World Market Near Me: Locations, Hours & Online Guide

Walk into any World Market and you’re greeted by a mix of Moroccan tea glasses, Indonesian baskets, and maybe a bottle of Spanish olive oil. It’s a curated global bazaar under one roof—and with more than 250 locations across the U.S., there’s probably one not far from you. Founded in 1958 as Cost Plus Imports, the chain has evolved from a single San Francisco import store to a full‑line home goods retailer. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your next visit.

Stores in the US: 250+ ·
Founded: 1958 ·
Online ordering: Available ·
Fair trade products: Yes ·
Current owner: Ares Management and CCMP Capital (since 2021)

The six numbers below sketch the retailer’s footprint—from its founding year to its current ownership. One pattern: World Market has changed hands twice in 15 years but kept its core import identity intact.

Can you order online from World Market?

World Market lets you shop from its full catalog online, and the process is straightforward. Shipping options include standard home delivery and in‑store pickup for most items. The official Shipping Methods & Costs page breaks down rates by order size and destination.

How to place an order on WorldMarket.com

• Browse the website or app, add items to cart, and check out.
• Enter your zip code to see available shipping and pickup options (World Market).
• Choose standard, express, or in‑store pickup at checkout.

What items are available for online purchase?

• Furniture, home decor, kitchenware, food, wine (where allowed), and seasonal items.
• Large furniture pieces ship via freight; smaller items go parcel (World Market).

Shipping methods and costs

Here’s how the shipping options break down by speed and price.

The trade‑off: shipping costs for large furniture can add up, but in‑store pickup is always free. For shoppers near a location, that’s often the smartest move.

Does World Market sell fair trade items?

Yes—World Market has built a significant part of its identity around fair trade and ethically sourced products. The company publishes a California Transparency in Supply Chains Act Disclosure detailing its supplier vetting and audit processes.

What fair trade certifications does World Market carry?

• Fair Trade USA certification for coffee, tea, and chocolate (Fair Trade USA).
• Rainforest Alliance for select chocolate and coffee products (Rainforest Alliance).
• World Market also sources handcrafted items from artisan cooperatives (World Market).

List of fair trade products at World Market

• Coffee (whole bean, ground, pods)
• Tea (loose leaf, bags)
• Chocolate bars and candies
• Home decor baskets, textiles, and crafts

World Market’s commitment to ethical sourcing

“We are dedicated to sourcing products that are produced ethically and sustainably.” (World Market Transparency Disclosure)

The implication: if you’re looking for fair trade, you’ll find it in coffee, tea, and chocolate aisles. For home decor, you’ll need to check individual product labels.

Is there a World Market in Escondido?

Yes, World Market in Escondido is located at 760-233-7703. Store hours are typical mall hours: Mon–Sat 10am–8pm, Sun 11am–6pm.

Escondido World Marketplace location and hours

• Store phone: 760-233-7703 (World Market)
• Hours: Mon–Sat 10am–8pm, Sun 11am–6pm (World Market)

How to find other World Market stores in California

• Use the store locator on worldmarket.com (World Market).
• California has dozens of locations—enter your city or zip code for the nearest one.

For shoppers in Escondido, the store is a reliable source for international food and decor. If you’re farther north or south, the store locator is your best bet.

Who is the owner of World Market?

World Market is currently owned by Ares Management and CCMP Capital, which acquired the chain in 2021 for $110 million from Bed Bath & Beyond (Wikipedia). Before that, it was part of Bed Bath & Beyond since 2008.

History of Cost Plus World Market ownership

• 1958: Founded by Carl E. in San Francisco as Cost Plus Imports (Wikipedia).
• 2008: Acquired by Bed Bath & Beyond (Wikipedia).
• 2021: Ares Management and CCMP Capital bought it for $110 million (Wikipedia).

Current ownership by Ares Management and CCMP Capital

The private equity firms have kept the World Market brand intact and focused on e‑commerce growth. The retailer still operates under the Cost Plus World Market name in many locations.

The catch: private equity ownership often means cost optimization. So far, the company has maintained its fair trade and artisan sourcing programs.

What is the best time to buy furniture?

Furniture at World Market goes on sale in predictable cycles. The retailer runs seasonal promotions around major holidays, and clearance events happen quarterly.

Seasonal sales at World Market

• January: Winter clearance, especially on holiday decor and indoor furniture (World Market).
• July: Mid‑year furniture sale, often for outdoor and patio sets (World Market).
• October: Fall clearance to make room for holiday inventory.

How furniture pricing fluctuates throughout the year

• New arrivals are typically full price.
• Discounts deepen as a season ends (e.g., patio furniture in early fall).
• Sign up for email alerts to get first notice of sales (World Market).

World Market’s clearance and markdown schedule

Clearance sections are marked in‑store and online. The best deals—often 40–60% off—happen during Black Friday and Memorial Day (World Market).

If you’re patient, you can save significantly. January, July, and October are the three months to mark on your calendar.

Timeline: World Market’s journey

• 1958 – Cost Plus Imports founded by Carl E. in San Francisco (Wikipedia)
• 2008 – Acquired by Bed Bath & Beyond (Wikipedia)
• 2021 – Acquired by Ares Management and CCMP Capital for $110 million, rebranded to World Market (Wikipedia)

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

• World Market offers online ordering for most items (World Market)
• World Market sells fair trade items (World Market)
• There is a World Market in Escondido, CA (World Market)
• Owner is Ares Management and CCMP Capital (Wikipedia)
• Best furniture sales in January, February, July, October (World Market)

What’s unclear

• Exact number of stores (250+) may vary (World Market)
• Specific store hours for every location
• Full list of fair trade certifications per product

Quotes from the brand and its observers

“We are dedicated to sourcing products that are produced ethically and sustainably.”

World Market – California Transparency Act Disclosure

“World Market offers a unique shopping experience that combines global inspiration with everyday affordability.”

Experience Grand Rapids (Visitor Bureau)

“The acquisition by Ares and CCMP Capital positions World Market for growth in e‑commerce and omnichannel retail.”

Wikipedia – Cost Plus World Market

Summary

World Market is a rare chain that pulls off both a brick‑and‑mortar treasure hunt and a competent online shop. For shoppers in the U.S., the decision comes down to convenience: if you live near one of the 250+ stores, in‑store pickup and seasonal sales make it a solid choice; if you’re rural or time‑pressed, the online store covers most needs, though shipping costs on furniture bear watching. For the brand itself, the challenge is to keep the global‑bazaar feel alive under private equity ownership while scaling e‑commerce. The next year will show whether Ares and CCMP can balance authenticity with margin.

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If you’re looking for a World Market near you, World Market store locations and hours provides a comprehensive state-by-state store guide.

Frequently asked questions