National retail chain World Market opened a new outlet off of Chain Bridge Road in the Tysons Corner area on Friday, Oct. 8. World Market management, the new store's recently hired staff and a few anxious customers gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremonies at 8:50 a.m. Local officials attending the opening included U.S. Rep. Tom Davis (R-11th), Sen. Jeannemarie Devolites-Davis (R-34th), Del. Stephen Shannon (D-35th), Chamber of Commerce Chairman Maris Angolia, Supervisor Jean DuBois (R-Dranesville) and Supervisor Cathy Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill).
This is the seventh D.C. area location for the chain, which offers a selection of imported goods such as wine, furniture, collectibles and gourmet foods.
"We're a specialty retailer," said Ernie Pueblo, who began as a seasonal worker for the company, but now oversees development of its new stores.
Michael Cobbs, the district manager for World Market, said he thinks local shoppers will be impressed — especially with the store's gourmet and beverage departments, which he said "has an outstanding selection of wines." He added that the store offers "imports and one-of-a-kind items."
"Customers typically spend an average of 50 minutes in our store," said Pueblo.
The Oct. 8 opening ceremonies included a three-piece jazz band performing outside the store, and World Market employees greeting customers. Several stands were set up, where customers were able to try, among other things, imported cookies, chips and wines.
Managerial staff from other World Market locations were among those helping to open the store, but most of the new store's staff are also new to the company. Many were hired at a job fair which took place three weeks prior to the opening.
Erika Chappelle, who manned one of the registers during the store's opening moments responded to a job ad she found in an employment digest. Since being hired, she's been able to "help with putting the store together."
Chappelle said the hiring process was "very organized, very straightforward, very fun."