Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017 | 2 a.m.
As customers walk into Crate & Barrel in Downtown Summerlin, they’re greeted by a holiday display intended not just to put them in the season’s spirit but also to give them ideas on how to design spaces or prepare for events.
The 20,000-square-foot store, the 84th location of the chain, opens at 10 a.m. today.
A large table, fully set with a Christmas centerpiece and holiday tableware, sits front and center, and seasonal goods take up most of the first third of the store. “Right now we’re in full holiday mode,” said Geri Given, Crate & Barrel regional director.
But the idea isn’t just to take advantage of holiday shopping madness. The company also wants to help customers who may be having trouble coming up with a design or style of their own.
“We are definitely in the inspiration business,” said Victoria Lang, Crate & Barrel’s director of public relations. “What we excel at is visual merchandising, and it’s been important since the inception of Crate & Barrel in 1962.”
Like all Crate & Barrel locations, the Downtown Summerlin site is designed with simple colors, brick walls painted white and light-colored wood flooring. The idea is to better highlight each display of furnishings.
The emphasis on seasonal goods in front soon gives way to fully designed areas, grouped to resemble bedroom and living room settings.
Tables, couches, beds and decorative items are prominently featured. While Crate & Barrel is not a discount store, Given said careful shoppers can find deals.
In addition to selling home goods, the store also offers design services and will help customers customize the sofas and chairs or even visit customers' homes for a small fee.
