The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Pier 1 Imports in May 2012
Interview
I had received a generic email from the company stating that their stores were hiring. When I went to the closest to me, they had a "Now Accepting Applications" sign up so I decided to give it a shot. I filled out an application right in the store. It was the typical work experience/school/etc application + it had a couple of pages that were a bit like those online personality tests that job applications have. I guess they decided to make it easier on themselves by printing it out. I attached my own resume to the application and left it with one of the associates. A couple of days later I received a call to come in for a group interview, which was a couple days after that. The group interview went really well. I've grown to love them since you get to hear other people's answers and whatnot. It was set up in a way that the manager would ask a question aloud and whoever wanted to go (there were 5-6 of us) we would go and take turns answering. The environment was relaxed, some of us were visibly nervous, but honestly, it's nothing to worry too much about. I was expecting a call in about two weeks but a couple days after my interview, I got a call and was offered the job!
I interviewed at Pier 1 Imports (Fort Collins, CO)
Interview
It was about 30 minutes long. The manager asked me basic questions about myself and the job. He wanted to know my availability and if I were able to unload the truck due to the boxes being heavy.
Simple and transparent process. After applying, was asked to come in to interview in person. Interview was professional and took around 45 minutes. Heard back from hiring manager within a week.