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{{short description|American kitchenware and home furnishings retailer}}
{{short description|American kitchenware and home furnishings company}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2014}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2014}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
| name = Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
| logo = Williams-Sonoma logo.svg
| logo = Williams-Sonoma logo.svg
| logo_size = 300px
| logo_size = 280px
| image = 3250 Van Ness Avenue.jpg
| image_caption = Headquarters in San Francisco
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| traded_as = {{nyse|WSM}}<br>[[S&P 400|S&P 400 Component]]
| traded_as = {{nyse|WSM}}<br>[[List of S&P 400 companies|S&P 400 Component]]
| industry = Retail<ref name="corporate">{{cite web|url=http://www.williams-sonomainc.com/investors/corporate-information.html|title=Corporate Information -Business Profile|publisher=Williams-Sonoma, Inc.|accessdate=November 9, 2015}}</ref>
| industry = [[Retail]]<ref name="corporate">{{cite web|url=http://www.williams-sonomainc.com/investors/corporate-information.html|title=Corporate Information -Business Profile|publisher=Williams-Sonoma, Inc.|access-date=November 9, 2015}}</ref>
| founded =
| founded =
| founder =
| founder =
Line 13: Line 15:
| num_locations = 625
| num_locations = 625
| num_locations_year = 2018<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/246618/number-of-stores-of-williams-sonoma-worldwide/ |title=Number of stores of Williams-Sonoma worldwide 2009-2018 |website=Statista |language=en |access-date=2020-03-06}}</ref>
| num_locations_year = 2018<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/246618/number-of-stores-of-williams-sonoma-worldwide/ |title=Number of stores of Williams-Sonoma worldwide 2009-2018 |website=Statista |language=en |access-date=2020-03-06}}</ref>
| key_people = {{unbulleted list
| key_people = {{unbulleted list | [[Laura J. Alber|Laura Alber]], [[Chief executive officer|CEO]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/jc-penny-williams-sonoma-aid-shopping-catalog-comeback/|title=Shopping catalogs making a comeback|date=March 19, 2015|publisher=CBS News|accessdate=November 9, 2015}}</ref> | Julie Whalen, [[Chief financial officer|CFO]] | Yasir Anwar, [[Chief technology officer|CTO]]}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.williams-sonomainc.com/company-overview/executive-biographies.html |title=Executive Biographies |publisher=Williams-Sonoma, Inc. |date= |accessdate=November 8, 2013}}</ref>
| [[Laura J. Alber|Laura Alber]], [[Chief executive officer|CEO]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/jc-penny-williams-sonoma-aid-shopping-catalog-comeback/|title=Shopping catalogs making a comeback|date=March 19, 2015|publisher=CBS News|access-date=November 9, 2015}}</ref>
| products =
| Jeff Howie, [[Chief financial officer|CFO]]
| revenue = $5.67 billion
| revenue_year = 2019<ref name="finance">{{cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=WSM|title=WSM: Summary for Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Common St- Yahoo! Finance|publisher=Finance.yahoo.com}}</ref>
| Sameer Hassan, [[Chief technology officer|CTO]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.williams-sonomainc.com/company-overview/executive-biographies.html |title=Executive Biographies |publisher=Williams-Sonoma, Inc. |access-date=November 8, 2013}}</ref>
}}
| operating_income = $435.9 million
| brands = {{Hlist|[[Williams Sonoma]]|[[Pottery Barn]]|[[Rejuvenation (company)|Rejuvenation]]|[[West Elm]]}}
| income_year = 2019<ref name="finance"/>
| net_income = $333.7 million
| revenue = $8.24 billion
| revenue_year = 2021<ref name="finance">{{cite web|url=https://ir.williams-sonomainc.com/investor-information/news-releases/news-release-details/2022/Williams-Sonoma-Inc.-announces-record-fourth-quarter-and-fiscal-year-2021-results/default.aspx|title=Williams-Sonoma, Inc. announces record fourth quarter and fiscal year 2021 results}}</ref>
| net_income_year = 2019<ref name="finance"/>
| assets = $2.79 billion
| operating_income = $1.45 billion
| assets_year = 2019<ref name="finance"/>
| income_year = 2021<ref name="finance"/>
| equity = $1.2 billion
| net_income = $1.12 billion
| equity_year = 2019<ref name="finance"/>
| net_income_year = 2021<ref name="finance"/>
| assets = $4.62 billion
| num_employees = 28,200<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/WSM/williams-sonoma/number-of-employees |title=Williams-Sonoma Number of Employees 2006-2019 |website=www.macrotrends.net |access-date=2020-03-06}}</ref>
| assets_year = 2021<ref name="finance"/>
| num_employees_year = 2019
| equity = $1.66 billion
| equity_year = 2021<ref name="finance"/>
| num_employees = 19,300
| num_employees_year = 2024
| homepage = {{URL| http://williams-sonomainc.com}}
| homepage = {{URL| http://williams-sonomainc.com}}
}}
}}


'''Williams-Sonoma, Inc.''' is an American publicly traded consumer retail company that sells kitchen-wares and home furnishings.<ref name="sfchronicle">{{cite web|url=http://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/Williams-Sonoma-is-America-s-best-retailer-6177948.php|title=Williams-Sonoma is America's best retailer — online and in store|last=Lee|first=Thomas|date=April 3, 2015|publisher=San Francisco Chronicle|accessdate=November 9, 2015}}</ref> It is headquartered in [[San Francisco]], [[California]], United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/business/williams-sonoma-whips-up-new-strategy/|title=Williams-Sonoma whips up new strategy|last=Flynn|first=Ryan|date=May 3, 2011|publisher=Seattle Times|accessdate=November 9, 2015}}</ref> The company has 625 [[brick and mortar]] stores and distributes to more than 60 countries with brands including [[Pottery Barn]], Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, Williams Sonoma, Williams Sonoma Home, West Elm, Mark and Graham, and [[Rejuvenation (company)|Rejuvenation]].<ref name=furnituretoday>{{Cite web |url=https://www.furnituretoday.com/business-news/laura-alber-will-become-ceo-of-williams-sonoma-in-may/ |title=Laura Alber will become CEO of Williams-Sonoma in May |date=2010-01-27 |website=Furniture Today |language=en-US |access-date=2020-03-06}}</ref><ref name="Frojo">{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2012/11/30/williams-sonoma-accelerating-global.html|title=Williams-Sonoma accelerating global growth|last=Frojo|first=Renée|date=November 30, 2012|publisher=San Francisco Business Times|accessdate=November 9, 2015}}</ref> Williams-Sonoma, Inc. also operates through eight corresponding websites and a [[gift registry]].<ref name="Hoovers"/>
'''Williams-Sonoma, Inc.''' is an American publicly traded consumer [[retail]] company that sells [[kitchenware]] and home furnishings.<ref name="sfchronicle">{{cite web|url=http://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/Williams-Sonoma-is-America-s-best-retailer-6177948.php|title=Williams-Sonoma is America's best retailer — online and in store|last=Lee|first=Thomas|date=April 3, 2015|publisher=San Francisco Chronicle|access-date=November 9, 2015}}</ref> It is headquartered in [[San Francisco]], [[California]], United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/business/williams-sonoma-whips-up-new-strategy/|title=Williams-Sonoma whips up new strategy|last=Flynn|first=Ryan|date=May 3, 2011|publisher=Seattle Times|access-date=November 9, 2015}}</ref> The company has 625 [[brick and mortar]] stores and distributes to more than 60 countries, with brands including [[Williams Sonoma (brand)|Williams Sonoma]], Williams Sonoma Home, [[Pottery Barn]], Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, [[West Elm]], Mark and Graham, and [[Rejuvenation (company)|Rejuvenation]].<ref name=furnituretoday>{{Cite web |url=https://www.furnituretoday.com/business-news/laura-alber-will-become-ceo-of-williams-sonoma-in-may/ |title=Laura Alber will become CEO of Williams-Sonoma in May |date=2010-01-27 |website=Furniture Today |language=en-US |access-date=2020-03-06}}</ref><ref name="Frojo">{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2012/11/30/williams-sonoma-accelerating-global.html|title=Williams-Sonoma accelerating global growth|last=Frojo|first=Renée|date=November 30, 2012|publisher=San Francisco Business Times|access-date=November 9, 2015}}</ref> Williams-Sonoma, Inc. also operates through eight corresponding websites and a [[gift registry]].<ref name="Hoovers"/>


The company is one of the largest [[e-commerce]] retailers in the U.S.,<ref name="sfchronicle"/> and one of the biggest multi-channel specialty retailers in the world.<ref name=furnituretoday/> In 2019, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. was named as a Fortune 500 company for the first time in its history.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/2019-05-16/williams-sonoma-inc-named-to-the-fortune-500-list-of-america-s-largest-companies |title=Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Named to the Fortune 500 List of America’s Largest Companies |date=2019-05-16 |website=www.bloomberg.com |access-date=2020-03-06}}</ref>
The company is one of the largest [[e-commerce]] retailers in the U.S.,<ref name="sfchronicle"/> and one of the biggest multi-channel specialty retailers in the world.<ref name=furnituretoday/> In 2019, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. was named as a [[Fortune 500]] company for the first time in its history.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/2019-05-16/williams-sonoma-inc-named-to-the-fortune-500-list-of-america-s-largest-companies |title=Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Named to the Fortune 500 List of America's Largest Companies |date=2019-05-16 |website=www.bloomberg.com |access-date=2020-03-06}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
[[File:Post Street Store Front.JPG|thumb|Post Street Store Front]]
[[File:Post Street Store Front.JPG|thumb|Post Street Store Front]]
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. had its [[initial public offering]] in July 1983. One million shares were offered on the [[Over-the-counter (finance)|OTC]] Market at $23 a share.<ref name = gou>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/07/30/business/a-store-for-the-gourmet-cook.html#hBtcmsa|title=A Store for the Gourmet Cook|last=Fisher|first=Lawrence M.|date=July 30, 1986|publisher=New York Times|accessdate=November 10, 2015}}</ref> At the end of 1985, the company was generating over $51 million in sales.<ref name =gou/> In September 1986, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. acquired [[Pottery Barn]] from [[Gap, Inc.|Gap]]. The acquisition included Pottery Barn's 27 housewares stores located in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York for $6 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.philly.com/1986-09-16/business/26075248_1_pottery-barn-housewares-stores-catalog|title=Pottery Barn Sold To Calif. Firm|last=Palley|first=Robin|date=September 16, 1986|publisher=Philadelphia Daily News|accessdate=November 10, 2015}}</ref> The company's expansion led to the opening of its first distribution center in [[Memphis, Tennessee]], in 1984. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is one of the largest proprietary distributors in the Memphis area with 3.5 million square feet of distribution space.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/stories/2003/11/03/story2.html?page=all|title=Williams-Sonoma eyes Pattillo center|last=Miller-Morton|first=Kate|date=November 2, 2003|publisher=Memphis Business Journal|accessdate=November 10, 2015}}</ref>
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. had its [[initial public offering]] in July 1983. One million shares were offered on the [[Over-the-counter (finance)|OTC]] Market at $23 a share.<ref name = gou>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/07/30/business/a-store-for-the-gourmet-cook.html#hBtcmsa|title=A Store for the Gourmet Cook|last=Fisher|first=Lawrence M.|date=July 30, 1986|work=New York Times|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref> At the end of 1985, the company was generating over $51 million in sales.<ref name =gou/> In September 1986, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. acquired [[Pottery Barn]] from [[Gap, Inc.|Gap]]. The acquisition included Pottery Barn's 27 housewares stores located in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York for $6 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.philly.com/1986-09-16/business/26075248_1_pottery-barn-housewares-stores-catalog|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913223004/http://articles.philly.com/1986-09-16/business/26075248_1_pottery-barn-housewares-stores-catalog|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 13, 2015|title=Pottery Barn Sold To Calif. Firm|last=Palley|first=Robin|date=September 16, 1986|publisher=Philadelphia Daily News|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref> The company's expansion led to the opening of its first distribution center in [[Memphis, Tennessee]], in 1984. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. was one of the largest proprietary distributors in the Memphis area with 3.5 million square feet of distribution space.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/stories/2003/11/03/story2.html?page=all|title=Williams-Sonoma eyes Pattillo center|last=Miller-Morton|first=Kate|date=November 2, 2003|publisher=Memphis Business Journal|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref>


From 1986 to 1989, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. grew by an average of 12 stores per year, bringing the total locations to over 100 stores in the U.S. It was listed on the [[New York Stock Exchange]] starting in 1998, while sales reached $1 billion for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/1998/06/01/daily7.html|title=Williams-Sonoma expands|date=June 2, 1998|publisher=San Francisco Business Times|accessdate=November 10, 2015}}</ref>
From 1986 to 1989, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. grew by an average of 12 stores per year, bringing the total locations to over 100 stores in the U.S. It was listed on the [[New York Stock Exchange]] starting in 1998, while sales reached $1 billion for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/1998/06/01/daily7.html|title=Williams-Sonoma expands|date=June 2, 1998|publisher=San Francisco Business Times|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref>


The following year, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. launched its [[e-commerce]] websites.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.technewsworld.com/story/537.html|title=Williams-Sonoma, Epicurious Make Recipe for Online Sales|last=Hillebrand|first=Mary|date=June 17, 1999|publisher=Tech News World|accessdate=November 10, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/01/business/e-commerce-report-all-that-some-retailers-want-before-christmas-functional-site.html|title=E-Commerce Report; All that some retailers want before Christmas is a functional site|last=Tedeschi|first=Bob|date=November 1, 1999|publisher=New York Times|accessdate=November 10, 2015}}</ref> The company also launched Pottery Barn Kids, a spin-off of Pottery Barn that specializes in home furnishings for children.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPcap/2000-03/23/088r-032300-idx.html|title=Targeting Tweens- Retailers are Homing In on the Next Generation|last=Koncius|first=Jura|date=March 23, 2000|publisher=Washington Post|accessdate=November 10, 2015}}</ref>
The following year, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. launched its [[e-commerce]] websites.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.technewsworld.com/story/537.html|title=Williams-Sonoma, Epicurious Make Recipe for Online Sales|last=Hillebrand|first=Mary|date=June 17, 1999|publisher=Tech News World|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/01/business/e-commerce-report-all-that-some-retailers-want-before-christmas-functional-site.html|title=E-Commerce Report; All that some retailers want before Christmas is a functional site|last=Tedeschi|first=Bob|date=November 1, 1999|work=New York Times|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref> The company also launched Pottery Barn Kids, a spin-off of Pottery Barn that specializes in home furnishings for children.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPcap/2000-03/23/088r-032300-idx.html|title=Targeting Tweens- Retailers are Homing In on the Next Generation|last=Koncius|first=Jura|date=March 23, 2000|work=Washington Post|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref>


The Pottery Barn brand further expanded with the launch of PBteen in early 2003. Pottery Barn extended its merchandising with the introduction of the Pottery Barn Bed & Bath and Pottery Barn Kids in Manhattan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A07E2DA1E3FF93AA35752C1A9609C8B63|title=Currents:Who Knew?; Bed and Bath and Children's Stores Expand Pottery Barn's Domain|publisher=The New York Times|date=November 9, 2006|first=Marianne|last=Rohrlich|accessdate=November 10, 2015}}</ref>
The Pottery Barn brand further expanded with the launch of PBteen in early 2003. Pottery Barn extended its merchandising with the introduction of the Pottery Barn Bed & Bath and Pottery Barn Kids in Manhattan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A07E2DA1E3FF93AA35752C1A9609C8B63|title=Currents:Who Knew?; Bed and Bath and Children's Stores Expand Pottery Barn's Domain|work=The New York Times|date=November 9, 2006|first=Marianne|last=Rohrlich|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref>


By 2009, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. was operating 610 stores with an annual revenue of over $3 billion. In May 2010, Lester retired, and Laura Alber was named CEO of the umbrella organization. Alber joined the company in 1995. She was active in building the Pottery Barn catalog and the development and launch of Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2010/01/26/williams_sonoma_says_longtime_ceo_lester_to_retire/|title=Williams-Sonoma says longtime CEO Lester to retire|last=Tong|first=Vinnee|date=January 26, 2010|publisher=Boston.com|accessdate=November 10, 2015}}</ref> In November 2011, the company acquired [[Portland, Oregon]]-based [[Rejuvenation (company)|Rejuvenation]], a manufacturer and direct marketer of light fixtures and hardware with stores in [[Portland, Oregon|Portland]], [[Seattle, Washington|Seattle]], and [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]].<ref name="Oregonian2011-11-04">{{cite journal | title = Williams-Sonoma buys Portland's Rejuvenation Inc., plans growth | journal = The Oregonian | date = November 4, 2011 | first = Mike | last = Francis| id = | url = http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2011/11/williams-sonoma_buys_portlands.html | accessdate = November 4, 2011}}</ref> The company launched a lifestyle brand offering personalized products, Mark and Graham, in November 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20121108005464/en/Williams-Sonoma-Announces-Launch-Lifestyle-Brand-Mark-Graham#.VfrwgBFVikp|title=Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Announces the Launch of New Lifestyle Brand, Mark and Graham|date=November 8, 2012|publisher=BusinessWire|accessdate=November 10, 2015}}</ref>
By 2009, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. was operating 610 stores with an annual revenue of over $3 billion. In May 2010, Lester retired, and Laura Alber was named CEO of the umbrella organization. Alber joined the company in 1995. She was active in building the Pottery Barn catalog and the development and launch of Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2010/01/26/williams_sonoma_says_longtime_ceo_lester_to_retire/|title=Williams-Sonoma says longtime CEO Lester to retire|last=Tong|first=Vinnee|date=January 26, 2010|publisher=Boston.com|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref> In November 2011, the company acquired [[Portland, Oregon]]-based [[Rejuvenation (company)|Rejuvenation]], a manufacturer and direct marketer of light fixtures and hardware with stores in [[Portland, Oregon|Portland]], [[Seattle, Washington|Seattle]], and [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]].<ref name="Oregonian2011-11-04">{{cite journal | title = Williams-Sonoma buys Portland's Rejuvenation Inc., plans growth | journal = The Oregonian | date = November 4, 2011 | first = Mike | last = Francis| url = http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2011/11/williams-sonoma_buys_portlands.html | access-date = November 4, 2011}}</ref> The company launched a lifestyle brand offering personalized products, Mark and Graham, in November 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20121108005464/en/Williams-Sonoma-Announces-Launch-Lifestyle-Brand-Mark-Graham#.VfrwgBFVikp|title=Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Announces the Launch of New Lifestyle Brand, Mark and Graham|date=November 8, 2012|publisher=BusinessWire|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref>


Williams Sonoma's e-commerce sales were approximately 52 percent of its parent company's revenue of the first quarter of 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/williams-sonoma-inc-announces-first-quarter-2015-resultsnet-revenues-grow-58-with-comparable-brand-revenue-growth-of-46operating-margin-of-70-and-diluted-eps-of-048-2015-05-20|title=Williams-Sonoma, Inc. announces first quarter 2015 results Net revenues grow 5.8% with comparable brand revenue growth of 4.6%|date=May 20, 2015 |publisher=MarketWatch|accessdate=November 10, 2015}}</ref>
Williams Sonoma's e-commerce sales were approximately 52 percent of its parent company's revenue of the first quarter of 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/williams-sonoma-inc-announces-first-quarter-2015-resultsnet-revenues-grow-58-with-comparable-brand-revenue-growth-of-46operating-margin-of-70-and-diluted-eps-of-048-2015-05-20|title=Williams-Sonoma, Inc. announces first quarter 2015 results Net revenues grow 5.8% with comparable brand revenue growth of 4.6%|date=May 20, 2015 |publisher=MarketWatch|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref>


The West Elm brand was launched in 2002 with the release of a catalog;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-jul-16-fi-westelm16-story.html|title=New Store Chain Is Hoping Everyone Will Feel at Home|work= Los Angeles Times|first=Melinda|last=Fulmer|date=July 16, 2005|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref> the following year, the brand opened its first store.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/391620-williams-sonoma-launches-west-elm-store-in-brooklyn|title=Williams-Sonoma launches West Elm store in Brooklyn|last1=Combs|first1=Heath E.|last2=Sloan|first2=Carole|date=December 8, 2003|publisher=Furniture Today|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref> Through the West Elm brand, the company launched West Elm Hotels.<ref name=hotel>{{Cite news | url=https://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/news/2016/09/26/west-elm-bets-its-brand-will-draw-guests-to-a-new.html | title=West Elm bets its brand will draw guests to a new hotel chain | first=David A. | last=Arnott | work=[[American City Business Journals]] | date=September 26, 2016}}</ref> The [[joint venture]] with DDK hospitality management and development company<ref name=hotel/> has locations in [[Detroit|Detroit, Michigan]], [[Indianapolis, Indiana]], [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]], [[Oakland, California]] and [[Savannah, Georgia]].
== West Elm ==


The West Elm brand was launched in 2002 with the release of a catalog;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2005/jul/16/business/fi-westelm16|title=New Store Chain Is Hoping Everyone Will Feel at Home|publisher= Los Angeles Times|first=Melinda|last=Fulmer|date=July 16, 2005|accessdate=November 10, 2015}}</ref> the following year, the brand opened its first store.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/391620-williams-sonoma-launches-west-elm-store-in-brooklyn|title=Williams-Sonoma launches West Elm store in Brooklyn|last1=Combs|first1=Heath E.|last2=Sloan|first2=Carole|date=December 8, 2003|publisher=Furniture Today|accessdate=November 10, 2015}}</ref> Through the West Elm brand, the company launched West Elm Hotels.<ref name=hotel>{{Cite news | url=https://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/news/2016/09/26/west-elm-bets-its-brand-will-draw-guests-to-a-new.html | title=West Elm bets its brand will draw guests to a new hotel chain | first=David A. | last=Arnott | work=[[American City Business Journals]] | date=September 26, 2016}}</ref> The joint venture will be done with DDK, which is a hospitality management and development company.<ref name=hotel/>
The West Elm brand is active with the [[Clinton Global Initiative]] and in 2013 agreed to invest $35 million on hand made goods from U.S. and abroad to sell in its stores over the course of two years. The collaborations were aimed to positively impact over 4,000 artisan workers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mnn.com/your-home/remodeling-design/blogs/8-handsome-home-goods-from-the-west-elm-handcrafted-collection|title=8 Handsome Home Goods From The West Elm Handcrafted Collection|publisher=Mother Nature Network|date=September 26, 2013|first=Matt|last=Hickman|access-date=November 1, 2015}}</ref> Former President [[Bill Clinton]] visited a West Elm showroom after the company spent nearly that amount in the first year of the agreement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/bw/articles/2014-06-20/in-charitable-checkup-at-west-elm-bill-clinton-rubs-some-fair-trade-rugs|title=In Charitable Checkup at West Elm, Bill Clinton Rubs Some Fair-Trade Rugs|publisher=Bloomberg|first=Susan|last=Berfield|date=June 20, 2014|access-date=November 1, 2015}}</ref> In 2015, the company made a pledge at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting to expand its Fair Trade Certified product offerings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hfnmag.com/furniture/west-elm-pledges-40-percent-fair-trade-assortment-2019/|title=West Elm Pledges 40 Percent Fair Trade Assortment by 2019|publisher=Home Furnishings News|first=Maureen|last=Azzato|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=November 1, 2015}}</ref>
Locations:
* [[Detroit|Detroit, Michigan]]
* [[Indianapolis, Indiana]]
* [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]
* [[Oakland, California]]
* [[Savannah, Georgia]]

The West Elm brand is active with the [[Clinton Global Initiative]] and in 2013 agreed to invest $35 million on hand made goods from U.S. and abroad to sell in its stores over the course of two years. The collaborations were aimed to positively impact over 4,000 artisan workers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mnn.com/your-home/remodeling-design/blogs/8-handsome-home-goods-from-the-west-elm-handcrafted-collection|title=8 Handsome Home Goods From The West Elm Handcrafted Collection|publisher=Mother Nature Network|date=September 26, 2013|first=Matt|last=Hickman|accessdate=November 1, 2015}}</ref> Former President [[Bill Clinton]] visited a West Elm showroom after the company spent nearly that amount in the first year of the agreement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/bw/articles/2014-06-20/in-charitable-checkup-at-west-elm-bill-clinton-rubs-some-fair-trade-rugs|title=In Charitable Checkup at West Elm, Bill Clinton Rubs Some Fair-Trade Rugs|publisher=Bloomberg|first=Susan|last=Berfield|date=June 20, 2014|accessdate=November 1, 2015}}</ref> In 2015, the company made a pledge at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting to expand its Fair Trade Certified product offerings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hfnmag.com/furniture/west-elm-pledges-40-percent-fair-trade-assortment-2019/|title=West Elm Pledges 40 Percent Fair Trade Assortment by 2019|publisher=Home Furnishings News|first=Maureen|last=Azzato|date=October 1, 2015|accessdate=November 1, 2015}}</ref>


==International presence==
==International presence==
{{clear}}
In October 2001, the company opened its first international stores in [[Toronto, Ontario]], Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://strategyonline.ca/2001/10/22/camspotwilliams-20011022/| title=TAXI imprints Williams-Sonoma top-drawer status|last=Saddleton|first=Lucy|date=October 22, 2001|publisher=Strategy|accessdate=November 10, 2015}}</ref> The Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn stores in [[Yorkville, Toronto|Yorkville]] occupied a combined 37,000 square feet of space at the retail podium of the 100 Bloor Street West condominium; these stores closed in 2017 after the landlord substantially raised rents in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.retail-insider.com/retail-insider/2017/1/williams-sonoma-hermes|title=Williams Sonoma Exits Mink Mile Ahead of Hermès Relocation|website=RETAIL INSIDER|accessdate=February 15, 2019}}</ref>
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[[File:University Theatre.JPG|right|thumb|The preserved façade of the former [[University Theatre (Toronto)|University Theatre]] in Toronto, which was the site of the first Canadian stores of Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma from 2001 to 2017]]
[[File:Pottery Barn main-kids-teen stores, Polanco, Mexico City.jpg|thumb|Stores of 3 Pottery Barn brands operated by [[El Puerto de Liverpool]] in the [[Colonia Polanco|Polanco]] neighborhood of [[Mexico City]]]]
{|class=wikitable float=right
! rowspan=2 style=vertical-align:top| Country
! rowspan=2 style=vertical-align:top| Franchisee
! colspan=4 style=vertical-align:top| Number of stores<br>Jan. 2024
! rowspan=2 style=vertical-align:top| Sources
|-
! style=vertical-align:top| Pottery<br/>Barn
! style=vertical-align:top| P. B.<br/>Kids
! style=vertical-align:top| West<br/>Elm
! style=vertical-align:top| Williams-<br/>Sonoma


|-
In 2008, the company opened Pottery Barn and West Elm stores at [[Plaza Las Americas]] in [[Hato Rey, Puerto Rico|Hato Rey]], [[Puerto Rico]], a district of the capital [[San Juan, Puerto Rico|San Juan]].<ref>{{cite news|title=west elm also coming to Plaza Las Americas|last=Frances|first=Ryan|date=August 2, 2007|publisher=Caribbean Business|volume=35|issue=30|page=7}}</ref>
| {{flag|Australia}}
|
| style=text-align:center | 6
| style=text-align:center | 6
| style=text-align:center | 7
| style=text-align:center | 2
|<ref>{{cite web |title=Store Locations {{!}} Pottery Barn Australia |url=https://www.potterybarn.com.au/store-locations |website=www.potterybarn.com.au |access-date=19 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Store Locations {{!}} west elm Australia |url=https://www.westelm.com.au/store-locations |website=www.westelm.com.au |access-date=19 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Store Locations |url=https://www.potterybarnkids.com.au/store-locations |website=www.potterybarnkids.com.au |access-date=19 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Store Locations |url=https://www.williams-sonoma.com.au/store-locations |website=www.williams-sonoma.com.au |access-date=19 January 2024}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Canada}}
|
| style=text-align:center | 5
| style=text-align:center | ?
| style=text-align:center | ?
| style=text-align:center | 5
|<ref>{{cite web |title=Store-Locations {{!}} Williams Sonoma |url=https://www.williams-sonoma.ca/stores/?cm_type=fnav |website=www.williams-sonoma.ca |access-date=19 January 2024}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|India}}
|
| style=text-align:center | 3
| style=text-align:center | 3
| style=text-align:center | 4
| {{N/A}}
|<ref>{{cite web |title=Store Locator |url=https://www.westelm.in/store-locator |website=West Elm India |access-date=19 January 2024 |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Store Locator |url=https://www.potterybarn.in/store-locator |website=www.potterybarn.in |access-date=19 January 2024 |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Mexico}}
| [[El Puerto de Liverpool|El&nbsp;Puerto&nbsp;de&nbsp;Liverpool]]
|style=text-align:center | 7
|style=text-align:center | 8
|style=text-align:center | 10
|style=text-align:center | 4
|<ref>{{cite web |title=Store Locator |url=https://www.williams-sonoma.com.mx/tienda/browse/storelocator |website=www.williams-sonoma.com.mx |access-date=19 January 2024}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|The Philippines}}
| SSI Group Inc.
|style=text-align:center | 2
|style=text-align:center | 2
|style=text-align:center | 2
|style=text-align:center | 0
|<ref>{{cite web |title=Pottery Barn Kids |url=https://ssilife.com.ph/pottery-barn-kids |website=SSI Life |access-date=19 January 2024}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|South Korea}}
| Hyundai Livart Furniture Co. Ltd.<ref>[https://company.hyundailivart.co.kr/en/history "History", Hyundai Livart Furniture Co. Ltd., accessed 20 January 2024]</ref>
|style=text-align:center | 4
|style=text-align:center | 5
|style=text-align:center | 11
|style=text-align:center | 4
| <ref>{{cite web |title=매장안내|trans-title=Store Finder|url=https://www.potterybarn.co.kr/guidance/brndshopgd |website=Pottery Barn Korea |access-date=19 January 2024 |language=ko}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=매장안내|trans-title=Store Finder|url=https://www.potterybarnkids.co.kr/guidance/brndshopgd |website=Pottery Barn Kids |access-date=19 January 2024 |language=ko}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=매장안내|trans-title=Store Finder|url=https://www.westelm.co.kr/guidance/brndshopgd |website=West Elm Korea |access-date=19 January 2024 |language=ko}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=매장안내|trans-title=Store Finder|url=https://www.williams-sonoma.co.kr/guidance/brndshopgd |website=Williams Sonoma Korea |access-date=19 January 2024 |language=ko}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|United Kingdom}}
| Corporate
| style=text-align:center | 0
| style=text-align:center | 0
| style=text-align:center | 2
| style=text-align:center | 0
| <ref>{{cite web |title=Store Locations |url=https://www.westelm.co.uk/store-locations |website=West Elm UK |access-date=20 January 2024}}</ref>
|-
! colspan=6 style=text-align:left;vertical-align:top | Middle East
! style=text-align:left;vertical-align:top | <ref>{{cite web |title=Pottery Barn |url=https://www.alshaya.com/en/brand/pottery-barn/saudi-arabia/ |website=Alshaya |access-date=19 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pottery Barn Kids |url=https://www.alshaya.com/en/brand/pottery-barn-kids/saudi-arabia/ |website=Alshaya |access-date=19 January 2024}}</ref><ref name="west-elm-middle-east">{{cite web |title=West Elm |url=https://www.alshaya.com/en/brand/west-elm/bahrain/ |website=Alshaya |access-date=19 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Williams-Sonoma |url=https://www.alshaya.com/en/brand/williams-sonoma/kuwait/ |website=Alshaya |access-date=19 January 2024}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Bahrain}}
| rowspan= 6 style=vertical-align:top | [[M.H. Alshaya Co.]]
| style=text-align:center | 1
| style=text-align:center | 1
| style=text-align:center | 1
| {{N/A}}
|
|-
| {{flag|Kuwait}}
<!--shared column-->
| style=text-align:center | 1
| style=text-align:center | 1
| style=text-align:center | 2
| style=text-align:center | 1
|
|-
| {{flag|Qatar}}
<!--shared column-->
| style=text-align:center | 2
| style=text-align:center | 2
| style=text-align:center | 1
| {{N/A}}
|
|-
| {{flag|Saudi Arabia}}
<!--shared column-->
| style=text-align:center | 4
| style=text-align:center | 4
| style=text-align:center | 7
| {{N/A}}
|
|-
| {{flag|UAE}}
<!--shared column-->
| style=text-align:center | 5
| style=text-align:center | 5
| style=text-align:center | 5
| style=text-align:center | 1
|
|}
===Canada===
In October 2001, the company opened its first international stores in [[Toronto, Ontario]], Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://strategyonline.ca/2001/10/22/camspotwilliams-20011022/| title=TAXI imprints Williams-Sonoma top-drawer status|last=Saddleton|first=Lucy|date=October 22, 2001|publisher=Strategy|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref> The Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn stores in [[Yorkville, Toronto|Yorkville]] occupied a combined 37,000 square feet of space at the retail podium of the 100 Bloor Street West condominium; these stores closed in 2017 after the landlord substantially raised rents in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.retail-insider.com/retail-insider/2017/1/williams-sonoma-hermes|title=Williams Sonoma Exits Mink Mile Ahead of Hermès Relocation|website=RETAIL INSIDER|access-date=February 15, 2019}}</ref>
===Latin America===
In 2008, the company opened Pottery Barn and West Elm stores at [[Plaza Las Américas (Puerto Rico)|Plaza Las Americas]] in [[Hato Rey, Puerto Rico|Hato Rey]], [[Puerto Rico]], a district of the capital [[San Juan, Puerto Rico|San Juan]].<ref>{{cite news|title=west elm also coming to Plaza Las Americas|last=Frances|first=Ryan|date=August 2, 2007|publisher=Caribbean Business|volume=35|issue=30|page=7}}</ref>


For [[Mexico]], in 2014, [[El Puerto de Liverpool]], which operates two nationwide department store chains ([[Liverpool (department store)|Liverpool]]) and [[Suburbia (department store)|Suburbia]], signed a franchise agreement to operate stores and e-commerce sites for six brands.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.internetretailer.com/2014/10/03/williams-sonoma-takes-its-e-commerce-south-border|title=Williams-Sonoma takes its e-commerce operation south of the border|last=Brohan|first=Mark|date=October 3, 2014|publisher=Internet Retailer|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref> Brand covered are Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PB Teen, West Elm.
In 2010, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. partnered with [[M.H. Alshaya Co.]] to launch Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids franchise operations in the Middle East.<ref name="Frojo"/> The first Williams-Sonoma brand store outside of North America opened in [[Kuwait]] in 2012, along with West Elm at [[The Avenues (Kuwait)|The Avenues Mall]], the largest shopping center in Kuwait. The company also opened four stores (Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, and West Elm) in [[Australia]] as the first retail locations outside of North America owned and operated by Williams-Sonoma, Inc.<ref name="Frojo"/>


===Middle East===
The company opened its first store in the [[United Kingdom]] in 2014 with the launch of its West Elm location in [[London]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.retail-week.com/sectors/home-and-diy/williams-sonoma-to-land-in-uk-with-store-on-tottenham-court-road/5048624.article|title=US homewares giant Williams-Sonoma to land in UK with West Elm store on Tottenham Court Road|last=Harrison|first=Nicola|date=April 26, 2013|publisher=Retail Week|accessdate=November 10, 2015}}</ref> Williams-Sonoma, Inc. signed a franchise agreement in 2014 to begin opening stores and operating its e-commerce sites for six of its brands in [[Mexico]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.internetretailer.com/2014/10/03/williams-sonoma-takes-its-e-commerce-south-border|title=Williams-Sonoma takes its e-commerce operation south of the border|last=Brohan|first=Mark|date=October 3, 2014|publisher=Internet Retailer|accessdate=November 10, 2015}}</ref> In the same year, the company also opened Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids stores with a franchise partner in the [[Philippines]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/2013/09/gap-williams-sonoma-head-to-the.html|title=Gap, Williams-Sonoma open in Philippines|last=Frojo|first=Renée |publisher=San Francisco Business Times|accessdate=November 10, 2015}}</ref>
[[File:Riyadh Park mall West Elm.png|thumb| West Elm store signed in English and transliteration into Arabic alphabet, [[Riyadh Park]], [[Saudi Arabia]]]]
In 2010, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. partnered with [[M.H. Alshaya Co.]] to launch Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids franchise operations in the Middle East.<ref name="Frojo"/> The first Williams-Sonoma brand store outside of North America opened in [[Kuwait]] in 2012, along with West Elm at [[The Avenues (Kuwait)|The Avenues Mall]], the largest shopping center in Kuwait.

===Europe===
The company opened its first store in the [[United Kingdom]] in 2014 with the launch of its West Elm location in [[London]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.retail-week.com/sectors/home-and-diy/williams-sonoma-to-land-in-uk-with-store-on-tottenham-court-road/5048624.article|title=US homewares giant Williams-Sonoma to land in UK with West Elm store on Tottenham Court Road|last=Harrison|first=Nicola|date=April 26, 2013|publisher=Retail Week|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref>

===Asia Pacific===
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. opened four stores (Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, and West Elm) in [[Australia]] in 2015 as the first retail locations outside of North America owned and operated by Williams-Sonoma, Inc.<ref name="Frojo"/>

In the same year, the company also opened Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids stores with a franchise partner in the [[Philippines]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/2013/09/gap-williams-sonoma-head-to-the.html|title=Gap, Williams-Sonoma open in Philippines|last=Frojo|first=Renée |publisher=San Francisco Business Times|access-date=November 10, 2015}}</ref>


==Brands==
==Brands==
Under the umbrella organization of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., the company's brands are:<ref name="Hoovers">{{cite web|url=http://www.hoovers.com/company-information/cs/company-profile.Williams-Sonoma_Inc.87f1315d2918b3a3.html|title=Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Company Profile|publisher=Hoovers|accessdate=November 4, 2015}}</ref>
Under the umbrella organization of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., the company's brands are:<ref name="Hoovers">{{cite web|url=http://www.hoovers.com/company-information/cs/company-profile.Williams-Sonoma_Inc.87f1315d2918b3a3.html|title=Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Company Profile|publisher=Hoovers|access-date=November 4, 2015}}</ref>
*[[Williams Sonoma (brand)|Williams Sonoma]], upscale products for the kitchen and home
*[[Williams Sonoma (brand)|Williams Sonoma]] – upscale products for the kitchen and home
*Pottery Barn, home furnishings
**Williams Sonoma Home – upscale home furnishings
*[[Pottery Barn]] – home furnishings
*[[West Elm]] (stylized as "west elm"), modern housewares
*Pottery Barn Kids (stylized as "pottery barn kids"), home furnishings for children
**Pottery Barn Kids – home furnishings for children
*PBteen, home furnishings for young adults
**PBteen – home furnishings for young adults
*[[West Elm]] – modern furniture and home decor
*Williams Sonoma Home, upscale home furnishings
*Rejuvenation, house parts and home furnishing
*[[Rejuvenation (company)|Rejuvenation]] – light fixtures, hardware and home furnishings
*Mark and Graham, monogrammed gifts
*Mark and Graham – monogrammed gifts and accessories
*Green Row – sustainably sourced furnishings

== Controversies ==
In March 2020, the [[Federal Trade Commission]] (FTC) announced a settlement with Williams-Sonoma, Inc. over [[false advertising]] claims where Goldtouch Bakeware products, Rejuvenation-branded products, and Pottery Barn Teen and Pottery Barn Kids-branded upholstered furniture products were falsely advertised as being [[Made in USA|made in the USA]]. As part of the settlement with the FTC, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. agreed to stop making false, misleading or unsubstantiated "Made in USA" claims and is required to pay $1 million to the FTC.<ref name="FTC-Williams-Sonoma">{{cite news |last=Kreidler |first=Jim |date=April 1, 2020 |title=Williams-Sonoma: Made in the USA? |url=https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04/williams-sonoma-made-usa |url-status=live |work=Federal Trade Commission |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404085519/https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04/williams-sonoma-made-usa |archive-date=April 4, 2020 |access-date=May 23, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/202_3025_williams-sonoma_admin_complaint.pdf |title=Complaint |author1=Joseph J. Simons, Chairman |website=ftc.gov |publisher=Federal Trade Commission |access-date=May 23, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404100455/https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/202_3025_williams-sonoma_admin_complaint.pdf |archive-date=April 4, 2020 |quote=The acts and practices of Respondent as alleged in this complaint constitute unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce in violation of Section 5(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act. }}</ref>

In April 2024, the FTC fined the Williams-Sonoma almost $3.2 million for violating the FTC's 2020 order to be truthful about whether its products were made in the US, which marked the largest-ever civil penalty in a "Made in USA" case.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-26 |title=Williams-Sonoma must pay almost $3.2 million for violating FTC's 'Made in USA' order |url=https://apnews.com/article/williams-sonoma-fine-ftc-made-usa-10313984e90fa206d219ed0546a2b9a2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426202303/https://apnews.com/article/williams-sonoma-fine-ftc-made-usa-10313984e90fa206d219ed0546a2b9a2 |archive-date=2024-04-26 |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=[[Associated Press|AP News]] |language=en}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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{{Williams-Sonoma}}
{{Williams-Sonoma}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange]]
[[Category:Companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange]]
[[Category:Companies based in San Francisco]]
[[Category:Companies based in San Francisco]]
[[Category:1972 establishments in California]]
[[Category:1956 establishments in California]]
[[Category:Williams-Sonoma|*]]
[[Category:Williams-Sonoma|*]]
[[Category:American companies established in 1956]]
[[Category:American companies established in 1956]]
[[Category:1980s initial public offerings]]
[[Category:1980s initial public offerings]]
[[Category:Retail companies based in California]]
[[Category:Furniture retailers of the United States]]

Latest revision as of 08:42, 14 November 2024

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
Company typePublic
NYSE: WSM
S&P 400 Component
IndustryRetail[1]
Headquarters3250 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, California, U.S.
Number of locations
625 (2018[2])
Key people
Brands
Revenue$8.24 billion (2021[5])
$1.45 billion (2021[5])
$1.12 billion (2021[5])
Total assets$4.62 billion (2021[5])
Total equity$1.66 billion (2021[5])
Number of employees
19,300 (2024)
Websitewilliams-sonomainc.com

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an American publicly traded consumer retail company that sells kitchenware and home furnishings.[6] It is headquartered in San Francisco, California, United States.[7] The company has 625 brick and mortar stores and distributes to more than 60 countries, with brands including Williams Sonoma, Williams Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, West Elm, Mark and Graham, and Rejuvenation.[8][9] Williams-Sonoma, Inc. also operates through eight corresponding websites and a gift registry.[10]

The company is one of the largest e-commerce retailers in the U.S.,[6] and one of the biggest multi-channel specialty retailers in the world.[8] In 2019, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. was named as a Fortune 500 company for the first time in its history.[11]

History

[edit]
Post Street Store Front

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. had its initial public offering in July 1983. One million shares were offered on the OTC Market at $23 a share.[12] At the end of 1985, the company was generating over $51 million in sales.[12] In September 1986, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. acquired Pottery Barn from Gap. The acquisition included Pottery Barn's 27 housewares stores located in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York for $6 million.[13] The company's expansion led to the opening of its first distribution center in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1984. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. was one of the largest proprietary distributors in the Memphis area with 3.5 million square feet of distribution space.[14]

From 1986 to 1989, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. grew by an average of 12 stores per year, bringing the total locations to over 100 stores in the U.S. It was listed on the New York Stock Exchange starting in 1998, while sales reached $1 billion for the first time.[15]

The following year, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. launched its e-commerce websites.[16][17] The company also launched Pottery Barn Kids, a spin-off of Pottery Barn that specializes in home furnishings for children.[18]

The Pottery Barn brand further expanded with the launch of PBteen in early 2003. Pottery Barn extended its merchandising with the introduction of the Pottery Barn Bed & Bath and Pottery Barn Kids in Manhattan.[19]

By 2009, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. was operating 610 stores with an annual revenue of over $3 billion. In May 2010, Lester retired, and Laura Alber was named CEO of the umbrella organization. Alber joined the company in 1995. She was active in building the Pottery Barn catalog and the development and launch of Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen.[20] In November 2011, the company acquired Portland, Oregon-based Rejuvenation, a manufacturer and direct marketer of light fixtures and hardware with stores in Portland, Seattle, and Los Angeles.[21] The company launched a lifestyle brand offering personalized products, Mark and Graham, in November 2012.[22]

Williams Sonoma's e-commerce sales were approximately 52 percent of its parent company's revenue of the first quarter of 2015.[23]

The West Elm brand was launched in 2002 with the release of a catalog;[24] the following year, the brand opened its first store.[25] Through the West Elm brand, the company launched West Elm Hotels.[26] The joint venture with DDK hospitality management and development company[26] has locations in Detroit, Michigan, Indianapolis, Indiana, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Oakland, California and Savannah, Georgia.

The West Elm brand is active with the Clinton Global Initiative and in 2013 agreed to invest $35 million on hand made goods from U.S. and abroad to sell in its stores over the course of two years. The collaborations were aimed to positively impact over 4,000 artisan workers.[27] Former President Bill Clinton visited a West Elm showroom after the company spent nearly that amount in the first year of the agreement.[28] In 2015, the company made a pledge at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting to expand its Fair Trade Certified product offerings.[29]

International presence

[edit]
.
Australia
Australia
Bahrain Kuwait Qatar UAE

Bahrain
Kuwait
Qatar
UAE
Canada
Canada
India
India
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
Mexico
Mexico
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
South Korea
South Korea
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
USA
USA
UK
UK
Williams-Sonoma Inc. stores, geographic presence worldwide
The preserved façade of the former University Theatre in Toronto, which was the site of the first Canadian stores of Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma from 2001 to 2017
Stores of 3 Pottery Barn brands operated by El Puerto de Liverpool in the Polanco neighborhood of Mexico City
Country Franchisee Number of stores
Jan. 2024 		Sources
Pottery
Barn 		P. B.
Kids 		West
Elm 		Williams-
Sonoma
 Australia 6 6 7 2 [30][31][32][33]
 Canada 5 ? ? 5 [34]
 India 3 3 4 — [35][36]
 Mexico El Puerto de Liverpool 7 8 10 4 [37]
 The Philippines SSI Group Inc. 2 2 2 0 [38]
 South Korea Hyundai Livart Furniture Co. Ltd.[39] 4 5 11 4 [40][41][42][43]
 United Kingdom Corporate 0 0 2 0 [44]
Middle East [45][46][47][48]
 Bahrain M.H. Alshaya Co. 1 1 1 —
 Kuwait 1 1 2 1
 Qatar 2 2 1 —
 Saudi Arabia 4 4 7 —
 UAE 5 5 5 1

Canada

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In October 2001, the company opened its first international stores in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.[49] The Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn stores in Yorkville occupied a combined 37,000 square feet of space at the retail podium of the 100 Bloor Street West condominium; these stores closed in 2017 after the landlord substantially raised rents in 2014.[50]

Latin America

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In 2008, the company opened Pottery Barn and West Elm stores at Plaza Las Americas in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, a district of the capital San Juan.[51]

For Mexico, in 2014, El Puerto de Liverpool, which operates two nationwide department store chains (Liverpool) and Suburbia, signed a franchise agreement to operate stores and e-commerce sites for six brands.[52] Brand covered are Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PB Teen, West Elm.

Middle East

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West Elm store signed in English and transliteration into Arabic alphabet, Riyadh Park, Saudi Arabia

In 2010, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. partnered with M.H. Alshaya Co. to launch Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids franchise operations in the Middle East.[9] The first Williams-Sonoma brand store outside of North America opened in Kuwait in 2012, along with West Elm at The Avenues Mall, the largest shopping center in Kuwait.

Europe

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The company opened its first store in the United Kingdom in 2014 with the launch of its West Elm location in London.[53]

Asia Pacific

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Williams-Sonoma, Inc. opened four stores (Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, and West Elm) in Australia in 2015 as the first retail locations outside of North America owned and operated by Williams-Sonoma, Inc.[9]

In the same year, the company also opened Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids stores with a franchise partner in the Philippines.[54]

Brands

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Under the umbrella organization of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., the company's brands are:[10]

  • Williams Sonoma – upscale products for the kitchen and home
    • Williams Sonoma Home – upscale home furnishings
  • Pottery Barn – home furnishings
    • Pottery Barn Kids – home furnishings for children
    • PBteen – home furnishings for young adults
  • West Elm – modern furniture and home decor
  • Rejuvenation – light fixtures, hardware and home furnishings
  • Mark and Graham – monogrammed gifts and accessories
  • Green Row – sustainably sourced furnishings

Controversies

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In March 2020, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a settlement with Williams-Sonoma, Inc. over false advertising claims where Goldtouch Bakeware products, Rejuvenation-branded products, and Pottery Barn Teen and Pottery Barn Kids-branded upholstered furniture products were falsely advertised as being made in the USA. As part of the settlement with the FTC, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. agreed to stop making false, misleading or unsubstantiated "Made in USA" claims and is required to pay $1 million to the FTC.[55][56]

In April 2024, the FTC fined the Williams-Sonoma almost $3.2 million for violating the FTC's 2020 order to be truthful about whether its products were made in the US, which marked the largest-ever civil penalty in a "Made in USA" case.[57]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Corporate Information -Business Profile". Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  2. ^ "Number of stores of Williams-Sonoma worldwide 2009-2018". Statista. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
  3. ^ "Shopping catalogs making a comeback". CBS News. March 19, 2015. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  4. ^ "Executive Biographies". Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Williams-Sonoma, Inc. announces record fourth quarter and fiscal year 2021 results".
  6. ^ a b Lee, Thomas (April 3, 2015). "Williams-Sonoma is America's best retailer — online and in store". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  7. ^ Flynn, Ryan (May 3, 2011). "Williams-Sonoma whips up new strategy". Seattle Times. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  8. ^ a b "Laura Alber will become CEO of Williams-Sonoma in May". Furniture Today. January 27, 2010. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
  9. ^ a b c Frojo, Renée (November 30, 2012). "Williams-Sonoma accelerating global growth". San Francisco Business Times. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  10. ^ a b "Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Company Profile". Hoovers. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
  11. ^ "Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Named to the Fortune 500 List of America's Largest Companies". www.bloomberg.com. May 16, 2019. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
  12. ^ a b Fisher, Lawrence M. (July 30, 1986). "A Store for the Gourmet Cook". New York Times. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  13. ^ Palley, Robin (September 16, 1986). "Pottery Barn Sold To Calif. Firm". Philadelphia Daily News. Archived from the original on September 13, 2015. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  14. ^ Miller-Morton, Kate (November 2, 2003). "Williams-Sonoma eyes Pattillo center". Memphis Business Journal. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  15. ^ "Williams-Sonoma expands". San Francisco Business Times. June 2, 1998. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  16. ^ Hillebrand, Mary (June 17, 1999). "Williams-Sonoma, Epicurious Make Recipe for Online Sales". Tech News World. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  17. ^ Tedeschi, Bob (November 1, 1999). "E-Commerce Report; All that some retailers want before Christmas is a functional site". New York Times. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  18. ^ Koncius, Jura (March 23, 2000). "Targeting Tweens- Retailers are Homing In on the Next Generation". Washington Post. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  19. ^ Rohrlich, Marianne (November 9, 2006). "Currents:Who Knew?; Bed and Bath and Children's Stores Expand Pottery Barn's Domain". The New York Times. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  20. ^ Tong, Vinnee (January 26, 2010). "Williams-Sonoma says longtime CEO Lester to retire". Boston.com. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  21. ^ Francis, Mike (November 4, 2011). "Williams-Sonoma buys Portland's Rejuvenation Inc., plans growth". The Oregonian. Retrieved November 4, 2011.
  22. ^ "Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Announces the Launch of New Lifestyle Brand, Mark and Graham". BusinessWire. November 8, 2012. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  23. ^ "Williams-Sonoma, Inc. announces first quarter 2015 results Net revenues grow 5.8% with comparable brand revenue growth of 4.6%". MarketWatch. May 20, 2015. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  24. ^ Fulmer, Melinda (July 16, 2005). "New Store Chain Is Hoping Everyone Will Feel at Home". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  25. ^ Combs, Heath E.; Sloan, Carole (December 8, 2003). "Williams-Sonoma launches West Elm store in Brooklyn". Furniture Today. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  26. ^ a b Arnott, David A. (September 26, 2016). "West Elm bets its brand will draw guests to a new hotel chain". American City Business Journals.
  27. ^ Hickman, Matt (September 26, 2013). "8 Handsome Home Goods From The West Elm Handcrafted Collection". Mother Nature Network. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  28. ^ Berfield, Susan (June 20, 2014). "In Charitable Checkup at West Elm, Bill Clinton Rubs Some Fair-Trade Rugs". Bloomberg. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  29. ^ Azzato, Maureen (October 1, 2015). "West Elm Pledges 40 Percent Fair Trade Assortment by 2019". Home Furnishings News. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  30. ^ "Store Locations | Pottery Barn Australia". www.potterybarn.com.au. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  31. ^ "Store Locations | west elm Australia". www.westelm.com.au. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  32. ^ "Store Locations". www.potterybarnkids.com.au. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  33. ^ "Store Locations". www.williams-sonoma.com.au. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  34. ^ "Store-Locations | Williams Sonoma". www.williams-sonoma.ca. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  35. ^ "Store Locator". West Elm India. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  36. ^ "Store Locator". www.potterybarn.in. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  37. ^ "Store Locator". www.williams-sonoma.com.mx. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  38. ^ "Pottery Barn Kids". SSI Life. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  39. ^ "History", Hyundai Livart Furniture Co. Ltd., accessed 20 January 2024
  40. ^ "매장안내" [Store Finder]. Pottery Barn Korea (in Korean). Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  41. ^ "매장안내" [Store Finder]. Pottery Barn Kids (in Korean). Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  42. ^ "매장안내" [Store Finder]. West Elm Korea (in Korean). Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  43. ^ "매장안내" [Store Finder]. Williams Sonoma Korea (in Korean). Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  44. ^ "Store Locations". West Elm UK. Retrieved January 20, 2024.
  45. ^ "Pottery Barn". Alshaya. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  46. ^ "Pottery Barn Kids". Alshaya. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  47. ^ "West Elm". Alshaya. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  48. ^ "Williams-Sonoma". Alshaya. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  49. ^ Saddleton, Lucy (October 22, 2001). "TAXI imprints Williams-Sonoma top-drawer status". Strategy. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  50. ^ "Williams Sonoma Exits Mink Mile Ahead of Hermès Relocation". RETAIL INSIDER. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  51. ^ Frances, Ryan (August 2, 2007). "west elm also coming to Plaza Las Americas". Vol. 35, no. 30. Caribbean Business. p. 7.
  52. ^ Brohan, Mark (October 3, 2014). "Williams-Sonoma takes its e-commerce operation south of the border". Internet Retailer. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  53. ^ Harrison, Nicola (April 26, 2013). "US homewares giant Williams-Sonoma to land in UK with West Elm store on Tottenham Court Road". Retail Week. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  54. ^ Frojo, Renée. "Gap, Williams-Sonoma open in Philippines". San Francisco Business Times. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  55. ^ Kreidler, Jim (April 1, 2020). "Williams-Sonoma: Made in the USA?". Federal Trade Commission. Archived from the original on April 4, 2020. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  56. ^ Joseph J. Simons, Chairman. "Complaint" (PDF). ftc.gov. Federal Trade Commission. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 4, 2020. Retrieved May 23, 2020. The acts and practices of Respondent as alleged in this complaint constitute unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce in violation of Section 5(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act.
  57. ^ "Williams-Sonoma must pay almost $3.2 million for violating FTC's 'Made in USA' order". AP News. April 26, 2024. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
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