CB2 opens in Manhattan.

FEATURED (TOP RIGHT) FAR EAST APPETIZER PLATE - $1.95 ea.

Last Wednesday was a busy one. After waiting months for Crate & Barrel's (CB)"2" flagship store opening, New Yorkers' were finally appeased. Located on thelower end of Broadway (451) - teetering on the furthest regions of SoHo - the flagship CB2 location is conveniently situated two blocks from the Canal Street N,R,W station. The store is dazzlingly eye-catching & in true CB fashion, has been executed in such a way that a fan of its goods feels as if they're walking through a real-life catalogue. CB2's offerings are certainly well made, inexpensive, colorful & fun - but those expecting ground-breaking designed goods might just want to shop elsewhere.

However, its SoHo opening provides the long needed gap-filler between super high-end, costly furniture / home accessory items & well-executed, affordable, tried-and-true designs in "furniture alley". Where La-z-Boy tried two years ago opening a concept store on Wooster St., carrying Todd Oldham's exclusive line & failed, CB2 seems to have perfected a winning formula. This is precisely why I predict this will not be the company's only store location for very long...

While CB2's not for everyone, it certainly offers something for everyone. The Peekaboo clear acrylic accent tables are a stand-out, priced from: $159-$329. At under $300, the Silverado glass & steel dining table offered in round & rectangle are elegant, classic & are a true bargain. And while not the least expensive daybed options, the Lubi & the See-Saw sofas are smart, space-saving guest (or regular) minimal bed options.


TOP LEFT: COCONUT BED-$999.00; INDIE BED-$499.00; MERCURY BED-$799-899.00. RIGHT: ENGLISH STRIPES-$14.95 - $79.95; SOLID STRIPES-$29.95-119.00; PAIVANTASAAJA-$29.95-109.00; SUVETAR-$19.95-89.95; KALA-$29.95-119.00 & SUVETAR-$19.95-89.95 (linens)


There are also plenty of cash-and-carry items on hand to delight the "must-have-something-right-now" shoppers. For you "exclusive" shoppers, in-store items also appear to be on offer. For example, I purchased a beautiful ultra-thin, stainless steel hammered bowl for $39.95. After a cursory online search, the only comparable one found was by the Conran Shop, for a whopping $125.00. Seeing the CB2 bowl & the Conran Shop's side-by-side, even the most discerning eyes wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Shhhhhhhh! From my lips to yours...

Depending upon how you view it, the staff is very eager to help the multitudes buzzing about & they're also fairly knowledgeable. I spoke with Kelly, who spent a great deal of time explaining the differences between the catalogue & in-store shopping "experience". Among many things, she explained that CB2's upolstery is crafted in High Point, N.C. This is something that made me personally very happy, as many American furniture companies are sneakily & very rapidly fleeing N.C., shifting their manufacturing operations to China. This should also make U.S. consumers who care about such things very happy. For, not only does N.C.-made furniture ensure wait times are less than 12 weeks (the time it takes for containers to cross the ocean & go through customs), but, in purchasing nationally made products, one can also feel good about supporting one of the last industries still manufacturing in our country.

If you're searching for a wide array of fabric options, you're barking up the wrong tree. However, the plus side to this is that most upolstered items are in-stock (housed at CB2's N.J. warehouse) & are available for delivery within three days. If not stocked, they're shipped directly from N.C. & delivered within eight days. This is like a dream come true for anyone whose been caught in the quagmire of ordering comparable furniture & know all too well the 3-6 month lead times associated.

TOP LEFT: CHET SOFA- $899.00; RIGHT: ECLIPSE PENDANT LAMP- $19.95; AUDREY WALL CLOCK: $49.95; WILDGRASS PILLOW- $29.95; ADDAA HAND SCULPTURE-$49.95 and MARIMEKKO® RO WALL HANGING-$24.95 - $39.95

Additionally, a handy in-store computer kiosk makes gift-registry a cinch. After selecting items with the store's tagging gun, a giftee's list is generated & instantly uploaded to CB2's website. When sending out invitations, the person adds their registry note & guests can either go to the store, or online, to purchase listed items. Even better, the most finicky of those registered may go online at any point thereafter to make changes to their list & to see which items have been chosen. Way neat-o!

CB2's scaled-down furnishings make for perfect solutions to the quintessential minute urban spacial challenges. In addition the the regularly sized floor rugs, they offer a great selection of on-premises FLOR tiles at more than reasonable prices. Their Marimekko prints are beautiful & the $24.95 - $89.95 price-points nearly make one guiltily feel as if they're walking out with a "steal".

New Yorker's should be pleased to know the store offers a courier service for all five boroughs. The charges vary, depending upon amount of items purchased; cost of goods & same-day, or next-day delivery; but start @ $15.00 and should be no more than $69.00. This is perfect for anyone setting up an apartment, readying themselves for a gathering, or simply wishing to save themselves a schlep around town. All in all, if you're downtown, a visit to the new CB2 store should be on your go-see list.