Pier 1 Imports Inc., of Fort Worth, Texas, plans to open a store later this year in the Northpointe Plaza shopping center on Spokanes North Side, says company spokeswoman Joy Rich.


Pier 1 has leased a 10,000-square-foot, free-standing building just southeast of a Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Spirits restaurant, in the shopping centers parking lot. McKinley Contracting Inc., of Spokane, is remodeling the structure.


Action Mortgage Co., a subsidiary of Spokane-based Sterling Savings Association, currently operates a branch in part of the building. The remainder of the building is vacant and formerly housed a clothing store called the Rage.


Jim Winger, construction manager for McKinley, says the Action Mortgage branch will move to a building to the south and will occupy a 2,000-square-foot space there that formerly housed a business called the Market.


The new Pier 1 store is expected to employ up to about 15 people, full time and part time, and to carry an inventory mix similar to the companys other store here, a 9,000-square-foot outlet at 101 W. North River Drive. That inventory mix includes imported rattan and wicker furniture, housewares such as dinner plates and bar glasses, decorative accessories, and gifts from around the world.


Winger says the remodeling of the Northpointe building for the Pier 1 store will include gutting interior spaces; putting in new flooring, a new ceiling, track lighting, and some new walls; making electrical improvements; and updating the exterior with a stucco-type finish.


Pier 1 has operated its store on North River Drive, near downtown, since about 1970. That store employs 13 people. The two-story brick building in which that store is located is owned by Pacific Security Cos., of Spokane. The building was remodeled and shortened several years ago to accommodate a widening of Division at the north end the new Division Street Bridge.


Pier 1 Imports claims to be North Americas largest specialty retailer of imported home furnishings, gifts, and related items, with 727 stores in 47 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Mexico. Rich says the company is opening about 50 new stores a year, but doesnt have Immediate plans for more stores in the Inland Northwest.


The company reported total sales of about $947.1 million for its 1997 fiscal year, ended March 1, which was up nearly 17 percent over the previous year.