Tool Time Comes to an End in Soho

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Fast Company reports that Design Within Reach will close its high-concept accessories chain, Tools for Living. Tools for Living might have seemed like a more recession-friendly idea than its ironically-named parent company, since its merchandise—"everything from $25 Swedish fire starters to $200 wooden monkeys," as Fast Company puts it—is all a little more accessible than DWR's $3,500 midcentury modern sofas and sets of $400-a-pop Emeco chairs. But DWR has faced some major shakeups in the past year, and closing the Tools for Living stores might help it get back on track.

The Soho store will remain open for the time being, but the landlord is looking for new tenants. Meanwhile, Design Within Reach plans to keep the concept around as a category on its website and in some DWR Studios.
· Design Within Reach Will Close Its Tools for Living Stores [Fast Company]
· Design Within Reach Promises No More Knockoffs in 2010 [Racked NY]
· RIP, Tools for Living [I Loved New York]