Would You Miss World Market?

Continuing my “Would you Miss” series ...

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Does World Market provide such a unique product and customer experience that we would be saddened if it didn’t exist? Does World Market treat its employees so astonishingly well that those workers would not be able to find another employer to treat them as well? Does World Market forge such unfailing emotional connections with its customers that they would fail to find another retailer that could forge just as strong an emotional bond?

What say you?

Post inspiration | Mavericks at Work

Comments

[Ryan Karpeles]

I usually go there just to kill time. If it's near other stores I'm shopping at, I might stop in. Otherwise it's completely off the radar. Just my take ;-)

[Betsy]

I like it. Would I miss it?! Only at Christmas. It has a bohemian feel during the holidays but doesn't overwhelm.

[James]

I agree. Cost Plus is a Christmas thing. Always great for stocking stuffers and ornaments.

The rest of the year it's more of a "wow... if we had money to blow, we'd come here."

[Joel D Canfield]

I'd miss it.

Somewhere along the line they made more of a connection with what I find fun and interesting than Pier 1 made.

At our local CPWM the employees have been exceptional over the four years we've gone there. I know nothing about their work experience, but they're definitely the right people.

[Tom]

I would. it's a unique store, great prices. nothing else like it. I truly would miss it.

[Jean]

I would miss it--it's taken the place of Pier 1, which quit selling weird, interesting gifts and went to more expensive, less "impulse-buy" purchases.

I do tend to go more often at Christmas, but I love the wine section and the freedom to peer and poke without being asked if I need help. Staff are friendly, but not intrusive. And where else can you buy Lychee Gummies?

Main drawback: the store makes me sneeze and I generally spend too much money on things I don't truly need...

[Jon]

I wouldn't mind it. The store feels like a mall store...where you go and look around, but don't spend any money.

[Lori]

I would definitely miss it. Currently I'm mostly a Christmas shopper, but I remember back when we had more disposable income (pre-kids and one income in the house). We would go in there and blow a few hundred on canisters, baskets, candles, etc. I miss being able to do that and am looking forward to doing that again someday, so I'd be bummed if they closed before I got the chance. I've also drooled over some of their furniture and would like to buy some one day. Really nice, solid wood pieces.

[MM]

I've always found their stores interesting, and have enjoyed shopping there. We recently moved to Pittsburgh, with no Cost Plus. This weekend my wife and I were commenting on how we miss both the store and the wine store portion. But, aside from wine, we never really bought much of anything there. Maybe $200 a year? And all that was on knick-knacks and things for the kitchen.

They're employees definitely do not, in any way, set them apart. The bohemian offerings do. In my experience, their employees are sheepish and young. I wouldn't even know how to buy a piece of furniture there.

[kendra]

Miss it? I would grieve the loss wholeheartedly!! Love the store, the style, the prices. It's a place I utilize for my personal needs and a place I utilize for business purposes (I am a Designer).

[Neener]

Yes, I would. It's a more fun experience than Pier 1, the wine prices are good, and I've been happy with my purchases. There's more of a "thrill of the hunt" feeling Cost Plus.

[Bill Gammell]

John,

Somewhat off the topic. During your "Would You Miss X?" series, have you ever had a company that you have spotlighted contact you? I'm just curious.

[Chris]

Miss it in a big way. It is funky, but not Pier 1 funky. They usually have enough staff. And the wine selection is great. Have bought furniture from them (and while it's not ikea easy to put together, it's very good) Never go in without 5 or 6 things I'd like to buy.

[Zippy]

I've never even heard of it, so it wouldn't be a loss at all...

[Pat Nerr]

my guess is that metrosexual-divorced men would miss it the most... at least in Seattle... It's hard to decorate your newly acquired bachelor pad with fine asia-euro-african decor at such reasonable prices.

just sayin'

[Shama Hyder]

We don't have one here in Dallas...so I guess I wouldn't miss it!

[Tracey]

I'd miss it. They have the best international food selection of any store around me.

I think they could do a much better job of engaging their employees, though. Lines are often long, the employees don't look happy to work there, and there's nothing special about the Cost Plus check-out/customer service experience.

I think their branding could be improved by focusing on their unique traits - quirkiness, international flair - and making that part of every experience w/ Cost Plus.

[johnmoore (from Brand Autopsy)]

Bill ... nope. Haven't been contacted by any of these companies officially or unofficially.

Shama ... there are a few World Market locations in Dallas. Seek one out. As evidence by all the positive comments here, World Market is bringing something unique to the marketplace.

Tracey ... I totally agree with you about the employee opportunity and the branding opportunity.

[Scott White]

Well since I've never heard of them I guess I wouldn't miss it. Must be a West Coast thing because I've never seen one before.

[Josh C]

They have good wine for fairly cheap. And they often have wine testings. There furniture is solid. I think it would be a shame if they went out of business. But, I'm not tied to them either.

I'm just still not exactly sure what sets them apart--which to me suggests poor marketing.

[Rudager Sampson Jr.]

I would miss it for sure! We had one out here that moved a while back, and I often drive to the empty lot thinking I can look at all that unique international stuff and tea/biscuits (more than just wine there). Then I drive the 40 miles home and shop online.

[Kristasphere]

No I wouldn't. I've had poor customer service the last few times I've been there. Very rude and apathetic. Good riddance. I can buy wine elsewhere.

[willie]

Wouldn't miss it in the least.

[DA]

Would definitely miss the great wine section (although I suppose Costco works for that), the food/drink novelty-type items (always good for a host/hostess gift), and I have had great luck with their furniture (both product & service).

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[crisch]

love this blog series...motivated me to blog about it in a blog I am a part of. check it out!http://www.valleyprblog.com/?p=876

Also, in regards to your question about World Market? I love the store and find it less expensive than Pier One, but if it disappeared tomorrow I would just go to T J Max, Ross or Peir One to find almost the same stuff if not same stuff, just at cheaper prices.

[Lisa Carpenter]

They need to do more to drag people in. I have been in them several times and liked it, but I forget about it and don't think about it when shopping.

[JC]

One of my favorite stores but best to visit only during sales. If anything, I wish there were more and one closer to me. Also, I wish some of the blue law states would let them sell wine. In CPWM in CA they sell wine. Terrific selection. (Ditto problem with Trader Joes too in blue law states.)
I actually don't compare Pier One to CPWM. Really different feeling and product line. Pier One has no food, tea, books, etc. I think of Pier One mainly for women shoppers or HUMs and Cost Plus for a broader crowd and emerging HUMFs (hip urban males and females). But as with Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, I think P1 and CPWM go for $85,000 and higher incomes as the preferred customer and where they build stores. CPWM probably has a lower number. High 60s?
Finally, maybe the employees of this chain would care if it existed or not!

[Nikki]

I would, but not for the decor... I love the international food section and also do the stocking stuff thing during the holidays. But I like to go in every couple of months and stock up from the back food aisles.

[Lauren]

As a CPWM employee whose store is currently in a liquidation process, yes I will miss it very much. There are a total of 15 here in Illinois though, so I might transfer. If the entire business went down...? It would be very unfortunate.

[Pittsburgh]

It's a great store. Hard to say I'd miss them since they don't have a store in Pittsburgh. I do like their furniture and their great collection of stuff. Atmosphere is very nice, employees are adequate. I'd rather stay local, though, so I guess that answers the question.