Cost Plus World Market shut its doors this summer after 18 years in Prescott.
The specialty import store was located at 3320 Gateway Blvd., in Prescott Gateway Mall. Among its products were international food, home furniture, décor, gifts, jewelry, dinner and cooking ware, lighting, apparel, and imported wines and craft beers. It was one of the original stores when the mall opened in March 2002.
Cost Plus World Market had its beginnings more than 60 years ago on Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. Founder William Amthor began by selling rattan furniture. His success prompted him to import other exotic merchandise, leading to opening other stores across the U.S.
Owned by Bed Bath and Beyond, Prescott’s was one of the 20 World Market stores to close. Prior to closure of these stories, 259 stores were functioning across 35 states. More than 1,000 of the parent Bed Bath and Beyond retailers in the country are still in operation.
Photo: Customers stood in queues to enter the “going out of business” sale at Cost Plus World Market at 3320 Gateway Blvd, Prescott Gateway Mall. (Photo by Ray Newton)