Pottery Barn
May 28, 2022
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Pottery Barn, headquartered in San Francisco, California, is an American high-end home furnishing retailer that operates in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Australia, and the Philippines.
In 1949, Paul Secon discovered three barns full of pottery from the Glidden Parker factory in in Alfred, New York. What more inspiration could he need to start a business? He and his brother, Morris, took the plunge and co-founded The Pottery Barn in West Chelsea, Manhattan.
With hard work and perserverance, the brothers grew their chain to seven stores. Paul sold his share in 1966 and Morris sold his to a pair of outside partners in 1968. The new owner expanded the chain to 13 stores and subsequently sold it to The Gap in 1984.
In 1986, the company was acquired by Williams-Sonoma, Inc. and it continued to grow until the Great Recession.
In 1987, the company’s first mail-order catalogue was published and in 1999, the company introduced Pottery Barn Kids.
Williams-Sonoma, Inc., is one of the U.S.’ largest e-commerce retailers for home furnishing.
Pottery Barn Kids is a children’s home furnishing and accessories brand.
In 2000, the company launched an e-commerce site to offer their customers quick delivery of their products.
Pottery Barn Teen, was launched in 2003, providing a line of products designed especially for the teenage generation.
The first Pottery Barn Teen store opened in Georgia, New York City and Chicago in 2009.
Potter Barn Dorm is a sub-brand designed especially for college students.
In 2017, the company announced PB Apartment, a small-space furnishings line, for millennials.
In 2018, Pottery Barn Kids first appeared in the United Kingdom when it partnered with John Lewis, a homeware, furnishings and fashions retailer. Its shop-in-shops featured furniture and accessories for nurseries.
The brand’s Found collection sells vintage items from around the world.
The company has partnered on collections with pop cultural brands such as Harry Potter, Star Wars, Frozen, Thomas & Friends, Fantastic Beasts and Friends.
Gloria Sauvé
Communications and Marketing