Pier 1's commitment to zero

Pier 1 has carried UNICEF greeting cards for more than 20 years. During a time of intense competition and pressure for retail outlets to reach sales goals, Pier 1 has provided valuable real estate in its more than 1,000 stores, gratis, for UNICEF greeting cards. Sales of our iconic greeting cards in Pier 1 stores have raised more than $28 million, used to buy lifesaving vaccines, clean water, medicine and education for the world’s poorest children in more than 150 countries.
I recently made a trip to Pier 1, in search of holiday décor items and gifts.  Though I had long enjoyed Pier 1 Imports, when I came to work for UNICEF some 12 years ago and learned about the company’s exceptional support for the world’s children, I fell in love with Pier 1! Pier 1 has carried UNICEF greeting cards for more than 20 years.  During a time of intense competition and pressure for retail outlets to reach sales goals, Pier 1 has provided valuable real estate in its more than 1,000 stores, gratis, for UNICEF greeting cards.   Sales of our iconic greeting cards in Pier 1 stores have raised more than $28 million, used to buy lifesaving vaccines, clean water, medicine and education for the world’s poorest children in more than 150 countries. None of this would have been possible without the store employees, who throw themselves into the effort with great enthusiasm.   Not only do they know what UNICEF is, but they actually go out of their way to promote our cards and explain to customers how their contributions will help children.

Dayna at Pier 1

This weekend as I was checking out at the Pier 1 register, I met one of those employees.   She was mid-way through ringing up my purchase when I noticed a cryptic pin on her apron that read, “21,000.”  When I asked her about it, she explained that 21,000 children die every day of preventable causes, and that Pier 1 and UNICEF are working to make that number “zero." I wanted to hug her. This is what the children of the world need, advocates!  People who care about their survival and wellbeing so much that they want to share our message with others.  Dayna did not learn about UNICEF and 21,000 on her own. At the national, regional and local levels, Pier 1 leadership took the time to educate and inspire their employees to help UNICEF this season.   During this turbo-charged season of high stakes holiday retail performance, isn’t it kind good to know that for some companies, the bottom line includes children? Thank you Dayna, and thank you, Pier 1.