World Market is a home décor and furniture retailer with physical stores and an online shop
World Market (formerly Cost Plus World Market) operates as a chain of retail locations selling furniture, home décor, rugs, lighting, and seasonal items. The company has stores in most U.S. states and sells through its website. Unlike some furniture retailers that focus on a single style or price point, World Market stocks a mix of imported and domestic pieces across multiple design categories — bohemian, industrial, farmhouse, coastal, and global styles among them.
The retailer sources products from different manufacturers and countries, which is reflected in its name and product mix. Prices vary widely depending on the item type and material. Some pieces are budget-friendly; others cost several hundred dollars. World Market also runs frequent sales and promotions, and members of its rewards program receive discounts on purchases.
If you are comparing World Market to other furniture stores, the main differences come down to style range, price positioning, and how you shop — in-store versus online. This guide explains how World Market's setup works and how it differs from other common furniture retail options.
Key Takeaways
- World Market carries home décor and furniture across multiple design styles, with prices ranging from budget to mid-range depending on the item.
- The retailer operates both physical stores and an online shop, so you can browse in person or order for delivery or in-store pickup.
- World Market runs frequent sales and promotions, and a free rewards membership offers discounts on future purchases.
- Compared to specialty furniture stores, World Market offers broader style variety; compared to big-box retailers, it typically has more curated selections and higher price points on some items.
How World Market's store layout and product selection work
World Market stores are organized by product category rather than by room or style. You will find furniture sections (sofas, chairs, tables, beds), wall décor, rugs, lighting, kitchen and dining items, and seasonal merchandise all in different areas. The furniture itself spans multiple aesthetic categories, so a single store may stock mid-century modern side tables, bohemian poufs, industrial shelving, and coastal-style mirrors in different sections.
This layout means you may need to walk through several areas to find pieces that match a specific room or design vision. The upside is that you can browse across styles and price points without visiting multiple stores. The downside is that inventory varies by location — a sofa available at one World Market store may not be in stock at another, and online inventory differs from in-store stock.
World Market also dedicates significant floor space to seasonal and home décor items that rotate throughout the year. During certain seasons, you may find holiday decorations, outdoor furniture, or themed collections that are not available year-round.
Pricing and how World Market compares to other furniture retailers
World Market's prices fall into the budget-to-mid-range category. A basic dining chair might cost $80 to $150, while a sofa typically ranges from $400 to $1,200 depending on size and material. Accent pieces like side tables, ottomans, and wall art are usually under $300. These prices are generally lower than specialty furniture boutiques or high-end department stores, but higher than some big-box retailers like Walmart or Target for comparable items.
The retailer frequently runs sales, clearance events, and percentage-off promotions. World Market's rewards program (free to join) gives members a percentage discount on purchases and early access to sales. Signing up for email notifications also triggers a first-purchase discount code. If you plan to buy multiple items, the cumulative savings from these promotions can be significant.
Compared to IKEA, World Market typically offers more finished, upholstered pieces and fewer flat-pack items requiring assembly. Compared to Article or West Elm, World Market has a wider range of styles but less emphasis on a single cohesive design philosophy. Compared to Wayfair, World Market has fewer total SKUs (product variations) but a more curated in-store experience if you visit a physical location.
Shopping in-store versus online at World Market
World Market operates both physical stores and an e-commerce website. In-store shopping lets you see and touch furniture, assess scale and color in person, and take items home the same day if they are in stock. Staff can answer questions about materials, care, and assembly. However, not all online items are available in stores, and in-store inventory is limited compared to the full online catalog.
Online shopping at World Market offers a larger selection and the option to filter by style, price, and room type. You can order for delivery (which varies in speed and cost depending on item size and your location) or choose in-store pickup if a nearby location has the item in stock. Delivery times for furniture typically range from one to four weeks depending on whether the item is in-stock or made-to-order. Returns and exchanges can be done in-store or by mail.
If you are unsure about a piece, some World Market locations allow you to order online and pick up in-store within a few days, giving you time to decide before committing to delivery. Check the website or call your local store to confirm this option is available in your area.
Furniture assembly and delivery options
World Market sells both assembled and unassembled furniture. Some pieces arrive fully assembled; others require you to assemble them at home. The product listing specifies assembly requirements. For larger items like sofas and beds, World Market offers white-glove delivery (assembly and placement included) for an additional fee, though this service is not available in all areas.
Standard delivery is the most common option and typically costs between $50 and $300 depending on the item size and your location. Some orders under a certain price threshold may may have access to for free shipping during promotions. Delivery timeframes vary: in-stock items may ship within a few days, while made-to-order pieces can take several weeks.
If you prefer to avoid assembly altogether, check whether the item you want is available pre-assembled. Many upholstered pieces (sofas, chairs, ottomans) arrive ready to use, while tables, shelving, and some bed frames require assembly. The product description and images usually indicate assembly status.
Return and exchange policies at World Market
World Market allows returns and exchanges within 60 days of purchase with a receipt. Items must be in original condition and packaging. Furniture that has been assembled or used typically cannot be returned, though exceptions may explore for defects or damage. Clearance and final-sale items are usually non-returnable.
If you order online, you can return items in-store or by mail. In-store returns are processed when ready. Mail returns require you to initiate a return through the website, print a shipping label, and send the item back. Refunds are issued to the original payment method once the return is received and inspected.
For delivery orders, World Market inspects items upon arrival. If furniture arrives damaged, you can refuse delivery or request a replacement. Document any damage with photos and contact World Market's customer service within a set timeframe (usually a few days) to file a claim.
World Market's rewards program and how to save on purchases
World Market's rewards program is free to join and available both in-store and online. Members earn a percentage back on every purchase (the exact percentage varies by membership tier and promotion) and receive exclusive discounts and early access to sales. You can sign up at the register, on the website, or through the mobile app.
New members typically receive a discount code for a first purchase. World Market also sends email offers to members, including percentage-off promotions (often 15% to 25% off) that run throughout the year. Seasonal sales — particularly around holidays and end-of-season clearance — offer additional savings.
To maximize savings, join the rewards program before making a purchase, sign up for email notifications, and check the website for current promotions before you buy. Combining a rewards discount with a sale or promotional code can result in significant overall savings on larger furniture purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does World Market deliver furniture to my home?
Yes. World Market offers standard delivery for most furniture items, with costs and timeframes varying by item size and location. White-glove delivery (including assembly and placement) is available in some areas for an additional fee. You can also choose in-store pickup if the item is in stock at a nearby location.
Can I return furniture to World Market if I change my mind?
World Market allows returns within 60 days of purchase if the item is in original condition and packaging. Assembled or used furniture typically cannot be returned, though defective items may be replaced. Clearance and final-sale items are usually non-returnable. Check the specific product page for return details.
How does World Market's style range compare to IKEA or Wayfair?
World Market offers more finished, upholstered pieces than IKEA (which emphasizes flat-pack and modular furniture) and a more curated selection than Wayfair (which has a much larger total catalog). World Market's strength is in eclectic, global-inspired styles across multiple price points in a single store.
Is there a way to save money on World Market purchases?
Join the free rewards program to earn a percentage back on purchases and receive exclusive discounts. New members get a first-purchase discount code. World Market also runs frequent sales and percentage-off promotions throughout the year, particularly during seasonal events and clearance periods.
What if furniture arrives damaged?
Inspect items upon delivery and refuse the shipment or request a replacement if damage is visible. Document damage with photos and contact World Market's customer service within a few days to file a claim. For mail returns, contact customer service through the website to report damage and arrange a replacement or refund.