Last month we posted about the closing of Pier 1 Import's online store. We recently received a new catalog for fall from them, and we checked back on the website to see what's been changed. Here is a quote on the site that explains why they closed it down...
"A word about our new website...Big changes are happening at pier1.com: A bold new look and, perhaps most notably, the elimination of our online store. So what are we thinking?
Pier 1 takes pride in offering an ever-changing array of unique dcor from around the world. Our products are typically handmadenot cranked out on an assembly lineand were constantly seeking the new and unusual. What that means is continually fresh surprises for our customers in more than 1,000 stores across the country. Thats good. But it also makes keeping a consistent online inventory uncertain.
Youve probably visited other websites that seem to have a lot but end up having much thats not available. Thats bad. And thats something we dont want our customers to experience; therefore, starting September 1, 2007, pier1.com will no longer offer online purchasing. Youll still be able to view products online and in our catalogs. And nothing has changed about the satisfaction of walking into a Pier 1 store and walking out with treasures in hand. No hassles, no waiting..."
We're wondering if this means the selection at Pier One will feature more unique styles or a change in direction of their product mix. We haven't had a chance to stop by and see if anything has changed for Fall in store, but you can view their new Fall catalog here.
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It's nice that their catalogue is online, but why did they remove the options for browsing by category?
Do they really expect me to thumb through page after page of a print catalogue online if I'm looking for something specific? It's as if they have no idea how the internet works. These people are idiots.
By making their products more difficult to browse online, they make it less likely I'll use their site when I'm looking for something specific, which makes it less likely I'll go to their stores.
Honestly, they should be embarrassed by their new website, not proud of it.
view Rob in PDX's profile
Coincidentally, I just read a press release about Pier 1. Here's an excerpt. . .
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"Pier 1’s revival is linked to its focus on “stronger impulse items” that are lower-priced and smaller decorative furniture as opposed to high-ticket, large furniture.
What’s more, the retailer need only improve its market share modestly to help get the top line moving north again, Smith said.
In the second quarter, the retailer saw success from the reintroduction of candles, the first-time launch of Halloween merchandise, a major lamp sales event and opening-price-point textiles.
Overall, the expansion of opening-price-point merchandise across product categories is “paying off,” Smith said."
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From a quick look at the pillows online, they've ditched the more on-trend design they recently launched. The more modern lines failed to do well and they're desperate to turn things around. They're getting back to more traditional Pier 1 products, at lower prices.
view jss's profile
I respect and understand their reasoning, but I only wish they had retained a purchase and pickup option, like I do with Sears or Circuit City. It's a compromise between convenience and bringing people into the stores.
view gregory's profile
More disturbingly, Pier 1 has started converting its outlet stores to regular stores. The only factor limiting my dismay that my trusty outlet on Bell Road has just grand-opened as a conventional store is that I have nowhere to put any more stuff anyway.
view wende in the twin cities's profile
I am very disappointed. I look forward to browsing the online store. Browsing a catalog is more tedious and not very customer friendly. You should reconsider.
view Disapointed 's profile