When asking yourself about something to do near me in Mountain View with a group of friends or family, consider
World Market
Why World Market is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
World Market is a renowned national specialty retailer that has been captivating shoppers since its founding in 1958 in San Francisco. Known for its extensive assortment of stylish and quality furniture, home décor, and unique gifts, World Market offers more than just shopping; it provides a discovery experience. The store is especially beloved for its curated selection of international foods and beverages, including one of the largest assortments of candy and treats from around the world. Seasonal highlights like the Christmas Marketplace stand out, featuring traditional cakes, cookies, and candies from Europe alongside a broad variety of holiday decorations spanning trendy, whimsical, to classic styles. With over 240 stores nationwide and a growing presence through both physical locations and an e-commerce platform, World Market creates an inviting environment perfect for friends and families to meet up and explore global design inspiration, emerging trends, and artisan handicrafts sourced internationally. Its thoughtfully designed marketplace is lively and dynamic, offering shoppers both great value and unique finds, ensuring every visit is engaging and inspiring.
Here's what people think of World Market
As of recent, World Market holds a 4.5-star rating based on 765 reviews.
Reviews of World Market demonstrate an overall positive impression, reflected in its strong 4.5-star rating from over 765 reviews. Customers frequently praise the store's eclectic and diverse product range, especially the unique home décor, furniture, and international food selections that stand out from typical retail options. Positive reviews emphasize the friendly and helpful staff, the enjoyable shopping atmosphere, and the excitement of discovering unusual items and global goods that stimulate creativity and personal style at home. The seasonal features, particularly the holiday-themed products, are often highlighted as exceptional draws for repeat visits. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to occasional issues such as inconsistent stock levels, pricing concerns where some items may be perceived as expensive, and varying experiences with customer service in certain locations. A few reviews mention that some stores could improve in organization and checkout efficiency. Overall, however, the customer sentiment leans favorably toward World Market as a unique retail destination, appreciated for its commitment to quality, cultural variety, and distinctive shopping experience that makes it an appealing place to meet and explore with friends and family.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Serra Ano
excellent service. appreciate staff walking me to what Honolulu cookies were located.
Gaurab Bose
It’s a little too much of everything. It doesn’t do any specific one style very well. That maybe the point but we came in with the intent to furnish our new place, and we didn’t find anything. The prices are also relatively high and the quality feels ok. They do have interesting global snacks and alcohol. But that wasn’t really what we came for.
Tere
We love Cost Plus because of their range of unique and interesting products and quirky snacks. We don't go very often, but every time we go we get excellent service. Tabatha is an excellent cashier. She is always cheerful, helpful and patient. She takes the time to ask if we want to use any coupons and make sure we get all available discounts. She makes us feel like valued customers. Management at the store had always been very helpful as well.
Stephanie Wong
Good variety of products. I haven't been there for quite some time. Good to go back. Except the cashiers were extremely slow. They didn't seem to care there were quite a few people in line. Nothing was said to those in line. No sense of urgency.
Kalwant Sandhu
Love this place. So many interesting items available especially the sodas and confectionery Great staff and service
How to reach World Market
None
Website: None
Why rally at World Market with your friends?
World Market is a unique and vibrant destination that offers a compelling reason to gather your friends for a memorable meetup. If you’re seeking a place that combines a fun shopping experience with a social atmosphere, this store stands out as an excellent choice. Its eclectic mix of globally inspired products—from vintage furniture pieces to exotic foods and artisan crafts—makes wandering its aisles a delightful adventure that sparks conversation and discovery among groups. Beyond shopping, World Market often features fresh coffee and interesting food samples, creating a casual, welcoming ambiance perfect for lingering and chatting. This blend of exploration and relaxation adds more than just retail therapy; it offers a shared experience that friends can bond over while uncovering treasures from around the world. With a strong 4.5 rating from hundreds of reviews, World Market consistently impresses visitors with its curated selection and charming vibe, ensuring a gathering here is as enjoyable as it is unique. Whether you want to inspire your group’s creativity or simply spend quality time together in a lively environment, World Market provides an ideal space to rally friends and make lasting memories.
What activities can you enjoy at World Market with your group?
When you visit World Market with friends, you’re stepping into a marketplace rich with diverse offerings that go far beyond typical shopping. One key group activity is exploring the extensive home décor and furniture sections, where you can admire and discuss unique pieces from across the globe. This includes vintage-style rugs, handcrafted furniture, and quirky decorative items that often serve as conversation starters. Another engaging activity is sampling their international food and beverage products, including a variety of wines, coffees, and specialty oils. These tasting opportunities provide delicious breaks and prompt discussions about different cultures and flavors, making your group bonding even deeper. Additionally, World Market regularly refreshes its inventory, so each visit feels like an expedition to find new surprises, encouraging your group to share opinions and recommendations. The environment itself—with its warm lighting, inviting displays, and global soundtrack—supports relaxation and chatter, making it easier for groups to connect while browsing or enjoying a coffee break. This mix of discovery, tasting, and relaxing makes World Market not only a store but a social venue ideal for group meetups.
Why is World Market perfect for hosting a group meetup?
World Market excels as a meetup spot for groups because it satisfies multiple needs all in one place. First, its spacious and thoughtfully arranged store layout allows groups to move comfortably without feeling crowded, giving friends room to explore different sections at their own pace before gathering to share findings. The store’s diverse product range caters to various tastes and interests, meaning everyone in the group can find something that captivates them, from artisanal snacks to stylish home accents. Importantly, the shopping experience here is interactive and fun rather than rote or stressful, which encourages lighthearted conversations and collective decision-making, ideal for socializing. The availability of specialty coffees and curated foods provides natural break points during your visit, enabling your group to relax, sip, or snack together, enhancing the social aspect of the meetup. Moreover, World Market’s reputation for quality and uniqueness adds a sense of discovery and pleasure that few retail locations can match, making it more than just shopping—it becomes an event worth planning with friends or family.
What kind of shopping experience does World Market offer for groups?
For groups that value an engaging and immersive shopping experience, World Market delivers a one-of-a-kind environment that stimulates multiple senses. The products on offer extend from classic home furnishings to eclectic décor and international gourmet foods, each telling a story of craftsmanship and cultural heritage. This diversity makes browsing a dynamic adventure, sparking curiosity and conversation among friends as they explore everything from ceramics and textiles to unique snack foods and imported wines. Because of its carefully curated merchandise, World Market appeals to groups that appreciate quality and style blended with cultural flair. The sensory experience is heightened by the store’s atmosphere: fragrant coffee aromas, eye-catching displays, and ambient music that reflect the worldly theme. These elements collectively create a leisurely, discovery-driven shopping trip where groups can share recommendations, debate styles, and even plan creative projects inspired by what they find. The result is a shopping outing that centers on togetherness and exploration rather than simply purchasing items.
How does World Market accommodate different group dynamics?
World Market’s design and product variety make it highly adaptable to diverse group dynamics, whether friends seeking a casual hangout, families looking for fun activities, or even larger social meetups aiming for a unique venue. For more intimate groups, the store’s inviting corners and separate sections allow small clusters to explore interests independently before regrouping to share finds. Families with children can find kid-friendly items or enjoy tasting snacks together, turning shopping into a light, engaging outing rather than a chore. Larger groups can spread out comfortably and enjoy the store’s open-plan aisles, with plenty of space to move and talk without feeling confined. The store also encourages spontaneous discovery, which naturally suits groups who enjoy taking turns making recommendations or turning shopping into a game. Additionally, the presence of ready-to-enjoy refreshments encourages slowing down and socializing more deeply, rather than rushing. The inclusive atmosphere and the store’s variety mean it can easily accommodate groups with different interests and paces without anyone feeling left out.
What makes World Market’s global theme special for a group meetup?
World Market’s global theme is central to its appeal as a meetup spot for friends or family because it offers an exploratory experience that is both educational and fun. Walking through the store is like traveling the world in just one visit, with products sourced from dozens of countries that showcase unique art, craftsmanship, and culinary delights. This diversity stimulates group conversation about cultures, travel memories, design preferences, and tastes, turning each visit into a mini cultural exchange. Many groups enjoy discovering exotic cooking ingredients or rare décor pieces together, enhancing their appreciation of global traditions while planning future kitchen adventures or decorating projects. The thematic displays and storytelling elements behind many products also help create a more immersive experience, transporting visitors and fostering shared enthusiasm. Such a vibrant cultural atmosphere unites people around common interests like food, art, and design, making World Market a dynamic and enriching venue for meaningful social interaction.
How do World Market’s food and beverage offerings enhance group visits?
One of World Market’s standout features for groups is its remarkable selection of international food and beverages, which adds an extra layer of pleasure to any meetup. The availability of specialty coffees and organic teas invites your group to take a moment to relax and refresh amidst browsing. Beyond beverages, the store stocks a variety of gourmet snacks, unique spices, oils, and international wines, thus creating chances for shared tasting sessions. Sampling these products together not only breaks the ice but also offers plenty to discuss—from flavor profiles to recipe ideas—turning a simple shopping trip into an exciting culinary excursion. Groups often find joy in discovering unfamiliar tastes or nostalgic favorites from different parts of the world, which fosters camaraderie as people exchange opinions. These offerings make World Market much more than a retail space; it becomes a destination where friends can linger longer, enjoy novel experiences, and deepen their connections through shared sensory delight.
What about World Market’s pricing and quality — are they suitable for group shopping?
World Market strikes a thoughtful balance between quality and value that suits group shopping well. The store is known for offering high-quality homemade, handcrafted, or imported products that are often unique and not easily found elsewhere, which makes purchases feel special and worthwhile. While the price points can vary, many customers find the cost justified by the craftsmanship and authentic nature of the items, ranging from affordable small gifts to investment pieces for the home. This pricing structure allows groups with diverse budgets to each find something meaningful, whether a simple culinary ingredient or a statement furniture piece. The quality is consistently praised, as customers note the durability and design of many products, ensuring the purchases are not just trendy but lasting. For group shoppers, this means the opportunity to pick meaningful gifts, home accents, or foodie finds that impress without sacrificing budget-consciousness. The overall experience lends itself to thoughtful, shared discovery, encouraging groups to collectively appreciate the value and uniqueness World Market provides.
What feedback do customers give about World Market as a group destination?
Customers frequently highlight World Market’s inviting and inspiring atmosphere as a key reason it’s a great place for group visits. Many enjoy the store’s eclectic mix of products paired with engaging tastings and a welcoming vibe that turns shopping into a social event. Shoppers often mention the charming displays and quality of items, which inspire conversations and shared enjoyment. While some reviews note occasional customer service challenges, most praise the overall ambiance and product selection for creating a fun, memorable outing. The positive 4.5-star rating from hundreds of reviews reflects general satisfaction with the experience, especially among groups valuing creativity and discovery. Many visitors appreciate the chance to explore an internationally themed store that offers something new on every visit, enabling groups to return multiple times without losing interest. This blend of adventure, comfort, and social engagement positions World Market as a preferred destination for friends and families looking to spend quality time together beyond the usual dining or movie outings.
How does World Market compare to other group meetup options?
Compared to typical meetup spots like cafes, movie theaters, or restaurants, World Market offers a uniquely interactive and multifaceted experience that appeals to groups searching for something different. Instead of sitting passively, groups here engage actively by exploring global cultures, sharing tastes, and expressing style preferences, making the interaction more dynamic and memorable. The variety of activities—from browsing distinctive home décor to tasting exotic foods—keeps everyone interested, which is less common in more traditional settings. Unlike standard commercial stores, World Market’s curated, often one-of-a-kind products create a sense of discovery and even treasure hunting that bonds groups through shared excitement. This “experience plus shopping” model appeals especially to creative groups who want their outings to be purposeful and inspiring. The relaxed ambiance with refreshments also allows for casual socializing, similar to a café, yet in a more colorful and stimulating environment. Overall, World Market stands apart by offering an enriching, hands-on meetup experience combining culture, taste, and friendship in a single venue.
What should you keep in mind when planning a group meetup at World Market?
While World Market is highly conducive to group gatherings, some planning considerations can make your visit even more enjoyable. Since it’s a retail venue and not a dedicated event space, large groups should be mindful to respect other shoppers by spreading out and maintaining a reasonable noise level. It’s a good idea to allow plenty of time to leisurely explore different sections without rushing, as the store’s treasures are best enjoyed slowly. Group members might want to set a flexible agenda for the visit—such as a joint coffee break, a shared shopping list, or a fun challenge to find unusual items—to keep things engaging. If food tasting is a highlight, note that available samples may vary by location and day, so checking ahead can help manage expectations. Lastly, some shoppers mention that online ordering and customer service can occasionally face delays; for in-store visits, however, the experience is generally seamless. Keeping these points in mind will maximize your group’s enjoyment of World Market’s unique offerings and social atmosphere.
In summary, World Market is much more than a retail store; it’s a cultural and social destination ideal for groups seeking an interactive, inspiring, and fun place to gather. With its rich variety of products, global theme, tasting opportunities, and relaxed atmosphere, it invites friends and family to connect while exploring the world together. Whether you want to spark creativity, share new tastes, or simply enjoy quality time in a stylish environment, World Market offers the perfect setting for your next group meetup.