New Pier 1 Imports Holiday Survey: Finding Perfect Gift Drives Last-Minute "Panic" Purchases

FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A new Pier 1 Imports® Holiday survey suggests pressure to find an affordable, unique gift for a significant other or a friend typically results in last-minute "panic" purchases.  Nearly half of the respondents (48 percent) cite their biggest challenge in getting the "perfect" gift for loved ones as either "lack of inspiration" or failure to find something unique enough. The survey also shows that two-in-three respondents (64 percent) admit that significant others, friends or colleagues are most likely to wind up on last-minute gift lists.  The survey, conducted by Kelton Research, reliably represents the entire United States population aged 18 and older.

"Shoppers want to show thoughtfulness and a personal connection when selecting a gift for the special people in their lives," said Cathy David, executive vice president of merchandising for Pier 1 Imports. "Pier 1 is especially helpful in this regard because of the wide assortment of distinctive, one-of-a-kind products that we carry."

The survey finds that 34 percent of consumers surveyed say not being able to afford the perfect gift contributes to a shopping challenge. For some, a "perfect gift" is an elite luxury item or exotic travel that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. For others, though, the implication is that unique gifts come with too high of a price tag.

"Too many people associate unique products with high price, accepting that affordability equates to mundane," adds David. "Customers familiar with Pier 1 know they will get products that are unique, affordable and hardly mundane."

With thousands of items priced under $20, Pier 1 Imports assures affordable selection.  Pier 1 offers a wide array of exclusive products including ornaments, fun stocking stuffers, scarves and jewelry, pillows and throws, home holiday decorations, fragrant candles, upholstered chairs, tables and more. For those who simply can't decide, the Pier 1 Imports gift card is always a welcomed gift. Additionally, Pier 1 To-Go, an online shopping process at www.pier1.com , helps make holiday shopping convenient by allowing shoppers to select and reserve items online for payment and pick-up from their favorite Pier 1 store.  

About Pier 1 Imports
Pier 1 Imports, Inc. is the original global importer of imported decorative home furnishings and gifts. Information about the Company is available on www.pier1.com.

Research Methodological Notes:
The Pier 1 Imports Holiday Survey was conducted by Kelton Research between November 16th and November 22nd, 2011, using an email invitation and an online survey. Quotas are set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the entire U.S. population ages 18 and over. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results.  In this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.1 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.

EDITOR'S NOTE:  Please use the numeral 1 when referring to the Pier 1 Imports brand. The company should be referred to as Pier 1 Imports or Pier 1.

SOURCE Pier 1 Imports, Inc.