E-commerce

Payless relaunches in North America with new online platform, concept stores

Photo by istock.com

August 19, 2020

Footwear retailer Payless is relaunching in the North American market with a revamped e-commerce platform as well as new brick-and-mortar concept stores.

The 60-year-plus retailer has dropped "Shoesource" from its brand name and unveiling an omnichannel strategy, according to a press release.

"We're back and bringing more community responsibility, fashion-forward footwear, and on-trend partnerships to our 60 million-plus Payless customers who have missed us," Jared Margolis, Payless CEO, said in the release.

"We saw an opportunity for the brand to relaunch into the US 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," he stated

The retailer aims to open 300 to 500 free standing stores over the next five years, beginning with the launch of its first prototype store in Miami, Florida, where the company is now based.

The locations will be in addition to the brand's existing 700 international stores, of which 298 are franchises and 412 Latin and Central America locations.

Stores will boast in-store touch points that merge design with onsite digital components, including smart mirrors, touchscreen wall panels, and an augmented reality foot comparison chart.

"We are in truly unpreceded times, and it's undeniable that this year's back-to-school season will be unlike any other," Margolis said in the release. "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."