First Look: Crate & Barrel opens flagship in historic NYC location
Crate & Barrel has unveiled its first-ever “immersive design” store in a building that once housed New York City’s largest department stores.
The furniture and home goods retailer has opened a flagship at 881 Broadway in the Flatiron District, within a historically-registered building whose former tenants include merchant Arnold Constable & Company's Palace of Trade department store. The 23,000-sq.-ft. two-level store was carefully renovated by Crate & Barrel's in-house architecture and design team with the goal to preserve much of the rich history of the circa-1868 building.
"This historic building embodies Crate & Barrel, blending classic and timeless design with a modern vision for a true flagship experience that feels right at home in the heart of New York City," said Sebastian Brauer, senior VP of product design, visual Crate & Barrel. "We preserved the original neoclassical columns, brought in natural light with a modern staircase and a custom tile wall.”
The overall design of the space includes an original volcanic ash tile wall that pays homage to the energy and dynamics of the city's present and future. To match “the unique pace of New York City,” purchases made in the flagship will be delivered within one day, the retailer said.
The store features top-selling items across every home category, as well as a selection of artisanal home goods exclusive to the location. It also boasts monogramming services — any textile item can be personalize in-person at the store.
Customers can get free design and trade services that reach beyond the store walls at the “Design Desk,” designated areas on two floors that help customers select the right products for their homes.
The design areas are staffed by up to 30 NYC-based designers and feature over 50 feet of tangible design inspiration, with more walls of swatches, hardware, fixtures and wood samples. Customers can schedule appointments to meet with the designers in the store, virtually or in their homes.
Other special store features include:
•Floral Arrangements: The store has a botanical shop and an expanded assortment of dried botanicals for do-it-yourself arrangements or on-site styling by an expert.
•Crate & Kids: The designated in-store shop features highly-specialized kid and baby products curated for city parents' needs.
•Trade Program: The store offers expanded home renovation products, from bathroom vanities which are exclusive to this store to dinnerware and entertaining options for restaurant trade.
“This flagship store embodies our commitment to inspiring and supporting customers at every step of their home shopping journey," said Crate & Barrel CEO Janet Hayes. "As we continue to invest in our customer experience, we know the ability to experience our brand and services is essential to creating a home with purpose."
In addition to its new flagship, Crate & Barrel is launching its first-ever immersive virtual store inviting visualization and access to customers globally. The interactive environment is a replica of the flagship store, allowing customers to experience and envision more than 450 products digitally.
Founded in 1962, Crate & Barrel Holdings Inc. includes lifestyle brands Crate & Barrel, CB2, Crate & Kids, and Hudson Grace. The company, a member of the Otto Group, operates more than100 Crate & Barrel, CB2 and Hudson Grace stores throughout the U.S. and Canada, with franchise locations in nine countries.