Pier 1 Imports to launch e-commerce July 28

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 6/27/2012 10:48:53 AM

FORT WORTH, Texas — Pier 1 Imports announced the company will soft launch its e-commerce operation July 28 with a new website on a new platform.

The e-commerce business will initially feature the same merchandise assortment as brick-and-mortar locations, and then add unique merchandise categories not carried in its stores, said Alex Smith, president and CEO, Pier 1 Imports, during a quarterly conference call.

The company will begin actively promoting its e-commerce operation in the fall, Smith added.

Pier 1 also reported its 11th consecutive quarter of profit and sales gains this morning. Profits jumped 26.4% in the fiscal first quarter on a 7.9% increase in sales.

"We're pleased with the strong sales and earnings performance we achieved this quarter, as well as the continued expansion of our operating margin," Smith said. "The results demonstrate the effectiveness of our merchandising strategies and in-store execution, as well as strong full-price selling."