Pier One

Pier One, known formally as Pier 1 Imports, was established as a single store in 1962 in San Mateo, California. Initially, it catered to post-World War II baby boomers, offering an eclectic mix of items such as beanbag chairs, love beads, and incense. Over the years, the brand expanded its inventory to include a diverse range of merchandise, from chocolate-covered ants to clothing lines and even life-size Spanish suits of armor. The company experienced significant growth and by 1979, a store in Royal Oak, Michigan, was the first to reach one million dollars in annual sales. This milestone marked the beginning of a new era for Pier One, as it began to focus on selling quality, unique home furnishings and decorative accessories.

The turn of the century saw Pier One launching its online store and initiating a new advertising campaign, "Get In Touch With Your Senses," which positioned the brand as a fun, sensory shopping experience. This was a nod to the eclectic and sensory-rich environment that customers had come to associate with Pier One stores. In 2002, the company celebrated its 40-year history with special promotions and merchandise, embracing the slogan "From Hippie to Hip" to honor its journey from a small store to a major retail brand.

Pier One's golden anniversary in 2012 was another significant milestone, with the Mayor of Fort Worth declaring November 28, 2012, as "Pier 1 Imports Day" in Fort Worth, Texas. The company also launched a newly redesigned e-commerce-enabled website, allowing customers to shop according to their convenience.

However, the brand faced challenges in the following years. In February 2020, Pier One filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and by May 2020, it announced plans to close all of its stores, largely due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The brand's rights were subsequently acquired by Retail Ecommerce Ventures (REV) in July 2020, and Pier One was relaunched as an internet-first retailer. The new Pier One team, based in Dallas, Texas, continued to work with established vendors to offer curated assortments of furniture, lighting, fragrance, tableware, and décor that loyal customers had cherished for decades.

Throughout its history, Pier One stood out as a retailer specializing in imported home furnishings and decor. Its offerings were particularly known for furniture, tabletop items, decorative accessories, and seasonal decor. At its peak in January 2020, Pier One operated over 1,000 physical stores across the United States and Canada. Despite the closure of its physical stores, Pier One's legacy continues through its online presence, where it remains a destination for consumers seeking unique and globally-inspired home goods.