When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle 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, founded in San Francisco in 1958, is a renowned national specialty retailer celebrated for its unique and wide-ranging collection of stylish furniture, home décor, and thoughtful gifts. The store creates a spirited shopping experience by offering one of the largest assortments of international food and beverages, including rare candy and holiday treats from Europe and beyond. Particularly noted for its exceptional Christmas Marketplace, World Market features traditional cakes, cookies, candy, and holiday decorations that blend trendy whimsical styles with timeless classics. The company’s merchants travel extensively to source authentic handicrafts and items that reflect diverse global cultures and emerging design trends, making it a distinctive destination for shoppers seeking quality products that merge great value with cultural inspiration. With over 240 brick-and-mortar stores nationwide and a comprehensive e-commerce presence at worldmarket.com, World Market provides a welcoming space for friends and family to explore and gather — whether for casual meetups, gift shopping, or seasonal celebrations. Its comfortable, culturally curated environment encourages social connection through shared discovery of global goods.
Here's what people think of World Market
As of recent, World Market holds a 4.4-star rating based on 917 reviews.
Customer reviews of World Market average a solid 4.4 out of 5 across more than 900 reviews, indicating generally positive shopping experiences. Positive reviews frequently highlight the store's eclectic and vibrant product selection, particularly praising the variety and quality of both home furnishings and international food items. Shoppers appreciate the affordability and uniqueness of many products, noting that the seasonal and holiday selections, especially the Christmas Marketplace, create a festive atmosphere ideal for social gatherings and gift shopping. Many commend the friendly, helpful store staff and the enjoyable, treasure-hunt style shopping experience. On the other hand, some critical reviews point to issues such as inconsistent product availability, occasional pricing concerns, and variability in store organization or cleanliness. A few customers mention that certain locations can feel crowded or cluttered, which may detract from the leisurely browsing experience. Despite these critiques, the overall sentiment remains positive as the unique product offerings and cultural variety continue to attract repeat customers. In summary, World Market stands out as a beloved specialty retailer delivering a curated mix of global-inspired products, fostering a vibrant, community-friendly shopping environment with minor areas for improvement mostly related to store-level experience and inventory consistency.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Elchin Suleymanov
We recently purchased a table from World Market, and had a great experience! John, the store manager, went above and beyond to help us. He was very knowledgeable, patient, and made sure we found exactly what we were looking for. Excellent service, highly recommend this location!
John Lazarev
The store is cute but the people working there are just horrible human beings who despise their job and customers. They have attitude and they will always-always overcharge. Expect to be ripped off and your day to be ruined. Great selection though.
Harper St. Clair
me and my friend went to this lovely shop to get syrups for drinks. They had lots of different flavors and when we looked around, very nice pillows and carpets. Good variety of prices and was not expensive for some stuff. They were very kind to me. their bathroom was closed. Will come again I’m loving it.
Rx 12
My go-to place for affordable, unique snacks and pantry items from around the globe. Much less costly than going to DeLaurenti’s in the market (though I love them nonetheless)! On occasion, I’ll also buy a home goods item - towels are always good, soaps, planters, etc. Sometimes the checkout process can be frustrating because the line is often long or just slow, but it’s still worth the wait. You can also pre-purchase online for store pickup.
William Case
Cost Plus World Markets are always fun to shop in. They have such a fun variety of food, drink, home decor, and gifts. This location is no exception. It was a great stop for wine and pasta. It also wasn't too crowded on a weekday!
How to reach World Market
None
Website: None
Why World Market may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
World Market is an excellent spot to gather with friends and family due to its unique blend of global finds, cozy atmosphere, and the opportunity to explore diverse products under one roof. When planning a meetup, the last thing you want is a mundane setting that doesn't spark conversation or shared experiences. World Market’s eclectic selection of home goods, furniture, gourmet foods, and accessories from around the world offers just that—a chance to discover and discuss curious treasures and tastes. Whether you’re interested in browsing furniture with worldly flair, sampling international snacks, or shopping for quirky gifts, it creates a vibrant, relaxed environment ideal for socializing. More than just a store, it feels like a mini global bazaar that invites exploration and interaction. This atmosphere naturally encourages laughter, discovery, and connection among friends. Making it even better is the store’s welcoming layout, perfect for groups to wander and chat without feeling rushed or cramped. With an overall rating of 4.4 from over 900 reviews, many shoppers appreciate its curated offerings and pleasant environment, making it a community-favorite spot to share memorable moments together.
What activities can friends enjoy together at World Market?
One of World Market’s standout features is its variety of activities that enhance the group experience beyond just shopping. First, there’s the fun of discovering household décor and furniture with global inspiration, as each section offers something unexpected—from Moroccan lanterns to Scandinavian textiles. Groups can compare tastes and pick out items, turning shopping into a mini adventure. Additionally, World Market has a well-stocked gourmet food section where you can sample or purchase rare international snacks, wines, and spices. This can be a lively experience as friends share bites and discuss flavors, sparking conversations about travel or cuisine. Seasonal and holiday décor adds another layer of excitement; friends can plan a festive shopping spree together, enjoying themed displays and sharing ideas for home celebrations. Finally, the store’s layout encourages group browsing with comfortable spaces and friendly staff to assist you, so it’s easy to keep everyone engaged and happy throughout your visit. Whether your group loves design, food, or just exploring new cultures, World Market offers diverse ways to connect and enjoy.
Why is World Market a perfect place for group meetups?
World Market is particularly well-suited for group meetups because of its spacious, inviting environment designed to accommodate multiple visitors comfortably. Unlike crowded malls or loud venues, World Market’s calm and open floor plan encourages slow strolling and relaxed conversations. This is ideal for groups who want to chat, share opinions, and explore at their own pace without pressure. The store also caters to diverse interests within one location—some might be drawn to furniture, others to food, or the unique gifts section—allowing groups to split and reconvene naturally without losing the social vibe. Friendly and knowledgeable staff enhance the experience by providing assistance or background about the products, adding an educational element that encourages group discussions. Moreover, the wide price range of products means friends on different budgets can all find something that excites them, keeping the experience inclusive. Hosting a meetup at World Market offers a blend of discovery, comfort, and social engagement that is tough to beat.
What makes World Market stand out compared to other retail stores for gatherings?
World Market stands out because it is not just a retail store but a destination that feels like a cultural journey. Unlike standard big-box stores or typical furniture outlets, it brings an authentic global marketplace experience to your meetup. Its curated collections come from various countries, which means every visit can reveal something new or unusual. This uniqueness makes group gatherings more exciting—the ambiance is stimulating and full of stories behind the products. Another distinguishing factor is the mix of items beyond furniture: gourmet food and beverages, artisanal accessories, and seasonal decorations give group members many interests to indulge simultaneously. Additionally, the store’s reputation for creating an enjoyable browsing experience with a well-organized layout and friendly service enhances comfort during social visits. These qualities combine to create a lively, interactive space that promotes connection, learning, and shared enjoyment, setting it apart as a go-to spot for friends or families looking to spend quality time together.
How can a World Market meetup spark creativity and bonding?
A meetup at World Market inherently sparks creativity because it exposes groups to a diverse world of design, culture, and cuisine all at once. Exploring uniquely crafted furniture, vibrant textiles, and handmade décor inspires imaginative conversations about interior design or cultural traditions. Friends may begin envisioning new décor ideas or plan future home projects together based on what they find. The gourmet food section’s rich variety encourages culinary curiosity and shared tasting experiences that can lead to bonding through discussing favorite flavors or planning group meals. Group members often share stories and memories connected to the items, making the experience personal and meaningful. These interactions provide a natural way to deepen friendships and create lasting memories. The creative environment also encourages collaboration—whether helping a friend pick out a gift or deciding on a theme for an upcoming event using seasonal items. In such settings, creativity and connection flourish hand in hand.
What should groups prepare for when visiting World Market?
To get the most out of a World Market meetup, groups should prepare with a few tips in mind. First, consider setting a loose plan for the visit to include time for browsing, tasting, and chatting without rushing. Wearing comfortable shoes is a wise choice since the store can be large and exploration extensive. Bringing reusable bags or being ready for purchases is helpful if the group enjoys shopping, as many unique and tempting items are available. Because World Market offers a range of products from affordable accessories to pricier furniture, it’s good for groups to agree on a budget framework beforehand to keep everyone comfortable. Also, planning to visit during off-peak hours can ensure a more relaxed environment with ample space to roam. Finally, groups might want to designate meet-up points inside the store so everyone can regroup easily after splitting up to browse various interests. With these preparations, any group can have an enjoyable, productive, and cohesive meetup at World Market.
How is the customer experience at World Market?
Most customers appreciate World Market for its diverse product range and appealing shopping atmosphere, as reflected in its 4.4 rating from many reviewers. Shoppers often highlight the store’s well-curated items and interesting finds as a key positive. However, some feedback points to occasional issues with customer service or product quality inconsistencies. Despite some less favorable reports about online ordering and product delivery delays, physical visits to stores remain popular for their tangible, immersive experience. The store’s physical locations generally strive to maintain helpful staff and a comfortable environment where guests feel valued and can explore leisurely. Considering the overall review picture, the in-store atmosphere tends to be welcoming and suitable for meetups, while the company continues to work on improving all aspects of customer relations.
What dining or additional amenities does World Market offer for groups?
While World Market primarily focuses on retail goods, its offering of gourmet food and beverages adds a delightful dimension for groups. This section includes international snacks, specialty coffees and teas, wines, and unique cooking ingredients that can be sampled in small quantities or purchased to enjoy together. Sampling these products can become a shared experience akin to a tasting event, enriching social gatherings. Though World Market doesn’t have dedicated dining areas, the food and drink selections encourage informal snacking during visits or gift ideas for later group meals. Some locations may also host promotions or events related to seasonal foods or holiday products, adding celebratory elements to group visits. For groups aiming to extend their meetup, nearby cafés or eateries complement the World Market outing well, making it easy to flow between shopping and dining in the neighborhood. This flexible setup allows for a full day of socializing and exploration.
Why is World Market suitable for all age groups and interests?
World Market’s broad product assortment makes it appealing to a diverse range of ages and interests, which is perfect for groups with varied tastes. Younger visitors often enjoy the quirky gifts, international snacks, and vibrant décor items. Adults and seniors appreciate the furniture, home accessories, and specialty foods reflecting global cultures. The store’s walking-friendly layout and tactile experiences invite exploration regardless of age or mobility level. Families, friend groups, and even mixed-generation gatherings find something engaging for everyone—from kids intrigued by colorful textiles to adults drawn to artisan-crafted items. Because the products cater to both practical needs and curiosity-driven browsing, it supports meaningful interactions across generations during meetups. This inclusivity adds to World Market’s appeal as a welcoming community space where everyone feels they can contribute to the shared experience.
How can hosting a meetup at World Market inspire future get-togethers?
A visit to World Market often serves as a catalyst for future social plans by opening new avenues for group activities and celebrations. Exploring holiday décor or party supplies together can inspire upcoming seasonal gatherings or themed events. Discovering global foods and wines provides ideas for potlucks or tasting parties at home. Picking out unique gifts can lead to planning group gift exchanges or celebrations. The fun and relaxed environment encourages groups to make the visit a regular social outing, fostering tradition and connection. Many customers find that World Market sparks creativity and conversation, laying the groundwork for more meaningful, interactive events beyond shopping trips. This makes it an ideal venue not just for casual meetups but also for building lasting social rituals among friends and family.
This comprehensive overview illustrates why World Market is an exceptional choice for hosting a friendly, engaging, and memorable meetup. Its unique product mix, comfortable environment, and inclusive atmosphere provide the foundation for an enriching group experience that encourages discovery, conversation, and connection.