2010 Speakers

In 1962, Gordon and Carole Segal came up with the idea for a new contemporary housewares business.  They were newly married and wondered why the simple, well-designed tableware they had seen on their Caribbean honeymoon and in their European travels was not available in the United States.  The Segals knew there must be other young couples just like themselves – with more taste than money – so they decided to open a housewares store in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood.  With the arrival of their first shipment of goods from Europe, and little cash to spare for fixtures, the Segals displayed their wares on the crates and barrels in which they arrived, inspiring both the store name and distinctive concept.

Forty-six years later, Crate and Barrel continues to help lead the charge to make good design a part of everyday life in America.  Mr. Segal remains a driving force in the business and his eye for detail and passion for retailing inspire management to keep the company culture and merchandising style consistent from coast to coast.

A former Chairman of the National Retail Federation and a graduate and Trustee of Northwestern University, Mr. Segal also serves on several civic boards, including The Art Institute of Chicago, the University of Chicago Hospitals, the Chicago History Museum,  Window to the World Communications, Inc. (WWCI), and the Lyric Opera of Chicago.  Mr. Segal is also a member of the World Presidents’ Organization and the Chief Executives’ Organization.

In 2007, Gordon Segal was inducted into the World Retail Congress’ World Retail Hall of Fame.  Other recent awards include the Retailing Hall of Fame at Texas A & M, the Cooper-Hewitt’s Design Patron Award, House Beautiful magazine’s Giant of Design designation and the National Retail Federation Gold Medal Award.