apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Although to a certain extent I agree with you, I don't agree fully. While it may not be completely up to par with CB2, West Elm, etc., it does provide a few nice items at very reasonable prices. Not everybody has the advantage of having nice stores in their neighborhoods, so for somebody like me living in Michigan, Pier 1 brings a bit of loft-style just down the street. Additionally, living on a limited income I can't always afford the higher-end products, so Pier 1 allows me to get a look I like without breaking my bank. Lastly, I appreciate their attempt while still maintaining a very Pier 1 look.

"Obviously, we do not have a high regard for this new development on the furnishings landscape..."

Why "obviously" ? I'm not clear on what AT's problem with the 'Loft 21' line is. Can you please clarify? It's not obvious to me.

Just looking at their stuff made me depressed. Saying it's "watered down" is too kind.

I made a mental note NOT to go into Pier 1.

In terms of denoting style I would certainly agree that the term "loft" has "jumped the shark". I haven't seen Loft 21 collection in person, only perused on the website and I was not impressed. Rob has a point though that Pier 1 can be resource on a limited budget.

They're introducing this crap because their sales have slipped so dramatically that they've become nearly irrelevant amoung all the other affordable home store giants... this might instead put the final nail in the coffin.

Pier1 is good for two IMO- candles and fake botanicals. The rest is just bad bad bad.

-kellen

It seems like they're trying too hard. On the other hand, I bought the Links mirror, which is not part of the Loft 21 collection, and I think it's great.

The attempt to identify with "lofts" and "urban spaces" puts me in mind of a place in Rochester, MN that advertises itself as a "New York-style" restaurant. Even the concierge at my hotel described it that way. I've been to many New York restaurants, each having a distinctly different vibe, so I wasn't sure what I was in for. The place turned out to be a hodgepodge of cuisines (not fusion), and decorated in no coherent theme. I guess New York and "New York" are very different styles.

I'm a little weary of the quality with such low prices—but it does fill a niche for stylish furnishings that aren't IKEA. Pier 1 also reaches a broader consumer base than IKEA. I was a little frustrated with this catalog because it would seem the most interesting pieces (most notably the Calmont Seating collection—click on my name to see it) is not available through the stores. It's also one of the more expensive items in the new collection. I wonder how the line will progress. When West Elm was new, it took a long time before the line matured into what it is today...will this be the same?

I wandered into the store last week, and was terribly dissapointed. Kellen, since I don't buy fake botanticals, candles are really the only thing Pier 1 offers that interests me at all. To make matters worse, they discontinued the scent I like!!
Their eames knock off stool is entirely too short to do anything with and looks like a too-laquered crap tube.

Pier 1 has very recently (starting with their last Spring collection) taken a HUGE step up in their offerings.

I think there is lots there to mine, but agree that a whole store's worth can be overwleming.

I totally disagree with -kellen-

When I was a kid, we used to go to Pier 1 to buy incense and hippy clothes. It was cheap imported crap then and is cheap imported crap now.

I don't think this collection is altogether awful - there's the good, the bad and the ugly. Even though it wouldn't be my choice I definitely think there is an audience for it. It appears to mix well with other Pier 1 pieces and is also an affordable alternative for people who want some clean-lined pieces.
I agree that the term "loft" has jumped the shark. I live in a loft, and I like loft spaces, but I don't know when the term loft became synonymous with a certain decorating style. The term "loft" has become so overused and overexposed it's losing it's meaning, kind of like the Atkins Diet. Or Paris Hilton.

...or postmodern

"take a trip to hip city, wherever you live"
Their slogan sums it up for me - I won't be shopping there in this lifetime.

Not all of us live in a "hip city".

And it's NOT all cheap crap anymore.

"...where function meats fashion...."

Who does that typo belong to? It's hilarious.

Sorry patrick, but I would rather have a few good hancrafted pieces than fill my space with inferior stuff created by the forced labor of political prisoners.

i agree with patrick (the other one). like ikea, west elm or any of the others on the list, i think certain items, mostly the accessories(i'm liking the the floral pillows), might be fun in the right setting.

btw, i'd never buy candles from here. i'm pretty sure they're petroleum based which is not great for people or the environment.

re: "inferior stuff created by the forced labor of political prisoners."

That's a HUGE statement to make with no fatcual backup...

Where are you getting your facts? Not arguing, just interested (same goes for abby's claim of petro-based candles).

And, um, nobody's saying you have to FILL your home with anything from *anywhere*. My endorsement of Pier 1 was not meant to imply you should *only* shop there. Jeez.

Aw, but their ginger spice candles are my favorite.

Between this and the evil dryer sheets, I am going to just give up trying to be environmentally conscious.

And I agree that the marketing is affected and lame, but I will be open minded and support any retail store making smaller-scale, clean-lined, multiuse furniture.

Feh, soright. Pillows are cute.

just took a look.

what struck me the most about the collection is the way that they seem to be following a very non-modern approach to "modern" decor. none of is is multifunctional or even more than purely decorative. the furniture looks either fussy or uncomfortable, or both.

spraying the stupid meaningless dust-catcher stuff silver doesn't make it "modern". black leather does not inherently equal "modern". they've completely missed the point here.

that said, i thought a couple of the chairs would be kind of ok in the right setting. if i saw some of this at a garage sale, i'd consider it. the sad thing here is that IKEA and Target both do cost effective and stylish way way better.

I think there is some serious snobbery going on here about the Pier 1 brand.

patrick, most commercially available candles are made with paraffin, which is a petroleum product. Unless the candle you buy specifically says it's a beeswax or soy candle, it's probably petroleum-based.

Also, China regularly sends political prisoners (leaders of Falun Gong in particular) to labor camps. I can't be sure, however, that they are forced to make poor quality furniture and accessories imported by Pier 1.

If the same items were shown and the accompanying text said, "This is DWR's new line - they're branching out in a new direction," people would be falling all over themselves to worship it.

(Note: there's a pillow in the Pier 1 collection that looks a lot like one in the new Room & Board supplement. If you sneer at the one in the Pier 1 collection, please remember to do so at the one in R&B too.)

just adding that pier 1 has a corporate responsibility statement that mandates they will not use child labor or forced labor...

So, the petro-candle thing is not unique to Pier 1, then, correct?
I also think Pier 1 has a line of soy candles.

That is a *really* weak connection to "Pier 1 = slave labor", too...

jamie--
Have you seen the height of the *actual* Eames stools? Not so practical either.

And ironically, I believe the Eames' were inspired by tribal stools, and how technology could recreate them. I find this Pier 1 stool/table to be a closer fit to capturing the original tribal feel. Actually, I find it more Brancusi than Eames, but I digress.

But it's very much a matter of personal taste. I just really dislike the "If it's Pier 1, it must be crap" undercurrent to this thread.

No, I don't work for Pier 1.

You know, I actually find the tone of this post kind of offensive. Why is it a terrible development for there to be another outlet to get low-priced fairly nicely designed things. I find the prices of so many of the items featured on here to be non-affordable esp since I'd like to use some of the money I earn for things like, oh I don't know, retirement. I will agree that Pier 1 has become a non-player in the home decor and this may be a bit of a last ditch effort to stay relevant, but the chair's still cute and it's $150 instead of $1500. I don't see anything wrong with that.

You know, I actually find the tone of this post kind of offensive. Why is it a terrible development for there to be another outlet to get low-priced, fairly attractive things? I find the prices of so many of the items featured on here to be non-affordable esp since I'd like to use some of the money I earn for things like, oh I don't know, retirement. I will agree that Pier 1 has become a non-player in the home decor and this may be a bit of a last ditch effort to stay relevant, but the chair's still cute and it's $150 instead of $1500. I don't see anything wrong with that.

Patrick, you're correct--petro candles are ubiquitous. Which doesn't make them environmentally responsible or safe and healthy to burn (the EPA has some negative things to say about paraffin, indoor air quality, and respiratory illness...).

I posted about Pier 1's statement of responsibility because I made a mistake by making the leap that "Imports" necessarily means "China" and further that "China" necessarily means "forced labor". I'm glad that Pier 1 has such a statement, and I hope that it uses proper oversight to make sure none of its vendors or subcontractors use labor practices such as child or forced labor.

Also, I like the pillows in the Loft21 line.

Loft 21 is interesting, but it distresses me as I prefer the old global Pier 1. Modern is not my thing at all. And there revamp has included marketing to a younger audience. Like everyone else, Pier 1 now markets decor to college students and recent grads.

I've bought quite a few things from that store that make me extremely happy. A mirror, lamps, candleholders, ginger peach candles (yum), and various photo frames.

I want a cute place (design on a dime) but I also have responsibilities that preclude sinking hundreds of dollars into decor.

i don't feel 'snobby' about the Pier 1 label at all.

in fact, confession: my very first job ever (not counting babysitting) was at my hometown Pier 1. and it rocked.

but it's just not my style. as i said, i think IKEA and Target do a better job of affordable modern. in terms of tableware, crate & barrel's bare-bones line is better than anything Loft 21 offers, and cheaper.

i think if you like this Loft 21 stuff, sure, get it. but i don't have to like it, and my dislike of it doesn't mean i'm a snob.

Pier 1 is making an attempt to fuse their design philosophy with a modern style. I don't think it's an easy task to take artisan touches like wicker and certain patterns and make them modern. I'm not saying it can't be done, but they are trying to maintain their "look" while appealing to the "urbanite" group. This to them means ebony dishware and black wicker. It's like seeing someone in a too tight dress, She's definitely trying but it's mildly uncomfortable to watch. I personally think they should stick to what they do, the whole world isn't about streamlined design...after all some people like those ridiculously uncomfortable wicker chairs.

This is just one line of their current collection.

Having spent some time in Pier 1's stores with the new stuff displayed, I thought it looked like a Real Simple spread, right down to that aqua shade paired with the mercury-glass lamps.

The quality's better than the Thomas O'Brien line at Target (where the samples fall apart in the store). Pier 1 does actually build to last -- I've bought their more "global" occasional furniture and had it long outlive my affection for it. My favorite chair is still going strong 14 years and six color-scheme-motivated changes of removable cushion later.

It's not wildly innovative design or anything, but I'm not sure why people are so eager to be hatin' on it.

I'm not going to completely bash Pier 1 or the like. I have Ikea dishes and some Target linens that I like quite a bit.

However, if you are looking for stylish and modern furniture/accessories that are affordable, why not just buy used? You can get pretty much anything you need used for the Loft 21 prices or less. And it will most likely be of nicer quality.

For accessories like pillows and candles, you can find several stylish handmade versions through etsy.com or other indie retailers.

Just an idea...I know it won't ever beat out places like Pier 1 in terms of convenience, but it's a nice (often, not always) affordable alternative.

Personally I hate wicker. I wouldn't buy wicker stuff from Pier 1 or anywhere. But I just don't get the out-of-hand snobby dismissal of the entire Loft 21 line, because from what I see, it has some pretty basic, inoffensive stuff. The mirrors, tables, etc. seem fine - clean lines, neutral colors, whatever - and like they could fit into a good apartment design scheme. What exactly is so horrible and contempt-worthy about it all?? What makes it deserving of snotty statements like, "I won't be shopping there in this lifetime" ?

I wouldn't buy every piece out of ANY line. I pick and choose here and there whenever I see something I like. You never know where you'll find something that ends up working well in your space.

I mean, personally - and this is going to make a lot of people have heart attacks, so prepare yourselves - I think a lot of the MCM stuff (and its progeny) is just ugly and cheap-looking. I'm not really into buying $200 orange plastic storage cubes that look like they're from Kids R Us. I think paying $500 for a chair that looks like a castoff from a 1950s public grade school just because it has the Eames name associated with it is kind of ludicrous.

But for some reason that's the aesthetic we're all supposed to worship wholesale, and admitting that you might like a $100 square black mirror from Pier 1 isn't the cool thing to say, because for some reason the design hipsters have all decided Pier 1 isn't cool.

Pier 1 is trying something new, and like many trials, the first looks like practice. I will be interested to see what this collection looks like after they evaluate feedback from customers. I remember that the Target furniture that everyone here seems to love so much was terribly out of style when it first launched. I think the loft pieces aren't great, but who knows, in a couple of seasons they may be

Yowsah, what a thread. I was just recently at a Pier 1; and liked a lot of what I saw at the store, including a few pieces from this new line. Not sure why the store is getting such a spanking here, but oh well, different strokes... I like Pier 1 for their tabletop options (mostly the barware and more casual stemware) and as a go-to stop for inexpensive housewarming gifts. But, then, I also like Cost Plus World Market, 99-cent stores, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target and all the big box stores; and like to mix up their merch with what I currently own. Lower-priced options will always get a second look from me.

I wonder if part of the problem is that the web site doesn't show off the line to its best advantage. Some people (e.g., enrique & wende) have actually seen the collection live, in situ, and came away with favorable opinions. To me, the pieces are displayed on the web site out of context. West Elm does a really nice job of showing its stuff in a room setting so you can picture how the pieces will go together, and the kind of mood they create together. I don't get that cohesive feel from the way the line is presented on the web site.

I must say that while I don't like every piece in this collection, I do like some pieces even *gasp* the black wicker chair. When I first read this piece I quite honestly was a bit offended. The condescending tone shocked me bit. I mean shouldn't AT have a somewhat neutral stance when appraising new products or collections? To me it just felt the reaction (and post for that matter) was very much negative instead of offering both the negative and positive aspects and letting the viewer form their own opinion. Note: Maybe my take is different because I have seen the collection in person.

I agree with Ruth. What's the harm in people like students and social workers (and people who just don't have a lot of disposable income for furniture) having another choice. And if Enrique likes some of it, that's high praise, in my opinion, because I think he has great taste.

The political prisoner thing was just over the top. If someone has proof, that's a whole 'nother ball of wax, but if not, that's QUITE an accusation. West Elm (and probably Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel) makes tons of stuff in China, too.

not all of us hate this because it's affordable or unglamorous.

i like dollar stores and garage sales and Target. i hate 75% of this. not because it's cheap (i actually found a lot of it overpriced for what it is), but because i just effing don't like it.

i'm starting to think that the new AT politeness policy is that nobody is allowed to dislike anything ever. and it's really bumming me out. especially in this thread, where, seriously, this stuff is relatively sub par in terms of overall modernist design. or so ubiquitous that there's virtually no point in selling it.

that said, i forgot how cute the papasan ottomans are. i kinda want one, actually...

Just to clarify, it's not that you're not allowed to dislike something; it's that I want to know WHAT EXACTLY people don't like about it. Many of the comments, starting with the blog entry, just read like, "Pier 1 - oh, of course it sucks."

Opoponax,

In my opinion, most of Target's actual furniture sucks bigtime. (I think their housewares are great) But a lot of people seem to like it, so I just don't buy it.

The more options there are, the better, imo. I personally have never loved Pier 1, but I'm sure it's like any other budget place--you can probably find one or two great pieces. Or not. I'm not personally vested, but I haven't seen it in person, and it sounds like only two people have. All I see here is one tiny pic, and I haven't gone on the site.

the opoponax--

PLEASE don't start with the "politeness policy" business again. (and sad if you think a pltieness policy is "new")

People are *of course* allowed to disagree here, especialy on something so totally objective, but some of the tone is really condescending (and teetering on libel, with unfounded "slaves make it" comments).

whoops-- "pltieness = politeness"

Concurring with statements above, I think most of the Loft 21 stuff is MUCH better in person. Having said that, I didn't find anything I wanted in the collection. Maybe the napkins, but that could be because I have this weird thing going for pink and black just now.

I don't hate it, the collection just seems off, somehow. In general, I do like Pier 1 and I do shop there. Like I said, I think they're trying too hard, like a person doing a not-quite-realistic affectation of qualities she admires. Like Madonna trying to be British. ;-)

Well folks, I bought 4 of the Orbit chairs, 2 each in the lovely linden green and turquoise for my living room and they are incredibly comfortable. Everyone who has sat in them agrees they make a great drinking chair.

I'd gotten rid of all my old furniture and was in the process of redo my apartment. I had earmarked about 3 grand for a gorgeous mitchell gold leather sofa I'd had my eye on. Then I got desperate call from a close friend who's idiot ex had decided not to pay for her daughter's school and asked if I could help out. There went my apartment fund. I figured a kids education was more important then me having a leather sofa at the moment.

I opted to go with the chairs as soon as I sat in one. They're fun, colorful and COMFORTABLE. Will they last long? Probably not. But I look at them as transitional furniture anyway. And for the $65.00/each I spent on them, I'm not going to complain.

As for folks who love AND have the time to scour high and low for the perfect pieces at a cheap price, more power to you. Alas, I tend to work a lot of weekends and barely have time to keep up with my friends.

Oh...and I had checked Ikea, West Elm, target and its ilk, but these chairs had a comfort factor at the right price.

Pier 1's Orbit Chair and Saucer Chair (though not part of the Loft 21 line) are 2 great-looking and comfortable chairs that caught my eye when I was at the store. I like wicker, jute and other rough, organic materials--esp when mixed in and justaposed with more clean-lined, modern pieces. But I kind of see other people's points about the Loft line being a not-quite-successful stretch for Pier 1 since it is an unexpected stylistic departure for them...

Cost Plus World Market has also gone in a similar direction with a few "Studio"-branded pieces. But they haven't gone with a full-on branding like Pier 1 has with their Loft series. (On looks alone, Cost Plus' "Mika" woven abaca slipper-style chair is a stand-out for me.)

Re: Target. I think you really need to sift through a good amount of sub-par quality pieces to find the few quality ones. Off the top of my head, there were 3 recent limited-run pieces that I recall being standouts: the black lacquer-finished Indian dining table from the Global Bazaar line; the "1974" Architect floor lamp; and the Venetian-esque mirrored side table. Also, their online Red Hot Shop used to carry select pieces from BluDot, Offi, etc (but I guess that doesn't really count since they were online-only offerings). So, yeah, there's some good quality stuff to be found at Target. It just flies out the door fairly quickly...

Bottom line: I think it's cool that there is a wider range of style options at (relatively) lower price points.

PS What? Madonna's not British?

As far as I can tell, the opoponax, you were prolly the last person p2 was thinking of when he made that statement about ppls' snobby attitudes, yet you felt the need to defend yourself even after you had made some pretty good, objective comments. Strange when there were so many other dismissive comments that p2 was obviously referring to.

I too was puzzled by the "Obviously, we do not have a high regard for this new development on the furnishings landscape" because I did not see anything obvious. I think that what PB did with West Elm and C&B with CB2 was a great way to allow new designers (I assume) to flex their creative muscles with affordable furniture. I see no problem with another player trying to do the same.

Oh and the whole forced labor of political prisoners comment was so ridiculous with no back up whatsoever.

Who was that person who thought P2 and Enrique was the same person? He/She should add me to his/her list I guess.

Hmmmm... do we get to decide whether we want to be the same person as P2 or Enrique? I usually agree with P2's decorating, but I've met Enrique and know he's cuter than I am.

Naah. I want to be Guido. Guido knows how to fix things. Fixing things is sexy.

i wasn't being defensive, actually. maybe it came off that way?

just trying repeatedly to make the point that you can dislike Pier 1 without being a snob, and that this SO does not have to do with pricepoints or brand prestige. though i agree that many in this thread were snobby in their comments, and "Obviously we do not have a high regard" was kinda out of left field.

also, even though i haven't necessarily jumped on the 'niceness police' accusations in the past, i have sensed a trend over the past few days or weeks of certain people trying to silence ANY dissent, no matter how constructive. for instance the striped kitchen thread of the other day.

I'm just surprised that in 50+ comments, no one has said anything about the Loft 21 sofa I linked to about 35 comments ago. Anyone? I think it is really nice!

http://www.pier1.com/catalog/search.aspx?&fh_location=//pier1direct/en_US&fh_search=calmont&fh_search_pass=literal&fh_view=searchhttp://www.pier1.com/catalog/search.aspx?&fh_location=//pier1direct/en_US&fh_search=calmont&fh_search_pass=literal&fh_view=search

well, i browsed, and nothing else really grabbed my attention much, but i like the "canopy wall decor" and i like its price!

as far as the rest of this thread goes:
*i don't think slave labor has anything to do with the conversation
*i always appreciate a new line of "affordable" furnishings
*i suppose that its debatable whether or not i fall into the recent grads category (4 years?) but i kind of resent the idea that the demographic is somehow not as worthy...i feel like i had good style then, and i have good style now. and no matter how old i am, i think that i will always appreciate a good bargain!
*no matter what we all hash out here, the line will have to prove itself just the same as west elm, cb2, target etc. if it's going to be a contender. not a bad start, but lots of room to grow...

Aaron--
I really like the Calmont chair, though I'd have to see the contrasting piping in person to seehow it comes off.

opoponax--
jp is right, I was not singling you out.

But, um, care to name names on your "certain people" comment regarding the striped kitchen thread?

Jessica-

Thanks for summing it up beautifully.

The end.

I wasn't implying that college/early 20s is unworthy or unstylish. It's just that retailers market distinctly different product directly to that demographic. The type of sofa one buys for a college apartment, which will likely see much unfortunate use, is not the same one a person in the 30s+ wants to make a significant $$ investment in.

Loft 21 is a borderline example of this (that sofabed by the way is not a typical hideway with legs but folds out like flip 'n f--- flat on the floor). Look to sites like BB&B's college line or JCPenney's Teen 20-Something and MTV Cribs lines for a better idea of style. It's a reflection of maturity in the aesthetic. Not mental maturity, but there are life stages and these are often evident in decorating choices. Clearly mass retailers think so.

The end? The end?? Wait! I want to talk some more about: slave labor; snob appeal vs. anti-snob appeal; the niceness police; whether jamie pup, p(too) and I are in fact the same person; why wende thinks I'm cute but guido is sexy (and where she thinks jp and p(too) fall on the cute-to-sexy spectrum); whether the term "jump the shark" has itself jumped the shark; petroleum-based candles (ginger spice-scented or otherwise); fake botanicals; "certain people"; whether frugal design choices are just for post-grads, social workers, "youthful urbanites" and the people who love them (or can we all partake?); whether a "British" Madonna can still live the American Life; and every other juicy tangent on this thread. Actually... no, I don't.

[PS to Aaron. 1,200 bucks is a lot of cheese to spend on a sofa from Pier 1. Better to research places like M.Gold+B.Williams, Room & Board if you're willing to spend that much money. I've seen similar styles at MG+BW; and I own a sofa and loveseat from them, and can vouch for the quality. Plus, when you buy directly from one of their showrooms, the pieces carry a lifetime guarantee on the workmanship... But who knows, maybe Pier 1's Calmont series is manufactured by reputable outfit like MG+BW (they've produced lines for Crate+Barrel and Pottery Barn). It might be worth doing some more homework on the line by contacting Pier 1's directly.]

[PPS to Lady J. I'm in my *sigh* early 40s; and my sofa still sees its share of "unfortunate use". And for that, I'm very thankful.]

I really don't see what's hideous about the collection. There are one or two things I might be interested in, but I would never buy more than one or two things from any single collection. It's just the way I am.

I walked into Zeller's yesterday - a Canadian department store - which I haven't been in for awhile. I was looking at lamps. About ten years ago, there were about ten choices of lamps, and all of them either plain and simple, traditional and simple, or (what I would consider) "romantic tacky." Now there are dozens and dozens, from very traditional (even gothic!) to very modern. Every retailer is trying to sell a wide-variety of home styles now, because consumers are more interested in design and decorating than ever, and are subsequently demanding more choices. Perhaps the real issue is that there aren't really many "new" designs for stores to offer, because the market is so over-saturated with choices.

as far as the couch:

for $1200, i'd prefer something with real arms.

actually, that particular collection is exactly what i was talking about when i said most of the furniture looked either fussy, uncomfortable, or both. the lines are VERY structured, in a way that looks uninviting to me. also, both the length and the lack of real arms means it probably isn't the best for lounging, napping, "unfortunate use" etc. to me it looks like something you'd see in a lobby or waiting room. also, on my monitor the colors and texture of the fabric look cold and uninviting. i do like the contrasting piping, though.

I'm a hater. I mean, Pier 1 can do what they want, but the stuff I saw in the flyer they sent to me just seemed to be so ubiquitous. There were a few pieces I thought to be nice, but nothing that said "My god, I really need to get to Pier 1 NOW." I liked Pier 1 as a reliable place to find baskets and candles and funky ethnic things. I remember the days they sold clothing--I have a cute change purse from India with a big orange flower on it that I bought probably when I was a teenager or something, but those are my happy memories. My not so happy memories are the 8 years I spent with my papasan chair with the burgundy cushion.

I personally think they need to amp up their own style, because while I might see something and say "that looks West Elm," or see something and think "that looks Pottery Barn," I don't see the new stuff there and think "pier 1."

When I was at our local Pier 1 (in Portsmouth, NH), I overheard a woman asking the manager of the store if they had a catalog she could have. He told her that while each store does carry some items from the catalog, they are individually operated and therefore carry whatever else the management likes. I didn't realize this, and indeed I'm not sure it's the case with all of their stores.

But that particular store had plenty of interesting items that I don't see on the Pier 1 website. So don't write off a visit to the place based on what you see there. And it's not all wicker any longer, either, thank god.

You can spend a TON more money on a sofa, and still not get "real arms."

And repeating: this is just ONE collection. Plenty of stuff in stores that "looks Pier 1."

I also think it no coincidence that they are pushing a "hip" line at back-to-dorm time.

There are pieces here (and all through Pier 1) that could be seamlessly integrated into a high-end look and NO ONE could tell where it came from...

Probably too late for anyone to read this, but...to follow up on matts's post...

I live in a small Canadian city of 85,000. Last year, when I was in Pier 1 to buy a gift, they were moving all the merchandise around. The sales staff told me they not only have no choice in merchandise, they are given a very precise MAP from their head office as to where in the store each piece must be kept and displayed!

I'm still checking this post. What you were told is probably correct. Most chain stores of any kind are given very specific diagrams of how items should be displayed and laid out. If you ever go into a Gap/Limited/etc. esp. on a weekday, you can sometimes see them following corporate's dictate. I don't think there's a whole lot of leeway for the individual managers.

Hi all. I'm the reporter who called about Loft 21, and I would love to quote some of your postings in the story I'm working on, which will appear in The Boston Globe. If you'd rather not be quoted, please let me know by e-mailing dj1st@yahoo.com.

Thanks!

Devra

Okay so I work in a Pier 1 Imports. So Pier 1 looks like Pottery Barn (or insert your retailer of choice). So how is this different from other retailers. Old Navy rips off Gap. Target rips off Walmart....etc...Should I go on. Where exactly to you think your favorite retailer gets their ideas, do you think they are smart enough to make them up on their own or do you think they competively shop other retailers to see what they are doing. Pier 1 tries just like other retailers to change with the times, this is why they don't offer clothes, gold fish or any of the other oddities that a furniture store wouldn't have in stock normally. Pier 1 is trying to change from a small retailer of anything you can get anywhere else to a furniture retailer. And yes, some of the items we carry do look like items at other retailers, but who had who when. I have been subscribing to the Pottery Barn catalog for the last 3 years and I don't think I have seen anything major thats new since the first catalog I recieved not to mention that everything they carry is double the price of Pier 1. I think we offer a good comparison to the products offered in other catalogs at a great price (even though some of our prices have gone up recently). Number 1 reason that I think Pier 1 deserves a visit from anyone reading this, Pier 1 takes care of their employees. We all LOVE working for this company. We provide excellent customer service to every customer that comes in. I love coming to work every day and I know the customers we have love walking in the store and not only seeing the great merchandise we have but the awesome staff that greets them with a smile every visit. So take the time to visit your local Pier 1 instead of bashing it from pictures on a website. Websites don't smile at you and give you great customer service, so back away from the monitor an take a drive, Pier 1 associates are waiting to help your shopping experience worth the drive.