I visited Williams Sonoma and got a glimpse at why business is booming, from its free perks to high-end kitchen tools

• I shopped at Williams Sonoma for the first time, visiting the Columbus Circle location in New York.
• I was impressed by the wide range of kitchen tools, helpful resources, and free perks.
• I'll definitely be back to take a cooking class, get some interior-design advice, or shop for gifts.

With over half of its business conducted online, kitchen and home furnishings company Williams Sonoma is one of the largest e-commerce retailers in the US, Business Wire reported.

That's partly why I'd never been inside one of its stores before.