Crate & Barrel’s New Flagship Store Elevates the In-Store Experience
Design lovers are resourceful. We can find inspiration in just about any environment: the way the subway stop is tiled, the colors of a vintage billboard, the just-so curve of a park bench. But sometimes, it’s nice to just have a moment of beauty served up to you on a platter, as is the case with Crate & Barrel’s gorgeous and sprawling new flagship shop in New York’s Flatiron district.
The circa-1868 building was once home to the largest department store.
The goal was to preserve as much of the rich history as possible, including the original neoclassical columns.
While the brand’s thoughtful homewares have always sparked design dreams, it’s a treat to see Crate & Barrel’s iconic armchairs and wish-list dish sets showcased in such a special space. The shop is the first-ever immersive design store for the brand—and a perfect fit for the retail-and-design-focused Flatiron neighborhood, too.
Gorgeous tile brings a dynamic texture to the walls.
The store‘s design blends modern and timeless details, like an original volcanic ash tile wall, to pay homage to the city’s past and future.
Back in 1868, the historic building at 881 Broadway was once home to New York City’s "Palace of Trade," one of the country’s largest department stores. "We were very intentional about preserving that history and intricate architecture like the original neoclassical columns that frame the space," says Sebastian Brauer, Senior Vice President of Product Design, Visual Crate & Barrel. "We combined those details with modern updates, like an open floor plan full of natural light and a custom volcanic ash tile surface wall paired with a grand staircase that is anchored by a custom alabaster mobile chandelier that draws you in—design elements that espouse modern and timeless classic style that define both our brand and this flagship, and pay homage to the city’s dynamic energy."
Over two stories, shoppers will be able to explore all the bestselling items across every home category in addition to artisan products inspired by the local creative community like Smithey Cookware, Jono Pandolfi dinnerware, and Apotheke.
You'll find an expansive assortment of dried flowers here for DIY arrangements or on-site styling by an expert.
A robust materials library will serve the design community and design lovers alike.
Natural light floods the 23,000-square-foot retail area, highlighting special displays like the stunning custom tile wall and eye-catching whiteware exhibit. Customers will also discover a lush, curated botanical shop, an assortment of artisanal products exclusive to the store, and a designated Crate and Kids’ shop-in-a-shop (the largest dedicated kids’ location for the brand ever).
Another key feature of the two-story shop? The Design Desk, which provides free design and trade services via 30 New York-based design experts plus 50 feet of swatches and samples to kickstart your renovation inspiration no matter the size. Monogramming services, floral arrangements, and a gift registry program are also among the other standout services offered at the New York flagship.
You can personalize any textile in-person at the store.
The location features Crate & Barrel’s most expansive whiteware wall for a dramatic visual impact.
We appreciate that sometimes retailers just need to make do with the spaces they have—but when you step foot into an architecturally significant place like this, it’s clear just what an impact design can have on a shopping experience. The Flatiron flagship (881 Broadway) is now open to the public, and Crate & Barrel is kicking off celebrations with the Flatiron Food & Design Festival, a month of exclusive in-store events: think panel discussions with New York artisans, Schmidt Brothers recipe workshops, and a book signing with celeb chef Molly Baz. Come to shop, or just to stare.
Learn more at crateandbarrel.com.
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