Among the stock activity stories for Friday, Oct. 10, from AP Financial News:

Pier 1 Imports Inc. said Thursday same-store sales fell in September as traffic declined, and that it might not meet expectations in the second part of its fiscal year if sales don't pick up.

Cowed by the financial crisis, American consumers are pulling back on their spending, all but guaranteeing that the economic situation will get worse before it gets better, the New York Times reported.

Home furnishings retailer Bed Bath & Beyond on Wednesday posted lower quarterly earnings that matched Wall Street estimates and shares rose nearly 2 percent in extended trade.

Shares of home decor chain Pier 1 Imports Inc. sank Friday as the broader markets mostly slid, retail outlooks remained weak and an analyst downgraded the company's stock because of a slowdown in turnaround efforts.

Early reports from several retailers including J.C. Penney Co. and Kohl's Corp. confirmed on Wednesday what Wall Street had already expected: a weak start to the back-to-school shopping season.

Home furnishings retailer Pier 1 Imports reported a quarterly loss on Thursday as store closures and lower traffic in March and April hurt sales.

Cost Plus rejected Pier 1 Imports offer to acquire the furnishings retailer in a stock deal, saying Monday that the bid was "ill-timed."