Who Owns Pottery Barn?

Pottery Barn was founded in 1980 by Paul and Morris Secon as a home furnishings retailer focused on casual, accessible home decor and furniture. The brand began with a focus on pottery, ceramics, and rustic home accessories, establishing itself as a destination for customers seeking quality home furnishings at moderate-to-premium price points.

The brand expanded throughout the 1980s, opening additional retail locations and building a strong customer base through its distinctive design aesthetic and curated product selection. Pottery Barn's success attracted the attention of Williams-Sonoma Inc., which acquired the brand in 1986 as part of its expansion into the home furnishings market.

Following the acquisition, Pottery Barn expanded significantly under Williams-Sonoma Inc.'s ownership, growing its retail footprint and product offerings. The brand introduced new product categories including furniture, bedding, lighting, and home accessories, broadening its appeal beyond its original pottery and ceramics focus.

In the 1990s and 2000s, Pottery Barn became one of the dominant home furnishings retailers in North America, with hundreds of retail locations and a strong catalog and e-commerce presence. The brand's success led to the creation of Pottery Barn Kids in 1998 and Pottery Barn Teen in 2005, extending the brand family to serve different customer segments.