Payless (formerly known as Payless ShoeSource Inc.) is an international discount footwear chain. Established in 1956 by cousins Louis and Shaol Pozez, Payless was a privately held company owned by Blum Capital, and Golden Gate Capital.

Payless ShoeSource vs competitors

Amid the fitness and sneaker crazes of the 1980s, Payless found success with its Pro Wings sneakers. Selling for just $15 to $20, the sneakers featured Velcro straps instead of laces - and with their price and practicality became a popular choice among schoolchildren. Payless ShoeSource Inc.

Payless - Our motto: When in doubt, buy 'em all.

Given Payless's main target audience is families, such a seamless experience will bring much-needed convenience into their footwear shopping. “It will not matter if the customer is contacting Payless through the website or through social media or by going to a store or by calling on the phone.

The discount shoe retailer announced last week it is planning up to 500 standalone stores across North America over the next five years. The company also has dropped “ShoeSource” from its name and will just be known as Payless moving forward.

China China was the world's leading producer of footwear in 2022, with a total of approximately 13 billion pairs of shoes produced. China, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia are leaders in footwear production, which highlights the domination of the Asia Pacific (APAC) region in this industry.

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Payless had uninspiring stores, me-too merchandise, look-alike marketing and did not execute well. Retailers that fail to become more remarkable are destined to experience a similar fate.

But it also faced profound challenges. Many malls and shopping centers were entering a death spiral, with falling foot traffic, store closings and underinvestment. People were increasingly buying shoes online, along with most everything else. Payless had underinvested in its information technology infrastructure.

Payless did not evolve with the market. The Payless private label shoe selection became less and less competitive, offering repetitive shoe offerings while other budget retailers seasonally offered up-to-date, fashionable shoes, at similar price points.

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Payless did not evolve with the market. The Payless private label shoe selection became less and less competitive, offering repetitive shoe offerings while other budget retailers seasonally offered up-to-date, fashionable shoes, at similar price points.

"Formally dropping 'Shoesource' from the brand name, Payless returns, offering the same, unparalleled commitment to providing value to their community, now across a range of apparel, accessories, and footwear," the press release continued.

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