World Market brand products

World Market, formerly known as Cost Plus World Market, is a specialty retail chain that focuses on imported goods. The brand was founded in San Francisco, California, in 1958, starting with a shipment of hand-woven wicker from Hong Kong. Today, its inventory is a global mosaic, with products sourced from dozens of countries including India, Indonesia, China, Italy, and Mexico, reflecting its 'imported' heritage.

The brand has undergone several ownership changes over the decades. While it was once owned by Bed Bath & Beyond, it was acquired by Kingswood Capital Management, a private equity firm, in early 2021. This move returned the brand to a private standing, allowing it to focus on its unique niche of offering eclectic home furnishings and international food items to the American consumer market.

World Market's manufacturing footprint is inherently decentralized. Because the brand functions as both a retailer and a private label, their 'World Market' branded products are manufactured by various specialized suppliers globally to ensure authentic regional styles and competitive pricing. The company maintains its corporate headquarters in Alameda, California.