EXHIBIT 23.1

                     CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in Post-
Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 33-61475)
pertaining to the Pier 1 Imports, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated April 10, 1998, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Pier 1 Imports,
Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended February 28,
1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Fort Worth, Texas  
September 9, 1998