Company Story
1956 - Chuck Williams founded Williams-Sonoma, Inc. in Sonoma, California, selling high-quality cookware and cooking classes.
1958 - The first Williams-Sonoma store opened on Chestnut Street in San Francisco.
1960 - Williams-Sonoma began publishing a catalog, which became a key part of the company's business model.
1972 - The company went public with an initial public offering (IPO).
1978 - Williams-Sonoma acquired the Connecticut-based cookware company, Pottery Barn.
1986 - The company launched its first international store in Toronto, Canada.
1999 - Williams-Sonoma acquired the West Elm brand, a modern furniture and home decor company.
2002 - The company launched its e-commerce platform, allowing customers to shop online.
2013 - Williams-Sonoma acquired the Australian-based home furnishings company, Howard's Storage World.
2019 - The company launched its own credit card, offering rewards and benefits to customers.