Crate and Barrel was established in 1962 in Chicago. Today, with 162 stores it is one of the leading US vendors of international household goods, furniture and home accessories for sophisticated tastes. In 1998, the Otto Group bought a majority stake in Crate and Barrel. In the following years, the company significantly expanded its mail-order and Internet activities. The entire range has been available online since 2003. Catalogues have complemented its successful CB2 store concept since 2006. CB2 sells affordable designer furniture and trendy accessories, and caters specifically to price-conscious customers.In May 2008, the former President of Crate and Barrel, Barbara A. Turf, succeeded founder Gordon  Segal as chief executive officer.