Payless relaunches in North America
Footwear retailer Payless is back. The company, which is dropping “Shoesource” from its brand name, is relaunching in North America with a new immersive e-commerce offering and a network of brick-and-mortar concept stores that sell apparel, accessories and footwear.
Originally founded in 1956, Payless filed for bankruptcy in 2019 and shuttered all of its stores in the United States. The company’s focus on value will be even more important, executives said, accompanied by an omnichannel approach to retailing. The retailer’s new e-commerce platform features such well-known Payless private label brands as AirWalk, American Eagle and more, as well as such brand names as K-Swiss, Kendall + Kylie and Aerosoles.
The company's Instagram announced the relaunch with a focus on its private brands.
"We're back and bringing more community responsibility, fashion-forward footwear, and on-trend partnerships to our more than 60 million Payless customers who have missed us," said Jared Margolis, CEO of Payless. "We saw an opportunity for the brand to relaunch into the U.S. market, providing our community with the affordable, value-driven products they've always searched for, now across multiple categories, at a time when value couldn't be more critical. Payless is for everyone, and now more than ever, the world needs to pay less. We are so excited to bring Payless back to you, so you and future generations to come can lead the way forward.”
With the relaunch, executives said Payless is targeting 300 to 500 new store openings in the next five years in North America, starting with its first prototype store in its headquarters city of Miami. They will join the company’s 700 international stores, and aim to change how shopping is done, the company said.
The new Payless also is looking to give back to the communities it serves with its “Powered by Payless” initiative, meant to help those who won’t be able to access the Internet or technology needed for at-home and hybrid learning, or the meal services provided by school lunch programs. So Payless will be partnering with schools nationwide to provide online connectivity, technology, complimentary lunches and shoes for the school year ahead.
"We are in truly unprecedented times, and it's undeniable that this year's back-to-school season will be unlike any other,” Margolis said. "We are fully aware that we're relaunching in a time when many have lost their jobs, finances are tight, and parents nationwide are adjusting to working from home, facilitating at-home schooling for their children, all while serving the most important role as parent. However, during this time we also know that kids all over the country are leading the way – through their imaginations, resilience and determination. We're excited and proud to be in a position to bring the Payless brand back to life to provide parents with the value they need, and kids with the styles they will love, in a way that acknowledges and celebrates every single one of our consumers."