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From the "No-Brainers" department, Pier 1 is finally sacking Kirstie Alley as its spokesperson for one of the hottest queers these days, Queer Eye for Straight Guy design fag, Thom Filicia. While the jury is still on whether this is a good career move (money aside) for Thom, this is a great move for Pier 1 - they will finally have a spokesperson who doesn't seem blitzed on something. AdAge also has this great quote from a retail analyst about Pier One's prospects earlier this fall: "We continue to remain concerned with the company's decision to use Kirstie Alley for the crucial holiday season promotion, as we believe customers might perceive the campaign as stale."
The website for Thom Filicia Inc. is not finished yet, but so far, it looks like it'll have the crisp, modern sensibility he's been injecting into the homes he designs. Plus it does have his phone number and email. And last week's Queer Eye was so good ("Queer Eye Blues" etc.); tomorrow, the QE5 battle a toupee with a man attached.
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I had used K. Alley's crappy persona as an excuse to boycott Pier 1 . . . now I'll need to find another reason unless in ditching K.A. they also up'd their quality and selection.
How about using the "I hate how Pier 1 is trying to co-opt a cool queer to get me to buy their crap" excuse?
My theory still is that Thom the "Design Doctor" isn't actually gay. (Sorry for being slightly off subject.)
i recently heard thom filicia occasionaly likes the ladies. it doesn't make a difference to me as i think he's the most talented of the fab five when it comes to makeovers but it is funny if all the queer eyes aren't exactly queer. still...it sounds better than "bi eye for the straight guy"
Three things: (1) Jen's excuse for not shopping at Pier 1 is spot on. (2) It doesn't matter that Thom may have some fun with the ladies (it is "Queer" -- not "Gay" -- Eye, after all). (3) Karru: I wouldn't hold my hopes up too high on any major improvements in quality or selection. Pier 1 is a quick, cheap fix for gifts, finishing decorative touches, and everyday housewares. Ain't gonna be much more to it with or without Mr. Filicia's endorsement.
I'm going to have to disagree with Gothamist on this one: over the years I've gotten several things from Pier One that I love: an iron & glass table, rustic wooden end tables, good iron curtain rods, a display shelf, curtains, napkins, candles, and the picnic basket I buried my cat in (not sure what Thom would have to say about that). I think Kirstie Alley kind of cheapened the store's image; I was always kind of embarrassed for both star and store. Maybe Thom can class it back up a bit.
Sophie. Trust me, Thom gay.
Oliver- Trust me, Thom gay.
trust me. thom filicia is 100% gay.
For all of you that hate pier 1 for kirsties comments i know for a fact that she writes them herself so dont hate on pier 1 for that. I work at Pier 1 and i guarantee you that over half of the people that posted negative comments about pier 1 could seriously use some of the things they sale. And i will go even further to say that at least one third of you couldnt afford a napkin ring from there!
I think Kirstie Alley is a throaty man with a sex change.
I think Kirstie Alley is a throaty man with a sex change.
I am glad to see that whench Kristie Alley go, but I am not happy with her replacement. Thom is cool, but his association with the show may scare straight guys away from Peir 1. I think Alex Trebek would be the perfect spokesperson for pier 1. Come on - he's stylish, sexy, smart and old as hell. He's Canadian too! I would pay fifty bucks for a candle if Alex Trebek did.
I disagree with using Trebek for Pier 1. I personally would like to see someone who personally represents the company and its product quality. I think somebody like Ricki Lake would be perfect! she's everything Pier 1 is - cheap and tacky.
Hey all-
I work at Pier 1 and I have never been part of a team from the top manager to the associates where we were more committed to customer satisfaction. The return policy is the best around (6mo.)
We do not sell anything that is not
in the best of conditions and if it's in less
than perfect condition we note that on the sale tag and mark it accordingly.
I can only say if it's been a while since you have visited the store you are really missing out.
We have the best values, the coolest stuff and
a very committed staff.
If you've had a bad experience I apologize for that store. My advice would be to talk with a manager because we will go completly out of our
way to correct the problem.
If you've never been in Pier 1 or it's been a
long time check us out and see what your missing.
When I tell people I work at Pier 1 not one single person has said "that store sucks"
I only hear "I Love That Store"!
I agree with Makaela, I have worked for Pier 1 for almost 15 years and have never gotten any other response than "I love that store" when I tell someone where I work. I look forward to the new ad campaign and anticipate that it will be well received by our customers as we already have customers referencing ideas they have seen on "Queer Eye".
well, i worked there and i think it sucks! i was always sending people to a different store because we don't have what they need. poor thom felicia! he is way too talented to have his name tacked on to a tacky cheap-ass store like pier 1!
"trust me, Thom is gay"....
way to shatter a gal's dream! :(
PS- what is up with the Pier One bots??
What, do you scour the web finding negative comments about your store and just copy what is written in your employee manual??
creepy
What can I say...I love Pier 1. I guess if you like your house more "Rooms to Go", then it's not for you. But if you like to mix and match, Pier 1 has some cool stuff. It may not be top-of-the-line stuff, but the quality is decent. They're not just for papasan's anymore.
I have nothing to say a about Pier 1, one way or the other.
I do however think not only is Mr. Filicia a great designer, he owns his own company, sounds like a man who has a head for busness. I wouldn't think he would take on the job if he wasn't sure it would be in his best interest.
Sidenote: Ever wonder what Thom's home look's like. I would love to see what he surrounds himself with.