By Rebecca Xu
<[email protected]>

Cost Plus World Market has been a familiar location in Merchants Square for quite a long time, standing alongside the well-known Marsh and Hobby Lobby. Over the years, many students have probably stepped foot in the store, but they should consider going back. World Market actually offers many inexpensive products that would interest not only interior designers, but also teenagers.

World Market carries an amazing variety of products from countries all over the world, ranging from fine wine to jewelry to birthday cards. Some products that a student may be interested in are displayed on a stand of handmade jewelry, purses, scarves and other trinkets, right in front of the store entrance. Surprisingly, these items are priced no more than their equivalents at a Kohl’s or a Target; for example, a pair of sterling silver earrings sells for a wallet-friendly $8.99, while purses and scarves mostly sell fot under $20. Teens should make a stop at World Market during shopping trips for its unique, colorful and well-priced accessories.

Despite the good prices, World Market carries only limited styles of each item. This is one of the few problems, though it’s understandable. The store doesn’t sell many variations on one product, but it makes up for it by selling many different products.

Another section that may interest teens, especially ones going to college next year, is the home décor area. World Market has a huge amount of furniture (including bookshelves, chairs and dining tables), pillows, sheets, African and Asian figurines, mirrors, rugs and even Christmas decorations. These would be tasteful, inexpensive additions for any bedroom or dorm. Customers should also check out the impressive collection of plates and cookware, which may be useful in college life when many students will have to cook for themselves.

However, the real forte of World Market is its food and snacks section, which students should visit if they’re looking for some unique and exotic food. There are rows after rows of imported chocolates, candy, fruit drinks, snacks and sauces. Every price label conveniently includes the country of origin, and there are many – chocolate from Germany, hot sauce from Mexico, barbecue sauce from the Caribbean and soda from France. The hungry student can go into World Market to stock up on tasty snacks to try something different from the usual potato chips or frozen pizzas. The nice part is that the prices aren’t ridiculous, especially for imported products. However, if the item can be found in other stores (one example: Ghiradelli chocolate) it will probably be cheaper there.

Cost Plus World Market is a convenient place to find items useful for daily life from places all over the world – food, furniture, decorations and everything in between. With moderate prices, the items in this global store are an easy way to spice up the life of a teen.

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WORLD MARKET

• Quality: B+
• Variety: A
• Price: A-
• Atmosphere: A
• Overall: A-