Store Comparison:William Sonoma vs. Crate and Barrel

Whitney PhillipsFall 2011

Pookulungara

William Sonoma and Crate and Barrel

• William Sonoma first started in 1956 as a cookware shop.

• William Sonoma has grown enormously since then and now has several large brands including Pottery Barn and West Elm.

• Crate and Barrel first opened its doors in 1962.

• There are now over 100 Crate and Barrel stores open.

William Sonoma

• Calm, collected, relaxed feel to displays.

• Made use of capacity fixture, feature fixtures (tables, furniture), and even Book Case Units.

• Followed merchandising rules for product location.

• Kitchen Merchandise

Crate and Barrel• Busy, bright, and cool feel to the displays.• Crate and Barrel followed all of the “Rules for

Home Fashion Displays” • The displays were energetic and encouraged

multiple purchases.• Overall, Crate and

Barrel makes great use of color and balance throughout their displays.

Floor Plan and Windows

Floor Plan– Both upscale specialty home good stores used a

combination of soft aisle and free flow layouts.

Window Displays– Both stores use a realistic approach to their

window displays.– The windows doubled as Window Display and

Product display inside.