What World Market Is and How to Shop There

World Market (formerly Cost Plus World Market) is a retail chain that sells home décor, furniture, rugs, wall art, and seasonal items sourced from around the world. You can shop in their physical stores or online at worldmarket.com. The store focuses on global-inspired pieces — think Moroccan poufs, Indian textiles, Mexican pottery, and Asian wall hangings — at mid-range prices.

The chain operates hundreds of locations across the United States, and you can find their store locator on their website by entering your zip code. If you shop online, orders ship to your home or can be picked up at a nearby store location if that option is available in your area. World Market also runs seasonal sales and clearance sections both in-store and online, where prices drop significantly on items they are discontinuing.

Key Takeaways

  • World Market sells home décor, furniture, rugs, and wall art with global designs at prices typically between budget and high-end retail.
  • You can shop in physical stores or online at worldmarket.com, and many online orders can be picked up in-store rather than shipped.
  • The store runs frequent sales and clearance sections where prices drop on seasonal and discontinued items.
  • World Market offers a rewards program called World Market Rewards that gives you points on purchases, which you can redeem for discounts.
  • Return policies vary slightly between in-store and online purchases, so check the specific rules before you buy.

Types of Items You Can Find at World Market

World Market's inventory breaks down into several main categories. Home décor includes wall art, mirrors, throw pillows, candles, vases, and decorative objects. Furniture ranges from accent chairs and side tables to bookcases and storage benches — most pieces are smaller accent furniture rather than full bedroom or dining sets. Rugs and textiles cover area rugs, throw blankets, table runners, and tapestries in patterns and colors drawn from multiple cultures.

The store also carries seasonal items that rotate throughout the year — holiday decorations in fall and winter, outdoor and garden décor in spring and summer, and back-to-school supplies in late summer. Kitchen and tableware includes dishes, glasses, serving pieces, and table linens. Many items are imported directly, which is why you see design styles and price points that differ from typical American home stores.

Availability changes regularly because World Market sources from different suppliers and regions. An item you see one month may not be there the next, especially for imported pieces. If you find something you like, buying it sooner rather than later reduces the risk of it selling out.

How to Use the World Market Rewards Program

World Market Rewards is a free membership program that gives you points on every purchase. You earn one point for every dollar you spend in-store or online. Once you accumulate enough points, you can redeem them for a discount on a future purchase — typically, 100 points equals a $10 discount, though the exact conversion can vary.

To join, you can sign up in-store at checkout, online at worldmarket.com, or through the World Market mobile app. You provide your email address and basic information, and the program is free to join. When you shop, give the cashier your phone number or email, or log into your account online, so the purchase registers toward your points total. You can check your points balance anytime by logging into your account on the website or app.

World Market also sends rewards members exclusive coupons and early notice of sales. These offers arrive by email, so you will see them if you check the email address you used to sign up. The rewards program does not cost anything and does not require a credit card — it is purely a points-tracking system tied to your email.

Shipping, Pickup, and Delivery Options

When you order online, you have two main options: standard shipping to your home address, or in-store pickup if a location near you participates in that service. Shipping costs vary based on your order total and location — orders over a certain amount may may have access to for free shipping, though that threshold changes with promotions. You can see the exact shipping cost before you complete your purchase.

In-store pickup is often faster and cheaper than shipping, especially for heavy items like furniture or large rugs. When you choose pickup, the store notifies you by email when your order is ready, usually within a few business days. You then go to the store and collect your items at the customer service desk.

For large furniture pieces, World Market offers white-glove delivery in some areas, which means the delivery crew brings the item into your home and sets it up. This service costs extra and is not available everywhere. Check the product page for each item to see which delivery options are available for that specific piece.

Return and Exchange Policies

World Market allows returns and exchanges within a set timeframe from the date of purchase. For in-store purchases, you can return items with your receipt within the return window — typically 30 to 60 days depending on the item category, though you should check the current policy on their website or ask in-store. You need your receipt to process a return.

For online purchases, the return window and process differ slightly. Most items can be returned within 30 days of delivery if they are unused and in original condition. You will need to initiate the return through your online account or contact customer service to get a return shipping label. Some items, like clearance merchandise or final-sale pieces, cannot be returned — the product page will note this before you buy.

Furniture and large items have their own return rules because of shipping costs. Before you purchase a large piece online, read the return policy for that specific item, as some furniture may have a shorter return window or require you to pay return shipping. Defective items are usually handled differently — if something arrives damaged or broken, contact World Market customer service right away with photos, and they will typically replace it or issue a refund.

How Pricing and Sales Work at World Market

World Market prices items at mid-range levels — higher than discount home stores but lower than high-end furniture retailers. The exact price depends on where the item is sourced, how much it costs to import, and the store's markup. Because many items are imported, prices can fluctuate based on shipping costs and currency exchange rates, though the store does not change prices frequently.

Sales happen regularly throughout the year. The store runs seasonal promotions tied to holidays and seasons — spring home refresh sales, summer outdoor décor sales, holiday clearance in January, and so on. You can sign up for email notifications on worldmarket.com to receive notice of upcoming sales. The clearance section, both online and in-store, is where you find the deepest discounts, often 30 to 50 percent off, on items the store is discontinuing or overstocked on.

Rewards members receive additional discounts through exclusive coupons sent by email. These might be percentage-off coupons (like 15 percent off your next purchase) or dollar-amount coupons (like $20 off a $100 purchase). Stacking a rewards coupon with a sale price can lower your final cost significantly, so it is worth checking your email before you shop.

Shopping in Store Versus Online

Shopping in a physical World Market store lets you see and touch items before you buy — important for things like rugs, throw pillows, and furniture, where texture and color matter. You can also take items home when ready rather than waiting for shipping. The downside is that in-store inventory is limited to what fits in that location, so you may not see the full range of products available online.

Shopping online gives you access to the complete product catalog and lets you compare prices and read customer reviews. You can shop from home and have items delivered or picked up. The downside is that you cannot see the item in person, and shipping adds time and cost to your purchase. For items like wall art or small décor pieces, online shopping is often fine because the photos are clear and the items are straightforward. For furniture or large rugs, visiting a store to see the piece in person is worth the trip if you can.

Many shoppers use both methods — they browse online to see what is available and read reviews, then visit a store to see items they are seriously considering, or they order online and pick up in-store to avoid shipping costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return something I bought in-store if I lost my receipt?

Return policies vary, but most stores require a receipt to process a return. If you paid with a credit or debit card, the store may be able to look up your transaction using your card information. Call the store or visit customer service with your card to ask if they can locate the purchase. Some items, especially clearance merchandise, cannot be returned even with a receipt.

Does World Market ship internationally?

World Market primarily ships within the United States. If you need to send an item to another country, contact their customer service to ask about options, but standard shipping is not available outside the U.S. Some items may be available through international retailers that carry World Market products, but that would be a separate purchase.

How long does in-store pickup usually take?

In-store pickup typically takes three to seven business days from the time you place your order, though it can be faster during slower periods. You will receive an email notification when your order is ready for pickup. During busy seasons like holidays, pickup may take longer, so check the estimated timeframe on the product page when you order.

Are World Market items made overseas, and does that affect quality?

Many World Market items are imported from other countries, which is part of their business model. Quality varies by product — some imported pieces are well-made and durable, while others are more decorative than functional. Reading customer reviews on the product page gives you a sense of how long items typically last and whether buyers are satisfied with the quality for the price.

Can I use a World Market coupon with the rewards discount?

Yes, in most cases you can combine a rewards coupon with a sale price or promotional discount. However, some coupons have restrictions noted in the fine print — for example, a coupon might exclude clearance items or certain brands. Always read the coupon terms before checkout to confirm it applies to what you are buying.