The day has finally arrived: New Jersey just got a little more stylish and a bit more delicious—and it has absolutely nothing to do with a RHoNJ or a Jersey Shore “star.”
North Jersey is shining a bit brighter today with a store grand opening of a beloved home furnishing retail chain. The grand opening of Cost Plus World Market in Livingston, NJ marks the first store in the Northeast for the chain that got its start on the west coast. With 259 stores, World Market is well known for their collection of bold and eclectic home decor, as well as their gourmet and international food selection.
Our family took a spin around the Livingston location several weeks ago during the store’s soft opening for employees and others. Having heard the praises of Cost Plus World Market’s statement pieces, my expectations were quite high.
As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by several employees who were anxious to help us and show off the new store. I was too distracted by all the beautiful, shiny kitchen gadgets to have a conversation with anyone, never mind see straight.
On the eternal hunt for a statement chair for our living room, I was enamored by the selection of the upholstered chairs up front. I still see that turquoise chair in my dreams; it was love at first sight.
From gorgeous window treatments to sleek dining tables to quirky cooking accouterments to copious flavors of cookie spreads: Cost Plus World Market is a foodie and design enthusiast’s dream store. I could walk around for hours just checking out all the unique accessories and extensive gourmet food section, alone.
After my first in-person visit, World Market truly exceeded my expectations. I’ve perused the website many times over the years, but the brick and mortar experience didn’t disappoint. There’s much to be said of the vivid colors and gorgeous displays throughout the store. In terms of the customer service, I had a question about a flavored olive oil, and one of the employees who worked in a different department directed me to the exact location where I could find what I was looking for.
As with everything, there’s always a caveat. While I love that the first Northeast location is in North Jersey, I’m curious as to why Livingston was the chosen town. I would certainly shop World Market more often if it was closer to one of my favorite high traffic malls in my personal shopping circuit. But that’s just my opinion!
On the coupon front, be sure to join the World Market Explorer program, which gives you access to rewards and coupons! And speaking of coupons, of course there are printable coupons available online.
As a kid product blogger, though, I absolutely loved the retro toys and gadget section in the middle of the store. This section had all the nostalgic toys from our youth, including a pretty sweet Little Golden Books display. My kid personally loved the candy, oh and that cushy papasan chair, too!
And since it’s the store’s grand opening TODAY, they have quite a few fun events to celebrate. Per Cost Plus World Market:
The first 100 shoppers through the door on Thursday, July 10 will receive a $10 Cost Plus World Market gift card. The store opens at 9:00am today. From Thursday, July 10 through Sunday, July 13, 2014, the first 100 customers will receive a free reusable World Market tote bag and will be able to enjoy live entertainment, food and beverage sampling and more.
To help celebrate the grand opening, World Market welcomes Jonathan and Drew Scott, hosts of HGTV’s “Property Brothers,” to the store on Saturday, July 12 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. The first 200 shoppers to bring five non-perishable food items to donate to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey will have a chance to meet Jonathan and Drew and receive a signed photo.
Full disclosure: this is NOT a sponsored post. I was not individually compensated in any way. However, because of my family’s affiliation with the parent company and my love for BBB, my thoughts are pretty biased, though my enthusiasm is truly genuine.