Payless relaunches in North America with new website, up to 500 new retail stores

Payless has announced its relaunch into the North American market, unveiling a website and new brick-and-mortar retail concept stores. Formally dropping “Shoesource” from the brand name, Payless returns, now across a range of apparel, accessories, and footwear.

“We’re back and bringing more community responsibility, fashion-forward footwear, and on-trend partnerships to our 60M+ Payless customers who have missed us,” said Jared Margolis, CEO of Payless. “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.”

Kicking off today, US consumers can shop on the website. From beloved Private Label brands: AirWalk, American Eagle, and many more, to K-Swiss, Kendall + Kylie and Aerosoles, Payless is also rolling out a variety of diverse community partnerships throughout the year.

As part of the Omni-channel rollout, their goal is to open 300-500 free standing stores across North America over the next five years, beginning with the launch of the first prototype store in Miami, FL, the new home and headquarters for the brand. The new store locations will be in addition to the brand’s existing 700 international stores – 298 Franchise and 412 Latin and Central America locations. Stores will be implementing in-store touchpoints that merge design with onsite digital components, including smart mirrors, touchscreen wall panels, and a first-of-its-kind 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,” said Margolis. “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.”