Thu, Jun 15 2006

Pier 1 sales reports don't surprise some of us

The last time I went into a Pier 1 store I nearly had to go outside and look at the sign again to be doubly certain I was in the right place. They had changed their look completely. I hated it. I missed the old merchandise—earthy candles and holders that could be dressed up or down for any occasion, baskets and wicker end tables...it was all gone and replaced with things I could find in any number of other stores. I'm not the only one who noticed. I unwittingly sent a couple of friends to Pier 1 to look for some items and they told me there was nothing like that at the store anymore. And they were right.

In spite of their seeming wish to remodel, restock and be like every other nook in the mall and compete with the big box chain stores, their sales reports seem to be down. Well, what can I say? I'm not shopping there any more. And I know quite a few other people who have abandoned them too.

I'm finding more and more that the internet, or upscale arts and crafts studios, brings more of what I need and like for a home. The truth is that many of us are tired of the mass-produced junk that many people buy so they can fit in with all the other upwardly mobile folks in the neighborhood. I'm voting with my pocketbook. If you don't like the keeping-up-with-the-Joneses game, you might think of doing the same. We might all pay a bit more, but we'll send a message to at least a few retailers.

posted at: 12:25 | category: /Miscellaneous | link to this entry