Williams-Sonoma was founded in 1956 by Charles E. (Chuck) Williams (b. 1915) in Sonoma, California, selling professional and restaurant-quality kitchenwares for home use. In 1958, at the suggestion of customers and friends, Williams relocated the store to San Francisco. In 1971, along with—and at the suggestion of—regular customer Jackie Mallorca, Williams began publishing a mail order catalog to expand his business beyond the San Francisco Bay Area. Williams has credited the selection and merchandising of products in the store as primary contributors to Williams-Sonoma's success.
(read less)Williams-Sonoma was founded in 1956 by Charles E. (Chuck) Williams (b. 1915) in Sonoma, California, selling professional and restaurant-quality kitchenwares for home use. In 1958, at the suggestion of customers and friends, Williams relocated the store to San Francisco. In 1971, along with—and at the suggestion of—regular customer Jackie Mallorca, Williams began publishing a mail order catalog to expand his business beyond the San Francisco Bay Area. Williams has credited the selection and...
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