REDWOOD CITY — The anchor has landed. After numerous weather and materials delays, Cost Plus World Market opened Thursday in the unfinished On Broadway retail-cinema complex downtown.

The 14,000-square-foot store attracted a stream of wine aficionados and wickerphiles who managed to navigate the orange cones on Jefferson Avenue and avoid the construction site formerly known as Broadway. Throughout the day, work continued on the rest of the two-story building, as well as the nearby Courthouse Square plaza.

Cost Plus spokesperson Katie Cvitovich said the company wanted to open the twice-delayed store as soon as possible, rather than hold back for the 20-screen Century Theatres upstairs — now projected for a July opening.

"The people of Redwood City have been waiting a long time for us," she said.

The rest of the complex, excluding a restaurant and retail vacancy, is scheduled to open by the end of June. Tenants include Shoe Pavilion; San Mateo County Credit Union; Beard Papa; Chipotle; Escape from NY Pizza; Fatburger; Marble Slab Creamery; Tacone; and Tandoori's Oven.

The $90 million project — $65 million for the building, $25 million for the underground garage and streetscaping — is expected to attract thousands of visitors every week. But some Cost Plus customers worried that estimates had not considered the unexpected decision by Century officials to continue operating their 12-screen movie house east of Highway 101.

"I'm not sure it's going to be successful, since they're keeping the Century open on Whipple," said Cindy Campos, a Redwood City native who carpooled to the new store Thursday with friends in search of patio furniture cushions. "It's free to park over there."

Further back in the check-out line, Anne Coffaro said she had driven to a neighboring city to use the grand opening discount on woven mats and baskets. Her family would still see movies at the Century Park 12 site, but would visit On Broadway to shop and eat, she decided.

"We don't have this in San Carlos," she said, gazing appreciatively at the racks of scented candles and gourmet offerings.

The store, Cost Plus World Market's 274th in 34 states, offers furnishings, kitchenware, toiletries, gourmet food and an assortment of international collectibles.

"I can't believe this is Redwood City," said Megan Gouldon, who had come to browse with her two toddlers and gratefully noted that she had no trouble navigating the wide aisles with the tandem stroller.

She added, "I can't wait to see the rest of it open. It'll be great to come downtown and go to a movie and get dinner."

Cost Plus will hold grand opening events throughout the weekend, including the chance to win gift certificates and a $1,000 shopping spree drawing.

Customers can get wine bottles signed and chat with George Troquato, winemaker from Cinnabar winery, today from 2 to 5 p.m. From noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Star 101.3's Sylvia Chacon will sign autographs and give out her station's goodies. For more information, visit http://www.worldmarket.com.