World Market opens in Downingtown

DOWNINGTOWN — Pass on that plane flight and visit World Market instead.

Opened since Oct. 23, World Market, at Brandywine Square at 1050 E. Lancaster Ave., sells home decor, furniture, housewares, gifts and jewelry from all over the world, and gourmet food and beverages imported and sourced from 50 countries.

“We sell experiences and sentiment,” said store manager Josh Ludwig. “We work with artisans and vendors from around the world. Our goal is for our products to tell a story.”

The 21,500-square-foot store is packed with delicious goodies. Ludwig said that if you’ve visited Australia or Ireland, the food on the shelves will bring back memories that you can’t find at a grocery store.

“Or, it’s the ability to expand the palate and try something new,” Ludwig said.

And what about all those eclectic non-food items?

“They are not only functional, they give an element of surprise,” Ludwig said.

The Downingtown location is the third in Pennsylvania, with stores in Collegeville and Lansdale, and features an ever-changing selection. There are more than 241 stores as part of the 50-year-old company that started in California.

Changes in the stocked shelves occur daily.

“Every time you come in, it’s something new that draws you back,” Ludwig said.

World Market is big on seasonal goods and holidays. A ton of Valentine’s Day gifts are sold at Christmastime and Diwali, an Indian holiday is even celebrated.

“We couldn’t ask for a better location next to Wegmans on East Lancaster Avenue in the heart of Downingtown,” Ludwig said. “Customers are so happy that the space is filled with unique gifts.

“It’s more than just a launch, we’re celebrating with the local community.”

For the next few weekends, the new store will host promotions and events. New members supplying a cell phone number and an email address will receive 15 percent off their order. There are also discounts for those taking a World Market credit card.

The store now employs 55 workers, with seasonal hiring ongoing.

The store will be open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.