their on-the-cheap mod shower curtains, area rugs and glasswear. Glad to see I can now save myself the drive!
FYI--The founders of Crate & Barrel are Gordon & Carole (not George).
The CB2 is right next to Trader Joe's...just a 3 block walk from my place. Now if they just didn't run out of all the green stuff all the time.
CB2 is current ly looking for a location in New York. Most likely on the lower east side or near the Chelsea Market. Fall 2006
I've ordered several things online from CB2 - simple, neat decorative accessories such as a bronze patina platform (great to put river stones on) and a skyline blue vase that is small but forceful in the right location. I think their web site is a lot of fun!