Pier 1 closing all stores

PERKINS TWP. — The COVID-19 pandemic doomed the already struggling Pier 1 Imports. The Texas-based retailer of home decor filed for bankruptcy protection early this year, as sales diminished, and it failed to compete with online retailers. It started to announce store closures to eliminate debt as it hoped to survive by finding a potential buyer. On Tuesday, however, the company announced it received court approval to close all of its 450 stores. "Please know that this was an extremely difficult decision and is deeply disappointing for all of us at Pier 1," a company statement reads. "We have loved serving you over the years and are so grateful you chose to shop with Pier 1." Pier 1 blamed the decision on the changing retail environment and the increased financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which made finding a buyer difficult. The company plans on starting liquidation sales at locations as soon as they reopen from the pandemic. It plans to start opening stores Friday in phases. It's unknown when Sandusky's Pier 1 Imports, on Milan Road (U.S. 250) near Lowe's, will close, but the company believes all stores will be shuttered by fall 2020.