When asking yourself about something to do near me in Santa Cruz 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 vibrant specialty retailer renowned for its wide-ranging assortment of international gourmet foods, beverages, stylish furniture, and unique home decor items. Founded in San Francisco in 1958, this brand has grown to operate over 240 stores nationwide alongside a robust online presence, making it a convenient and inspiring destination for shoppers everywhere. What makes World Market great for meeting up with friends is its eclectic and diverse product selection, which appeals to all tastes—from exquisite chocolates and snacks sourced globally to distinctive furniture and holiday decorations that evoke stories and cultures. The store also features an especially popular Christmas Marketplace, celebrated for its traditional European holiday sweets and one-of-a-kind festive decorations, providing a cozy and festive atmosphere. World Market’s merchants are dedicated to discovering design inspirations and artisanal crafts from across continents, ensuring the shopping experience is fresh, exciting, and full of surprises. For anyone looking to catch up with friends, browse unique gifts, or transform their home environment with beautiful and affordable accents, World Market offers a spirited and inviting space that sparks creativity and connection.
Here's what people think of World Market
As of recent, World Market holds a 4.3-star rating based on 272 reviews.
Customer reviews of World Market generally highlight the unique shopping experience the store provides, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 272 reviews. While many reviewers appreciate the eclectic and diverse product selection, which includes international gourmet foods and home decor that can’t be found elsewhere, some note variability between stores in terms of product availability and store layout. Positive reviews frequently praise the quality and affordability of furniture and home accessories, the well-curated international food aisles, and the exceptional seasonal displays, especially around the holidays. Shoppers also enjoy the friendly and helpful staff who enhance the overall experience. On the downside, some negative reviews mention issues such as inconsistent stock levels, occasional higher prices on seasonal items, and isolated experiences with customer service. A few customers reported difficulty with returns or online ordering processes. Nonetheless, the positive aspects consistently outweigh the negatives, with many customers returning for the store’s unique finds and festive atmosphere. Overall, the reviews suggest that World Market is a beloved destination for shoppers seeking global inspiration and quality products in a friendly, engaging environment.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
jlt_productions
Interesting store in Santa Cruz. Someone craving Escargo? You can get some here...along with your coffee ☕️
Lupine
Obsessed with everything they sell. They have really nice furniture (if you like bohemian style) and the wine selection is pretty wide. I bought my xmas decor here and it's the cutest ever! The mugs are really nice. Can't think of anything I've disliked about this place.
Meghan S.
Go for the little treats, stay for the customer service! I recently purchased a large haul of gifts for my mom’s birthday and Ian was so helpful. Ian showed me how to sign up for an extra 15% off my total and then offered to walk me to my car with all of my gifts when I had too many bags to carry. What a gem!
Mandor Yordi
I went there to do shopping but how can you walk around when you need desperately to releace the urine in your urinary tract that is hurting your kidneys and some zombie employee tels you the bathroom is closed!?!?!?! Adios,never going back there
Sanjay Marathe
This is a very large store in Santa Cruz with an excellent collection of furnishings and decorative items for the home. Inspite of being large, it was rather well heated when I visited it.
How to reach World Market
None
Website: None
Why rally at World Market with your friends? Because it’s a uniquely enriching and enjoyable destination that combines shopping with cultural discovery and social engagement under one roof. Unlike typical retail stores, World Market offers a diverse and eclectic mix of imported furniture, home decor, gifts, food, and beverages from around the globe, making each visit an adventure of exploration. For groups of friends or family looking to gather somewhere that sparks conversation and shared discovery, World Market provides an inviting atmosphere filled with treasures to discover and stories to tell. Whether you’re hunting for a vintage-inspired rug, curious spices, unusual snacks, or handmade decor items, the variety keeps everyone interested and engaged. Additionally, having such diverse products from many countries encourages communal browsing and inspires creativity in gift-giving, home decorating, and culinary experiments. This makes it perfect for a fun outing that’s both leisurely and thought-provoking, allowing you to bond with companions over unique finds and global flavors.
What activities can you enjoy together at World Market? The store’s layout and product assortment make group activities both practical and pleasurable. First, there is the shopping itself—a scavenger hunt for distinct home accents, hand-crafted items, or gourmet treats that can spark conversations and shared opinions. You and your friends can compare tastes and styles, discovering something someone else might love or need. The interactive element of exploring an international market adds a playful dimension to the typical shopping trip. Second, many World Market locations feature tasting stations or samples of featured coffees, wines, or specialty foods that you can enjoy together, enhancing the sensory experience and adding a social ritual to your visit. This combination of sampling and shopping creates a casual, immersive event where everyone can contribute to the collective experience.
Why is World Market an ideal group meetup spot? It is more than just a store — it is an environment where companions can stroll, savor, and learn side by side. The diverse offerings mean there’s something for everyone, which balances group dynamics by catering to multiple tastes and interests simultaneously. The eclectic, global nature of the merchandise provides abundant talking points, creating natural icebreakers for conversation and interaction. Plus, its fun and relaxed shopping atmosphere encourages lingering and leisurely pacing, which is essential for group bonding. The store layout often invites wandering through carefully curated displays that inspire ideas and creativity, enabling groups to draw inspiration for personal projects or gifts. Moreover, the staff is typically knowledgeable and enthusiastic, ready to assist with recommendations or stories behind products, adding an educational and friendly layer to the group outing.
What types of items and experiences can a group find at World Market? World Market is renowned for its vast assortment of globally sourced products, providing something for every interest. You might find vintage-style furniture and decor pieces that give a room character, such as handcrafted rugs, rustic tables, or ornamental sculptures. Home accessories like unique frames, lamps, textured blankets, and hand-thrown ceramics diversify the options for interior design inspiration. For foodies, the store showcases an assortment of international and gourmet foods, including specialty cooking oils, spices, snacks, and exotic wines—all ripe for tasting and discussion. Many locations also feature artisan coffees and sometimes craft beers, allowing your group to sample drinks while browsing. These sensory experiences enrich the outing, making it memorable and distinct from a superficial retail visit.
How does the atmosphere of World Market enhance your gathering? The ambiance is decidedly casual yet cultured, blending a retro and ethnic charm that invites slow browsing and discovery rather than hurried shopping. Its bright, carefully arranged displays are visually stimulating and give a boutique feel that surpasses typical big-box stores. This environment promotes relaxed socializing as companions wander through aisles, sharing opinions and recommendations freely. The store’s design also encourages photo opportunities and idea sharing for home styling or gift hunting, which can serve as conversation starters or bonding moments. Importantly, the friendliness of the staff and the availability of product knowledge add to a warm and inclusive feel, perfect for groups seeking a low-pressure yet engaging outing.
What makes World Market stand out as a social destination compared to other retail chains? Unlike many generic stores, World Market retains a distinct character rooted in its international and artisan goods selection. This makes every visit a mini cultural excursion, sparking curiosity and learning—qualities that elevate the outing from a mere transaction to a shared experience. The diversity of products means one person’s taste or curiosity can broaden to include new trends or unique finds, making the group encounter dynamic and fluid. Additionally, their occasional promotions, events, or in-store samples turn casual visits into interactive experiences, strengthening the appeal for group meetings. The combination of lifestyle products, food, and beverage sampling in one place is rare and creates a multi-dimensional outing that satisfies different preferences and social needs, which is ideal for meeting with family or friends.
How can you plan the perfect meetup at World Market? Start by inviting friends who enjoy discovering eclectic, global items and have tastes for home decor or gourmet foods. Schedule your time so you won’t be rushed—allow for leisurely exploring, tasting sample products, and discussing finds in small groups within the larger party. Consider setting mini-challenges like spotting the most unusual item or planning a themed shopping list inspired by a particular country represented in the store. After shopping, you might extend the outing to a nearby cafe or restaurant to reflect on your discoveries, share purchases, and continue socializing. World Market’s welcoming environment and unique selection guarantee that the meetup will feel both productive and fun, leaving everyone inspired and connected.
In conclusion, World Market with its 4.3-star rating from 272 reviews, stands as an exceptional venue for hosting a meetup with friends or family. It offers a rare blend of cultural immersion through its imported merchandise, enjoyable social moments via product sampling, and a relaxed, creative atmosphere that fosters connection and shared memories. This combination makes it an ideal destination for those seeking more than a typical shopping trip—an enriching group outing that engages the senses, sparks imagination, and strengthens bonds.