If you haven’t heard, Cost Plus World Market is back in town. I’ve been going since I was a kid in California—this place was a go-to for birthday party supplies, my first desk, apartment furnishings, and, later big girl house furniture. So needless to say, I’m very happy to have it back in my neighborhood. We went out to celebrate at the Bloomington store (there’s another one in Roseville) last week on opening night and found a lot of good surprises. You can expect the same unique, affordable mix of furniture, tableware, accessories, textiles, and food, but I felt like there was truly more to love this time around—or maybe just a big reminder of what a refreshing retailer this is. There are a lot of on-trend items, such as tufted armchairs, Marais-inspired metal bistro chairs, knitted poufs, and burlap pendants, but many of their pieces have a fresh take that sets them apart from similar copycats at other big box retailers around town. Also make sure to look where things are made, chances are it’s from the country it should be from, which is refreshing in today’s mass retail world. Last week I picked a few of my favorite key pieces, some of which are below, and was lucky to shop around with our food + dining editor Stephanie March, who’s been a big fan of this place for years and knows what to get for good eats. Happy shopping.

Great armchairs, upholstery, and garden stools

Cool prints for bedding + bath

Dining tables, chairs, benches, all made to mix + match

Always good party favors + supplies