Alameda, California-based World Market LLC has opened its second Spokane-area store, bringing 60 jobs to a 17,000-square-foot retail space, at 15110 E. Indiana in Spokane Valley.

The specialty retailer opened its 13th Washington state store — and 251st location overall — on Friday, Oct. 23. The new space occupies the former Jo-Ann Stores LLC store.

Under development for 18 months, the building's owner, Market Pointe I LLC, completed improvements before World Market installed flooring, lighting, and modifications to the receiving and storage areas, says Aaron Bargar, World Market Pacific Northwest district manager. 

The project involved $150,000 in tenant improvements, according to permit information on file with the city of Spokane Valley. Spokane-based Yost Gallagher Construction LLC served as the general contractor. 

Eighty percent of the store's 60 employees are full-time, and 59 are new hires from the area. One employee transferred from the company's North Division location, Bargar explains. Seasonal employees are also being hired to scale up the workforce by 20% for the upcoming holidays, he says.

The new Spokane Valley store exceeded expectations during an unannounced soft opening Oct. 18, setting a companywide sales record for soft openings, Bargar says.

"We surpassed even our own high level of expectations," he says.

The company expects the store to outperform its average new location, although Bargar declines to disclose specific revenue projections.

World Market considered a second Spokane-area store for several years. Proximity to Interstate 90 and neighboring retailers HomeGoods and Barnes & Noble contributed to its decision to open a new store, Bargar explains.

World Market sells internationally sourced furniture, home decor, specialty foods, gifts, and seasonal merchandise. More than 80% of its stock-keeping units, or SKUs, originate outside the United States, he says.

Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.