Type: Public
On the web: http://www.pier1.com
Employees: 17,000
Employee growth: 4.9%

When shoppers fish for home decor, Pier 1 wants to be sure they catch something. The company sells about 4,000 items (imported from more than 50 countries) through some 1,045 Pier 1 Imports stores in the US and Canada. Stores offer a wide selection of indoor and outdoor furniture, lamps, vases, baskets, ceramics, dinnerware, candles, and other decorative accessories. Customers can also reserve items on Pier 1's website and pick them up in stores. In addition, the company supplies merchandise to about 40 stores in Mexico owned by Grupo Sanborns. In a bid to boost profits, the retailer has been closing underperforming stores, slashing spending, and refining its product assortment.

Key numbers for fiscal year ending February, 2011:
Sales: $1,396.5M
One year growth: 8.2%
Net income: $100.1M
Income growth: 15.3%

Officers:
Chairman: Michael R. Ferrari
President, CEO, and Director: Alexander W. (Alex) Smith
EVP Finance and CFO: Charles H. (Cary) Turner

Competitors:
Bed Bath & Beyond
Cost Plus
Euromarket Designs

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