Cost Plus World Market Opens in Livingston, NJ

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.”

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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.  

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

 

Barnes & Noble Rolls Out Mega Playroom Boutiques

Just in time for the holiday season, my friend, Carrie of Dog-Eared and Well-Read reminded me of Barnes & Noble’s latest foray in the kid space.

Big Box book retailer, Barnes and Noble announced that they are rolling out a 3,000 sq. ft. playroom boutique concept in five test stores.  Barnes & Noble is describing the play area as “Ultimate Playroom” Mega-Boutiques where interactive displays, creativity and learning through activities, scientific discoveries, and favorite children’s characters can underscore children’s experience at the bookstore.

Barnes & Noble has aligned partnerships with several toy manufacturers and brands who are well known in the educational sector, such as LeapFrog, Crayola, Curious George, Thomas the Tank Engine, among others.

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Janie and Jack Tweets a sneak peek

As they say, the internet—specifically, social media—has forever changed the way we receive information.  But lucky for us shopping fanatics, that’s a good thing.  Even though I’ve been on Twitter for almost a year, I love seeing that it’s going mainstream.  Better yet, many of my favorite stores and brands are joining the Twitter and Facebook bandwagon.  On very few occasions, these stores and brands are harnessing the power of social media the “right” way, rather than having a one-sided conversation.

It’s true, I often see stores or brands tweet or merely post things without interacting with the consumer.  It’s too bad for them because these new social media outlets are invaluable to both the consumer AND retailer.  For instance, check out one of my favorite stores, Janie and Jack.  Last night, Janie and Jack, a part of the Gymboree Corporation, tweeted a preview to their upcoming line.  They posted the link to the sneak peek of their new lines, which then led to their Facebook Fan Page which showcased four photos of super cute outfits that aren’t even available online until June 29 and in the stores until July 8.  Cupcakes and pirates: two of our favorite things!

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Great usage of Twitter AND Facebook, Janie and Jack!  While these adorable new outfits might not be on our budget just yet, that preview reminded me that Janie and Jack has a 60% off sale going on right now!  These sales are awesome, especially since I normally don’t buy at Janie and Jack until things go on sale!  If you’re new to Twitter or even if you’ve been on for awhile, be sure to follow your favorite stores and brands, in addition to your friends, and you’re bound to find some secret sales, previews and maybe a deal you just can’t pass up!

Have we connected on Twitter?  Maybe I’ll even do a secret contest of my own soon. hmmmm…

Flip Flop fanatics rejoice

havaiDubbed the “World’s Best Flip Flop”, Havaianas have been a staple in Brazil for manyhavaianas-baby-brazil-sandals years, but are making their mark stateside. For a few years now, while walking in the City, I have always noticed the simple-looking rubber flip flops that boast a tiny Brazillian flag on its straps. Once I learned that they were Havaianas, I began to see them everywhere all the time!

As a flip flop fanatic, I can never have enough flip flops! Some families wear Crocs, we wear flip flops! But unfortunately, I have yet to find well made and comfortable flip flops for kids—that is, until I came across Havaianas for kids! They come in a spectrum of vibrant colors and look super comfy, making them perfect for the beach and for everyday wear. Kids and Baby Havaianas can be found at various stores such as giggle and Flip Flop Style for Kids!

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While we’re talking about Havaianas, moms and dads, this is for you: I thought I’d mention that the Gap is stocking them as well! Gap stores nationwide will begin carrying select Havaianas styles and colors for women and men through August, with select stores carrying Havaianas year-round. As a way to usher in summer, from now until June, the Gap will have a concept called the Urban Beach Flip-Flop Shop on 54th and 5th Ave in NY. Fellow flip flop fanatics will have a chance to customize a pair or two of their own Havaianas at the Make Your Own Havaianas customization bar.  Hello, summer!  Hello, flip flop season!

Hatley rain gear

They say April showers brings May flowers, but I think Mother Nature has a different agenda this year. We’ve seen a lot of rain in the past few weeks here in the Tri-State area, and I hear it’s pretty much the same in other parts of the East Coast.

Always on the prowl for practical, yet fun kid accessories, I came acrross Hatley’s great selection of rain gear.  I always complain that most retailers crowd the boys’ department racks with clothes splattered with choo-choo trains and puppy dogs. Well, not Hatley, they go beyond puppy dogs with cool designs on their rainboots like aliens, moose and camping gear!  I can take trains and puppies in moderation, so I appreciate Hatley’s adorable selection of rain gear.  The pirate rainboots are definitely my favorite.

Insert cutesey Arrrgh! or other pirate-y catchphrase here 😉

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The girls’ selection has accessories beyond pink for those in the pink rebellion!  Check out this adorable apple print umbrella–it’s so cute without being sticky sweet.

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Got Milk? Toys “R” Us Might

Toys “R” Us announced that they’re adding some new inventory. In addition to Barbies and Thomas the Train, the retailer will now sell snacks, beverages, paper goods, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies. Just a few weeks after announcing their discount shop concept, Toys “R” Us will be adding the “R” Market to the front of 260 stores. While the new concept may not offer the same variety as a grocery store, the “R” Market aims to accommodate shoppers with the convenience of one-stop shopping.
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According to an article in Time, the prices at “R” market weren’t as competitive as other big box stores. Convenience is the keyword here, so expect to pay more for the accessibility to your Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies while shopping for Polly Pockets. Ok, so they won’t have a full blown dairy aisle, but it seems like they will have a lot of good stuff to offer.
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Toys “R” Us introduces $1-$2-$3 Fun

Fellow barganistas, behold: Toys “R” Us has set up a new shop with us in mind. Toys”R”Us has introduced a new concept within their stores called $1-$2-$3 Fun!

1-2-3-fun-low-resThe feature shops are located in the front of its stores nationwide and are aimed to provide affordable fun.  In this economy, you can’t go wrong with inexpensive and fun goodies.  In the same vein of Target’s Dollar Spot and other discount store concepts, each shop features around 100 items for $1, $2 or $3. The shops will showcase different themes such as dinosaurs, games and fun toys, princess dress up, musical instruments, art supplies and party favors. The goodies found in $1-$2-$3 Fun would be ideal for party favors, stocking stuffers and other daily events where inexpensive goodies are appreciated!

Who says you can’t get anything for a dollar anymore!?