Columnist Muriel Stevens: Peering in at Pier 1

Wednesday, March 19, 2003 | 8:24 a.m.

It was 32 years ago when Pier 1 Imports opened its first store in Las Vegas. It was an instant hit. When the Summerlin store opened this month it was the fifth Pier 1 Las Vegas store and by the summer of 2004 there will be three more.

All of the stores feature wonderful home furnishings and accessories galore.

The Summerlin store is the largest yet, and is the 1,000th Pier 1 in the chain. It is also more than twice the size of a regular store, with more than 20,000 feet of retail space filled with a gorgeous array of merchandise.

My home is filled with live plants with no space for more, yet the selection of silk flowers and greenery is so appealing and affordable that I was tempted to buy the entire display of peonies, giant pot and all. What a statement it would make in a colorless corner.

The china and crystal selection is vast. The selection of table linens and tabletop accessories go on and on. A bridal and gift registry, too.

And there's more than a touch of whimsy in the decor. The eye-catching spring-green walls in the center of the store are seasonal. Soon they'll be repainted to reflect another season's color.

Pier 1 started as a single store in San Mateo, Calif. Forty years later Pier 1 has 18,000 employees worldwide and bulging coffers.

It is a good neighbor, too. As sponsors of the annual Pier/1 UNICEF Greeting Card Contest, Pier 1 donates all proceeds from the sale of UNICEF cards to be used for UNICEF programs. Pier 1 is the world's largest retailer of UNICEF greeting cards.

Pier 1's Summerlin store is in the Crossroads Commons Shopping Center at 8945 W. Charleston Blvd. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays.

Celine Dion Parfums: Celine Dion Parfums, new from Coty Beauty (a division of Coty Inc.), will debut March 25, the same date as the opening of Dion's new show, "A New Day," at Caesars Palace.

The collection includes eau de toilette, body lotion and shower gel. Look for the well-priced items in such stores as Sephora, JC Penney, Sears and a number of retail specialty stores. The eau de toilette is offered in three sizes ($20 to $44); the gel and lotion are available in tubes ($12.50 each).

NCL members to model: More than 30 National Charity League members will model the hottest spring and summer fashions at Galleria at Sunset March 29.

NCL provides services to the community with emphasis on mother/daughter relationships. Funds raised from the show will benefit charities and organizations in Las Vegas and Henderson.

There are two shows -- 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Both will take place in the food court. For additional info about the fashion show or any Galleria at Sunset event call 434-0202.

Dunhill for Urban Cowboys: Do-si-do down to the Dunhill shop at the Forum Shops at Caesars for a handsome and cool Dunhill cowboy belt. The buckle and tip and the two loops are crafted from sterling silver and display finely engraved patterns inspired by the Wild West. Chic cowhands wear this fancy leather belt with jeans or business attire.

For the price or more information call 650-2992.