US kitchenware, tabletop and homewares chain Crate and Barrel is looking to open for business in the UK.

The highly-regarded retailer is planning to launch a scaled-down spin-off format, called CB2, here which caters for a younger, more urban shopper than the original. The company is reported to be searching for 5,000sq ft premises in the London area.
Both CB2 and Crate and Barrel already have a global business via their websites, from where they ship to over 90 countries, including the UK, with all prices in the local currency.
Crate and Barrel opened its first overseas store last year, in Dubai, and says that it has always considered opening in London. However, rents here have historically been too high.