I truly question this store's policy of sledge hammering damages items at the back of the store on store grounds, in view of all entering and exiting customers. I phoned to inquire about employees destroying items. The store manager supported this action by stating it was corporate policy to destroy damaged items in this manner so that people would be deterred from taking damaged items from the "garbage bin" and re-entering the main store door with that item; claiming it was just purchased and wanting to return it. Surely there is a better way of dealing with store items that are damaged. What is the message that Pier One is conveying to the public when customers leave their store and witness two young employees swinging sledge hammers to items that may be of use if repaired or donated to a local community need. Tell me that this is not the general policy of all Pier One stores ; just the very irrepsonsible decision of this store manager who kindly hung up on me. Winnipeg. MB. Canada