RETAIL WATCH
Crate & Barrel debuts first San Antonio store at La Cantera
Crate & Barrel loves a neutral.
We may not all be swept away in rom-com meet-cutes, but at least we can have a Nancy Meyers kitchen. Home goods store Crate & Barrel in the Shops of La Cantera on August 20.
The Illinois lifestyle brand is known for its unfussy furniture that blends contemporary lines with traditional finishes. That means a lot of nubby white, grey, and greige textures, although the brand occasionally goes buckwild with claret swivel chairs and the occasional ikat print. The case goods are similarly tasteful, more suitable for a farmhouse or midcentury modern home than a maximalist pied-à-terre.
The accessories are similarly tasteful. Most of the dinnerware is blinding white, though one melamine plate does feature a plucky red lobster. Pillows and throws mostly stick to plaids or stripes if they have any pattern at all. The vibe is more book club than dopamine decor. But like a white t-shirt, it can be jazzed up with some smart styling.
For those who need a little help, Crate & Barrel will have a Design Desk offering free design and trade services. A rep says the store will also feature expanded gift registry and an area dedicated to faux and dried blooms staffed with an in-house arrangement expert.
Before opening its new La Cantera showroom, the closest Crate & Barrel was in Austin, which also has a location of sibling brand CB2. The brand formerly operated an outlet in San Marcos, but it has been closed for several years.
After stores like Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters closed, The Shops of La Cantera has recentlybeen rolling out a slate of more adult shops. In addition to furniture stores like Arhaus and Herman Miller, the mall is welcoming hippie-chic activewear brand FP Movement and comfy shoe company Rothy’s.
