Payless mounting a comeback

PERKINS TWP. — As several stores file for bankruptcy due to the economic hardship caused by COVID-19, Payless is trying to mount a comeback. The Kansas-based shoe retailer, Payless ShoeSource, closed all of its U.S. stores, more than 2,000 locations, including the one in the Sandusky Mall, last year as it filed bankruptcy. But the company announced Tuesday it emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy as Payless with a new headquarters in Miami, Florida. "We're back and bringing more community responsibility, fashion-forward footwear, and on-trend partnerships to our more than 60 million customers who have missed us," company CEO Jared Margolis said. In addition to its new e-commerce website, which launched Tuesday, the company plans to open 300-500 new brick-and-mortar stores in North America in the next five years. The company plans to use its existing infrastructure and contacts and new technology to make high-quality footwear affordable and accessible. "We are fully aware that we're relaunching 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 a parent," Margolis said. "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 able 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 one of our consumers." The Sandusky Mall's owner, Cafaro Co., said it hadn't heard anything on if the company's North America relaunch could mean a new location in the mall. "So far, there hasn't been a list of the areas that they are interested in, but we're going to make an effort to get in contact with Payless about new locations," Cafaro spokesman Joe Bell said.