Cost Plus World Market

If you were a hippy, baby boomer and lingered near the Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco anytime after 1958, you would have been witnessing the rise of Cost Plus World Market. The brand’s name originated from the initial business concept of selling items for «cost plus 10%». Now don’t get excited, it ain’t so anymore, but their prices are still competitive.
Back in the late 60’s, we were big into candles and incense, paisley, macramé, the coarse and rustic, and especially those crazy beaded curtains. The crisp SF air was thick with the sound of ohms and sitar, John Lennon juxtaposed with Jefferson Airplane, the smells of patchouli mixed with Egyptian musk (not to mention those more illegal, potent «aromas» …sniff sniff… hey, I recognize that smell!). Where else but Cost Plus could you find those things to decorate your humble apartment for a pittance while proclaiming yourself as «rebellious and cool», yet safely fall back into your conservative, middle class robes when Mom and Dad come to visit? Yeah… well…ok. The Haight. But for those of us not quite ready to truly live on the edge of society (and actually a little freaked by a most liberal turn in society), Cost Plus was a safe alternative for appearance sake. So Cost Plus grew and grew while we baby boomers grew up.
Honestly, I get this and the Pier 1 stores often confused, they are «similar» in concept, imported goods. But the main difference is price and the variety of products offered. Not exactly your best quality, but what Cost Plus carries is far more alluring to me, both price-​wise and in selection. I still sniff the air, hear the music, and look for the unusual, the imperfect, the colorful, the rustic. But now, I would probably avoid their imported furniture if you are looking for «durable». It oozes of character, just don’t sit on it. Meanwhile, the 3^rd World adventure continues as you re-​discover the Indian and African influenced and seasonal décor, linen curtains, jute rugs, tie dyed apparel, gourmet coffee, inexpensive wines and craft beers, and the abundance of interesting international food products that will titillate your taste buds. Let’s just say, the chocolate section alone is, uhhhhh, transfixing. You heard it from me, a self professed chocoholic.
2016, and it still takes me back to an early fascination and appreciation. Fifty eight years and counting. Not bad. Their customer service is beyond reproach. You still get my vote.

World Market is one of my very favorite places to look around in (especially around Halloween time!). They carry beautiful furniture and decorations of all sorts for your home. As much as I would love to buy all the items I love, the prices are a bit up there. It’s a great store, nonetheless.

Classic bait and switch. Went out there to pick up a table on hold from another location. Was told the advertised price would not be honored there even though the table was put on hold. Bryan the manager was not helpful and after a 30 mile drive said there is nothing we can do… terrible do not shop here…

Thank you WILLIAM for your exceptional customer service. He went above and beyond to ensure the quality of World Market products. My umbrella was defective and he took it upon himself to fix the problem. I’m a 100% a LOYAL CUSTOMER THANKS TO WILLIAM 5÷31÷15 Thank you again, Brianne

I love this location. The employees are all very friendly and you are always greeted when you walk in. The place is clean and well stocked. I come here quit often and don’t have any complaints.

Walked in here for the first time, walked out with an entire dining room chair set. Highly recommend. Great Prices. Tons of neat furniture. Wish I came a week earlier, before I purchased a table elsewhere.

I love the Christmas ornaments here. Don’t love the prices. Hot tip is to go like 1 week before xmas, they normally put them ½ off.

I could give this particular Cost Plus Location 20 stars if Unilocal would let me! This is the second time in 10 years that I have purchased a home and purchased many large items from here. The service today was the same as it was in 2004. Brian the manger has gone above and beyond in accommodating my husbands and mine million questions, requests and continuosly did it all with a smile and a constant No Problem attitude. This is not to say that all of the other times I frequent aren’t great either but when it comes to quality furniture this place is hands down the best and their service supersedes any other store out there like it.

I love World Market!
They carry beautiful furniture and décor and my favorite part the foods from all over the world!
They often send out coupons and have a descent sale section which makes the prices much better, otherwise it is a bit more expensive than I would like.
Selection is endless, tons of easy parking out front, service is great, love shopping here!

I love this store! They have everything here! Food, wine, beer, household items, furniture, pictures, candles, etc. You name it they have it! Good quality items. Friendly staff. They even will make a gift basket for you with all the goodies you pick out. I am here about once a week and there is always something new.

I could live here! I love this store! I’m so fortunate I work across the street and able to stop by at lunch or after work.
I’ve bought furniture, dinnerware, décor, food, coffee, you name it. It’s all good quality. My dining room table is 8 years old and it still looks fabulous. I always get compliments when I have guests.
I love the international merchandise they carry here. The décor Is always super colorful and happy. On holidays they always seem to have what you need and for any occasion too.
If you’re a wine lover… they have tasteful wine from different countries as well. They have a good variety. Also, if you become a member you can get awesome deals regularly via email.

***This Cost Plus World Market is a lot like the other Cost Plus World Market stores; it features a wide variety of home stuff, gifts, toys, and food; I actually found their mini food selection better than a lot of Cost Plus World Market stores; the mini food selection (mini boxes of crackers, Nutella, cheeses, sausages, nuts, and so on) are advertised to be for make-​your-​own-​gift-​baskets (like the kind you would get at Hickory Farms), but these mini items also seem like they would be good for a diverse snack on a flight***
This Cost Plus World Market is part of a huge retail plaza that has its own free parking lot. The parking lot is huge and it is easy finding an open space close to this store’s entrance.

Tons of home décor; furniture, rugs, lamps, outdoor & indoors, etc. Lots of gift items like picture frames, poster prints, metal decorative fixtures & a vast card selection for every occasion.
Love the imported food & snacks as well as drinks. Hazelnut and Caramel Kit Kats!

Cost Plus World Market is such a fun store. They carry so many unique imported items that I can never just stop in quickly, to pick something up, and get out of there. I’m always drawn in by their wonderful merchandise, much of which you can’t find just any old where.
I especially love to shop here during the Christmas season, because they have some beautiful & unique wrapping bags, and containers for do it yourselfers who like to bake cookies and such and give during the holidays.
Speaking of DYI, this is also a great place to find those small items that you might include in a holiday gift basket. They carry an assortment of exotic wines, coffee, tea, imported food items from many countries, a bit of small furnishings, nick knacks, soaps, lotions, baskets, wrapping paper & bags, women’s clothing accessories, etc. I have found prices to be reasonable as well. The store is clean, and service is good.
It’s just fun to wander the aisles and discover something unique around every turn!