Solid Holiday Selling Season For Leading Home Furnishing Chains, Oppenheimer Reports

Recent data suggest that the holiday selling season proved very solid for the leading home furnishing chains, Oppenheimer reports. “We believe that continued strong, if not improving, demand trends together with still easing competitive pressures likely fueled above-plan sales at Pier 1 Imports, Inc. PIR and Williams-Sonoma, Inc. WSM,” Oppenheimer writes. “Market expectations for both seem to remain relatively subdued. The potential for new and large buybacks at PIR and WSM should give investors reason to stick with the stories even after better than expected sales move to the rear-view mirror.” Pier 1 Imports closed Tuesday at $10.39; Williams-Sonoma closed at $35.59.