Crate & Barrel's more contemporary Gen Y sibling, CB2, will be opening soon in Calhoun Square Minneapolis. Not "soon" as in later this month but soon as in 2 to 6 months. What's new about that? The store that was reported to open mid November might not open until January 2012, according to Courtney Mullin, senior account manager at HL Marketing in Los Angeles.The CB2 website indicates a "spring 2012" opening which is even a little further out.

From the looks of the empty, incomplete shell at Hennepin and 31st St. where it is being built, a mid-November opening seemed optimistic. No doubt every business in Uptown is hoping for the influx of traffic that a new store opening will bring if it opened during the holiday shopping season.

One reason for the delay might be CB2 trying to do too much at once. Stores in Toronto and Eastside New York are also slated for the fall openings, according to the website. Still, Mullin said that there is still a possibility for a November opening. "It has not been ruled out," she wrote in an email Wednesday.

Meanwhile, at least one home furnishings retailer will be opening in Uptown before Thanksgiving. Roam Interiors, the modern furniture and accessories store that used be near IMS on Glenwood Avenue will open October 1 in the old Booksmart location, said owner John Stedman. Roam will carry Blu Dot, Alessi, Gus, chairs by Magis and Kartell, and Jonathan Adler accessories, furniture, rugs and lighting.

Roam, and eventually CB2, will join Design Within Reach, Nadeau, and Go Home Furnishings stores in Uptown.