Crate & Barrel has opened a store called CB2 in the Chicago area. They are, of course, hoping to spread this new concept around the country if all goes well. It’s a lower-priced version of the ol’ Crate, focusing on “new colors, new materials, great value.” So, a younger crowd and whimsier products. Brightly colored extension cords for $2.95 sounds like a fun buy, especially if I don’t have to go through an IKEA-like parking and crowd-control experience. (How about a reconnaissance trip Toni?) And in related news, kitchen-king Williams-Sonoma has plans for a chain called Elm Street which would be to them “what Old Navy is to the Gap.” (I think that also translates to what CB2 is to Crate & Barrel) (info obtained from June issue of House & Garden)