Carole Cousin
A leader in merchandising and management at Crate and Barrel for three decades, Cousin was an integral part of the company's growth and strategic direction. Her critical eye, design aesthetic and keen awareness of trends, competition and the customer were instrumental in constantly moving Crate and Barrel's product forward. Her strengths as a retailer, buyer and merchant are matched by her expertise in product development and sourcing, and maintaining strategic vendor relationships worldwide.
From finding unique housewares product in Europe, Asia and India, to providing advice for product merchandising strategy across multiple channels, she ensures her clients product opportunities are identified, developed and executed — all while taking into account the related elements of design, customer experience, pricing and margins to achieve category growth. Carole has been selected to the list of “Leading Housewares Executives” in multiple years, and her home has been featured and recognized for design in Chicago Home and Gardens magazine, CS: Chicago Social magazine and Trends magazine.