CB2: tone down the cute

I like CB2 (Crate and Barrel's little sister). I enjoy browsing, and on a couple occasions purchasing, their affordable, well-designed home goods. The retail experience is consistently pleasant, complete with helpful, non-pushy sales people. But what drives me NUTS is the main navigation menu on their homepage.

This is a classic example of why sites must avoid being too clever when labeling. There are several issues with this particular menu, but the one that makes me grit my teeth the hardest and head straight to Ikea.com is the amount of crossover among the groups. Furniture, for example, could easily be included in at least 6 of the other categories (new, dine, work, sleep, one of a finds, sale). And splash? Wuhhh? I didn't know CB2 sold pool toys, but that's certainly what I expect to find when I click that link. Turns out, it's bath items. Hmm.

If I was included in user testing for CB2.com, they'd find that despite the fact that I've been to their site dozens of times, I'm still not sure where I'm supposed to go to find a good dining table (furniture or dine?). Not exactly the best user experience or sales strategy, if you ask me.

Suggestive Selling

Really, onlinebootstore.com? These are the products you recommend I buy? I have purchased exactly 2 pairs of boots from your site, both womens Loredo brand Roper style boots, and you suggest I buy mens work boots? Suggestive selling based on previous purchases is a great sales tool, unless of course your suggestions are way off base.