Crate & Barrel   

55 Stockton St # Stlv2
San Francisco, CA 94108
415-982-5200
www.crateandbarrel.com

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Believe it or not, there was a day when our parents had nowhere to go for kitchenware but the department store, a Tupperware party or a weekend garage sale. But surprisingly, that day was further back in history than we might think. Though at first glance, Crate and Barrel may seem to have spawned from the consumerism of the 1980s, its first store opened in 1962, when Carole and Gordon Segal renovated space in an old Chicago elevator factory. Today, there are more than 80 Crate and Barrel stores nationwide. The staff is helpful and often heads into the back storage rooms to find the very last ivory candle, red popcorn bowl or green margarita glass. They have decorated the store to encourage tasteful home decorating in their patrons, with tables set as if they were straight out of the dining rooms and kitchens of House and Garden magazine. Merchandise includes everything from plates, stemware and glassware to such accessories as whisks, butter dishes, woks, cookie cutters, funky napkin rings and spice racks. Many engaged couples register at Crate and Barrel, where the staff provides them with a checklist of items divided by category, so that even those who have no idea what their kitchen needs are, can stock up. Stores nationwide also make it accessible to wedding guests.