I shopped at Williams Sonoma for the first time and discovered free perks and kitchen tools I never knew existed

There are 152 Williams Sonoma stores in the US, according to its official website. California has the most locations with 29, followed by Florida with 11 and Texas with nine.

At The Shops at Columbus Circle, the Williams Sonoma store was hard to miss. Located at the main entrance, it looked like the centerpiece of the luxury shopping complex.

Bake from Scratch magazine editor in chief and cookbook author Brian Hart Hoffman was scheduled to demonstrate how to bake chocolate brioche at the store.

The display table was set for an Easter dinner featuring floral dishes and linens.

With tasteful floral displays and artfully stacked dishes, it seemed much higher-end than the big-box stores I typically shop at.

The stand mixers retailed for $449.95, with some on sale at 15% off for $379.95.

The $799.95 mixer featured a built-in scale, WiFi connectivity, voice-control capabilities, and Auto Sense technology that can detect when a batter or dough is at the right consistency.

There were chef's knives, bread knives, carving knives, paring knives, cheese knives, and larger tools like cleavers.

Le Creuset cookware has become known as a "quiet luxury" item that lasts for years and never goes out of style. Williams Sonoma sells an exclusive cream color of Le Creuset cookware called "brioche."

The prices ranged from $22 for a miniature round cocotte to $750 for a 15.5-quart dutch oven that can serve 15 people.

The monogrammed spatulas, which cost $19.95, would make perfect housewarming presents or birthday gifts for baking enthusiasts.

The Mickey Mouse olivewood spoons cost $34.95, and the Darth Vader ice cube molds were priced at $24.95.

I hadn't expected to see Disney characters and Star Wars paraphernalia at the upscale store, but the Zacks reports concluded that Williams Sonoma's partnerships are part of its recent success since they appeal to people in various life stages.

The $39.95 set of teas, cookies, jams, and other treats would be excellent additions to a "Bridgerton" watch party when season three premieres on May 16.

They ranged from $219.95 for a Nespresso machine to $2,799.95 for a Breville Oracle Touch espresso machine.

The mugs cost $14.95 each.

The smoking box, manufactured by Crafthouse by Fortessa, was priced at $299.95.

All Williams Sonoma stores offer free cooking classes teaching how to use some of the kitchen tools they sell, according to the retailer's website. In February, the classes focused on learning how to use features of KitchenAid stand mixers to make homemade pasta or grind meat, while March classes will explore uses of Le Creuset cast-iron cookware.

The unexpected refreshment elevated my shopping experience, even as I perused shelves of expensive items that were outside my budget.

I was surprised to learn that Williams Sonoma offers free interior design consultations that can be held virtually, in-store, or in-home.

At Williams Sonoma, I encountered a balanced mix of affordable kitchen tools alongside high-end items like espresso machines and Le Creuset cookware, which made shopping at the luxury retailer feel attainable. With items like Disney spatulas and Bridgerton tea, I can see how the brand is branching out to appeal to a broad range of customers as part of its business strategy. I also found that the elevated shopping experience, including aesthetic displays and orange-infused water, made me want to return since I found simply browsing the store so enjoyable.

Until my first trip to Williams Sonoma, I mostly thought of it as a place where people go to create wedding registries. Now that I know I can take cooking classes, pick up cute gifts, and try out unique kitchen tools, I'll probably visit the store a lot more often.