This is a short post, but I wanted to share some updated information about Pier 1 with people (many of whom have lamented about its closing in various blogs).
Last week, I had the most unexpected and interesting experience. The previous week, out of the blue, I was contacted by Pier 1. I’m apparently a loyal customer, and they asked if I wanted to participate in a webinar the following week. The purpose of the webinar was for the new owners to introduce themselves and their team, and to share the direction that Pier 1 was moving in. They also wanted to get our input and to give us an opportunity to ask questions. Now Pier 1 is my most favorite store and I was absolutely devastated when it closed. Of course I said yes to the webinar.
But first let me back up a bit. For those haven’t been following the Pier 1 news, the company filed for bankruptcy in February of this year, which required them to liquidate their assets to pay creditors, and which they have been doing since February/March. I’m not sure if all the brick and mortar stores are closed now or not. In July, the sale of their intellectual property which included the trademark name, its data (including customer lists) and other assets related to e-commerce was approved in bankruptcy court and sold to Retail Ecommerce Ventures (REV). REV is owned by Tai Lopez and former NASA scientist Alex Mehr. Their plan for Pier 1 was to take it to an online platform only, and the new website has been up since September 1st. So that’s the background information.
Back to the webinar. The meeting started with Tai Lopez introducing himself, and speaking briefly about the team, and the vision for Pier 1. They currently plan to continue with online sales only for the time being. Tai Lopez, who was speaking from Copenhagen where he was sourcing some Danish furniture, next introduced Brian Thompson, who is the Chief Merchandising and Supply Chain Officer in his current role, and has been with Pier 1 “all his adult life”, but since 2004, according to LinkedIn. So glad they kept him on and/or he agreed to stay on as I think the continuity is good. Jenn McClain is a Ecommerce and digital marketing consultant for Pier 1, and was the third person. There were 145 attendees.
Brian did most of the talking, and was clearly very much in the know with respect to customers’ favorites, and Pier 1’s name brands. He spoke of proprietary brands, iconic brands, and some new brands that they would be bringing in. The general feeling from the attendees comments was about the uniqueness of Pier 1 items, and how people valued that. The gist of the webinar was:
There will be online shopping for Canadians.
They will be bringing back some of the old iconic items. Papasans and swingasans were specifically mentioned.
They have had some difficulties sourcing some items, at least with respect to timelines. Their candles and fragrances were very popular items. They said that they have managed to source some of the Christmas favorites, and they are available on the website. They are planning on bringing the Ocean’s line back as well.
Similarly, the supply of Christmas ornaments is small this year. It was unclear if more would be arriving. However, Brian said that they had sourced 2 different styles of Le Bien ornaments for 2020, but that supplies were limited. One style is on the website now for anyone who collects them.
They are said they are still working on some shipping issues/arrangements for the bigger furniture items, although I believe people can purchase what is currently available on the website.
There were lots of questions from attendees about their beaded and embroidered pillows, and the beaded table runners. I believe they plan on bringing some of these back.
They are having some issues with their website and items not displaying properly. They are working on this.
Tabletop stuff like dishware and stemware are some of the items that have been delayed. They expected some of these items around early January. They never really said anything about charger plates, napkin rings, or napkins. Some napkins are available now. But, the Easter bunny plates would be there for Easter, and they said that anyone who started a Christmas dish collection last year, should be able to add to/finish it next Christmas.
There is an opportunity to influence future purchasing. This can be done by directly contacting their support line with ideas/suggestions (they hoped that any criticism would be constructive but said they have tough skins) or by clicking the “notify me” icon on sold out items.
Last but not least, they have not entirely discounted the idea of opening up some brick and mortar stores. Lot of attendee comments on this as well. I presume it will depend upon sales and customer feedback.
That’s about all I can remember. If I recall anything else, I’ll add it to the blog. I left the webinar feeling somewhat hopeful…
Happy Monday everyone!
Wow, this is great news!! I have loved Pier 1 as long as I can remember, I still have some wicker furniture I bought years ago, as well as chargers, napkin rings, and all kinds of table top things and holiday decorations. Hooray that it’s coming back and how cool that they reached out to you as a loyal customer. Thanks so much for sharing this great news, you have made my day Kim!!
I know – my absolute favorite store too. I felt really encouraged after I left the meeting. I’m trying not to be too impatient, but I can’t wait to see what they bring back – especially for their tabletop items. Thanks for visiting and keep safe (and away from those hurricanes lol).