Home furnishing retailer Pier 1 Imports Inc. said yesterday that its Chief Executive Officer Alasdair James has stepped down and the company is looking at various options to turn around its business, Reuters reported. The seller of wicker chairs and scented candles said yesterday that it has retained Credit Suisse to help evaluate a full range of strategic alternatives, but warned that it may not result in a sale. Pier 1, which is struggling to keep up with competing home furnishing companies, including Williams-Sonoma, said Cheryl Bachelder has been appointed interim CEO, effective immediately. In April, former CEO James detailed a three-year turnaround plan called “A New Day”, aimed at reducing store clutter and inventory to drive revenue growth at the struggling retailer.
