Alex W. Smith

FORT WORTH, Texas — Comps continue to improve at Pier 1 Imports, thanks to increased traffic and average ticket size. The company reported that comparable-store sales for the third quarter increased 7%. This was on top of a 10.2% comps increase in the prior-year period. Total sales for the quarter increased 8.2% to $383 million compared with $354 million in the year-ago quarter. The company said it expects third-quarter earnings to be in a range of 20 cents to 21 cents per share, up from the company’s previously reported estimate of 18 cents per share. Alex W. Smith, President

Fort Worth, Texas -- Pier 1 Imports reported Thursday that second-quarter profit rose to $16.6 million, from $14.4 million a year earlier, matching Wall Street expectations. Sales for the quarter increased 9.6% to $339.6 million, compared with $309.9 million in the year-ago quarter. Same-store sales increased 10.8%, boosted by higher traffic and average-ticket numbers. “Our growth plan is firmly on track, and we have returned value to our shareholders through the completion of our $100 million share repurchase program,” said Alex W. Smith, president and CEO. Smith confirmed that Pier 1 expects to have a solid fall and holiday

Pier 1 Imports’ same-store sales increased rose 8.9 percent in the fourth quarter. The chain also offered earnings guidance for the quarter that was slightly above what Wall Street expected. Total revenue for the quarter rose 8 percent to $427 million from $396 million.

Pier 1 Imports said Thursday its total sales for the quarter ended Aug. 28 rose to $310 million, from $287 million in the year-ago quarter. Same-store sales rose 11.2% in the quarter.“We continue to see strengths in all parts of the country and in all merchandise categories -- with improvements in traffic, conversion and ticket," said CEO Alex W. Smith.