Pier 1 Imports is a publicly traded company and a global importer of home furnishings and gifts. Incorporated in 1986, it is a Delaware-based corporation. The company s retail locations operate under the Pier 1 Kids name. Pier 1 Imports maintains distribution centers in Maryland, Illinois, California and Texas. It has a product distribution agreement with Sears Roebuck De Puerto Rico, which sells and markets merchandise items of the company. The company operates more than 1,000 stores in the United States and over 80 outlets in Canada. Its stores spread on an area of nearly 9,900 square feet. With a work force of approximately 16,000 employees, the company imports more than 4,000 products from over 50 countries throughout the world. Its stores sell a variety of furniture, dining and kitchen goods, candles, epicurean products, and bath and bedding accessories. In addition, Pier 1 Imports sells gift cards of several denominations that can be redeemed at any of its locations.