Working directly with European ateliers and factories to import their products, Crate and Barrel was among the first North American companies to make contemporary tabletop and kitchenware designs affordable to consumers. Crate and Barrel is a multi-channel family of brands and an internationally recognised industry leader, known for exclusive housewares and furniture designs, excellent value and superb customer service. Since the opening of the first store in 1962, Crate and Barrel has expanded from its 1st store in Chicago to more than 1000 spectacular stores in almost every major North American market and also in Dubai. It has also opened its first stores in Asia, at ION Orchard in Singapore and a second store spanning over five-storey high at Orchard Gateway.