Shopping News

Revered home goods store returns as a Texas-based online shop

The furniture, candles, decor, and gifts you know and love are back — online.

Facebook/Pier1

Home furnishings and accessories brand Pier 1 Imports is back, sort of. The Fort Worth-based company sadly shut down in May as part of its bankruptcy plan, but is now being relaunched as an online store.

According to a release, the brand was rescued by Retail Ecommerce Ventures (REV), a Miami-based investment firm which has launched Pier1.com as a new customer-centric online store based in Dallas.

Pier1.com will offer the same assortment of furniture, lighting, fragrance, tableware and décor they've offered since they were founded in 1962.

The new store offers hundreds of familiar items in categories such as holiday and seasonal, furniture, pillows and cushions, dining and entertaining, décor, lighting and candles, rugs, curtains, bed and bath, and outdoor.

Shifting to an ecommerce model frees Pier 1 from the limitations associated with brick-and-mortar stores, says Pier 1 CEO Shayan Zadeh in a statement.

"It means we're able to add hundreds of exciting new SKUs to Pier1.com even as we explore a wider array of potential new offerings," Zadeh says.

They've also revamped the site, with improved discovery, filtering, and search capabilities, and Zadeh says they're focused on the mobile side, with iPhone and Android apps coming in Q1 2021.

In July, REV acquired the rights to Pier 1's trademark name, intellectual property, data and various ecommerce-related assets for $31 million.

REV's mission is to transform beloved brands like Pier 1 into internet-first companies positioned for robust growth, says Tai Lopez, REV executive chairman and co-founder.

"Central to our playbook is retaining the brand's strengths," Lopez says. "It's why we retained veteran buyers from Pier 1 to reengage with vendors and bring back the merchandise our customers know and love."

REV hired about 15 of Pier 1's buying, marketing and customer-support personnel. The new 30-person Pier 1 team is now located in Dallas.

REV hires included veteran Pier 1 executive Brian Thompson to serve as Chief Merchandising & Supply Chain Officer. Thompson recently hosted a Zoom call with hundreds of loyal Pier 1 shoppers, who asked about products like Li Bien Christmas ornaments and Pier 1 signature fragrances. Huh. Wonder how you got an invite to that call.

REV's other recent acquisitions include Linens 'n Things, Franklin Mint, and Dressbarn.

shopping

Closure News

Furniture chain American Freight closing Austin and all other stores

American Freight

There's a big sale going on at American Freight.

There's a huge sale on furniture going down right now, but for a sad reason: American Freight, a chain of furniture stores operating in dozens of states, is permanently shuttering all 328 locations, due to “sustained inflation and macroeconomic challenges,” according to its parent company.

That includes one store in Austin, at 13435 N. Highway 183, Ste. 101.

The closing comes after its parent company, Franchise Group, Inc., filed for bankruptcy protection, according to documents filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.

Store closing sales began on November 5, both online and at its 328 locations. Hilco Consumer-Retail is managing these sales for American Freight as the business winds down its operations nationwide. Significant discounts are being offered on the brand's full assortment of inventory.

Shoppers can save up to 30 percent off the lowest ticketed prices storewide. Available items include living room sets, bedroom furniture, dining tables, and a selection of scratch & dent and new in-box appliances, such as refrigerators, washers and dryers.

New inventory is arriving and expected to move quickly, so customers should take advantage of this prime opportunity to enjoy exceptional deals before it's too late.

"Our goal is to deliver outstanding value to customers during this full chain closing sale," said Ian Fredericks, CEO of Hilco Consumer-Retail. "Everything is on sale and must be sold, and we recommend shopping early for the best selection."

During the store closing sales, select American Freight financing and delivery services will remain available to customers, presenting a unique opportunity to shop exceptional discounts with the convenience of flexible payment and home delivery.

The chain has 39 stores in Texas.

Sale Details
They're offering up to 30 percent off the lowest ticketed prices on furniture, scratch & dent, and new in-box appliances. Discounts are valid in stores and online. All sales are final, of course. Shop now for the best selection while supplies last.

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