Promotions impact Pier 1 profit

Fort Worth, Texas – Promotions took their toll on profitability at Pier Imports Inc. during the first quarter of fiscal 2015. The company reduced its earnings guidance for fiscal 2015.



Net earnings fell 25% to $15.1 million from $20.3 million in the same quarter of fiscal 2014.



Total sales for the first quarter were $419.1 million, a 6.1% increase from $394.9 million in the year-ago quarter. Same-store sales increased 6.3%, attributable to increases in total brand traffic, conversion and higher average ticket.



"The retail environment remains highly promotional and is pressuring gross profit in the near-term," said CEO Alex W. Smith. "As a result, we are adjusting our full-year earnings forecast accordingly."