If you’ve ever found yourself aimlessly driving through Kingstowne trying to remember where you saw that specific brand of Japanese curry or a rug that doesn't look like it came from a big-box catalog, you probably ended up at World Market Alexandria Virginia. It’s one of those places that feels like a fever dream of international snacks and mid-century modern furniture.
Located at 5954 Kingstowne Towne Center, this specific branch is basically the "anchor" for locals who need a weird gift or a very specific bottle of Belgian ale at 7:00 PM on a Tuesday. Honestly, it’s a bit of a local haunt. But despite the cozy vibes and the smell of scented candles fighting for dominance over the spice aisle, there are things about this location—and the brand's current state in 2026—that catch people off guard.
The Kingstowne Reality Check
People often call it "the Alexandria store," but let’s be real: if you’re living in Old Town, you’re making a bit of a trek. It’s firmly tucked into the Kingstowne Towne Center. It’s nestled among the usual suspects—Safeway, TJ Maxx, and a bunch of fast-casual spots.
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Parking is usually fine, but the weekend rush is a different beast. If you show up on a Saturday morning around 11:00 AM, you’re going to be fighting for a spot near the entrance. Most regulars know to park a few rows back near the movie theater side just to avoid the headache.
The layout is classic World Market. Furniture is on one side, the "marketplace" (food and wine) is on the other, and a chaotic but charming labyrinth of kitchen gadgets and throw pillows fills the middle.
Why the "Cost Plus" Name Still Lingers
You might still see "Cost Plus" on the sign or hear older locals call it that. It’s a throwback to the original 1958 San Francisco roots where items were sold at "cost plus ten percent." That pricing model is long gone, but the name stuck like glue.
In Alexandria, this location has survived several corporate shifts—including the era when it was owned by Bed Bath & Beyond and the subsequent move to private equity. Surprisingly, the Alexandria store has maintained a more consistent inventory than some of its sister locations in Maryland, which have sometimes struggled with empty shelves during the supply chain hiccups of the mid-2020s.
What to Actually Buy (and What to Skip)
I’ve spent way too much time in these aisles. Not everything is a "must-buy," and if you aren't careful, you’ll walk out with a $400 rattan chair you didn't need and a bag of coffee that tastes like blueberries.
The Wins:
- The Wine and Beer Section: This is genuinely one of the best spots in the Kingstowne area for "I need a gift but don't want to spend $50" wine. Their selection of German Rieslings and individual craft beer bottles is solid. Plus, the 10% discount when you buy six bottles is a permanent fixture that people actually use.
- Textiles: The rugs and throw pillows. Honestly, the quality-to-price ratio here beats IKEA by a mile. They use actual cotton and wool rather than the 100% polyester stuff that feels like plastic.
- International Snacks: If you’re looking for British Digestive biscuits, Japanese Kit Kats (the weird flavors like Matcha or Sake), or those specific German Mozartkugeln chocolates, this is the spot.
The Skips:
- Some Outdoor Furniture: There have been plenty of Reddit threads (shoutout to the r/BuyItForLife community) pointing out that their acacia wood outdoor sets can be hit or miss. In the humid Virginia summers, if you don't oil that wood or cover it, it’s going to check and crack within two seasons.
- Small Electronics: Unless it's a specialty retro-style toaster that you only care about for the aesthetics, the internal components are usually pretty basic.
World Market Alexandria Virginia: The Service Gap
Here is the part where people get frustrated. If you check recent reviews from late 2025 and early 2026, there’s a recurring theme: staffing.
Like many retail hubs in Northern Virginia, the Alexandria World Market has struggled to keep a full floor crew. You might find one person working the registers with a line stretching back into the candle section. It’s not that the staff is "bad"—in fact, many locals mention "Ms. Joy" or "Steve" as being incredibly helpful—it's just that they are spread thin.
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If you’re doing a "Buy Online, Pick Up In Store" (BOPIS) order, give them an extra hour past the notification. The "ready in 2 hours" promise is a corporate metric that doesn't always account for a busy Saturday in Kingstowne.
The Rewards Program Loophole
If you’re shopping here without the World Market Rewards, you’re basically throwing money away. It’s free, and they give you a 15% coupon just for signing up.
But the real "pro tip" for the Alexandria location? They often have "Member Only" pricing on furniture that isn't advertised on the main floor tags. Always ask the person at the furniture desk to double-check the member price. Last year, I saw a dining table drop by $120 just because the customer clicked "join" on their phone at the register.
Navigating the Seasonal Chaos
The Alexandria store is a seasonal powerhouse.
- October/November: The "Christmas Market" appears. This is when they bring in the European imports—Stollen, Panettone, and those advent calendars that actually have good chocolate.
- January/February: The "Winter Clearance." This is the best time to hit the Kingstowne location. They need to clear out the heavy furniture to make room for the "Spring/Outdoor" sets. You can often find floor models at 50% to 70% off.
- Late Spring: This is peak "Outdoor Living." The Alexandria store usually sets up a massive display of umbrellas and bistro sets.
Final Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to World Market Alexandria Virginia, don't just wing it.
- Check the App First: The inventory for the Kingstowne store is usually 90% accurate on the app. If it says "Limited Stock," it's probably gone or the floor model is damaged.
- Go Tuesday Morning: If you want the first pick of the new shipments (usually food and small decor), Tuesday mornings after 10:00 AM are when the shelves look the best.
- Bring Your Own Bags: Virginia’s plastic bag taxes and the store's own sustainability push mean you'll save a few cents and some guilt if you bring your own totes.
- Measure Your Car: This sounds stupid until you’re in the Kingstowne parking lot trying to shove a "Leona" bookshelf into the back of a Honda Civic. They do not provide twine or tie-downs for free.
Whether you're there for the specific crunch of a Tim Tam or to find a lamp that doesn't look like it belongs in a dorm room, this store remains a staple of the Alexandria shopping circuit. Just be patient with the lines, join the rewards program, and maybe avoid the outdoor wood furniture unless you’re prepared to be its full-time caretaker.