|
Payless ShoeSource was founded in 1956 in Topeka, Kansas, by two
cousins who perfected a revolutionary idea: selling shoes in a
self-service environment. Their self-service format allowed consumers to
browse and try on shoes without waiting for sales help. More than four
decades later, that idea continues to provide millions of shoppers a
convenient, friendly experience.
In 1961, Payless became a public company, as Volume Shoe Corporation. In
1979, Volume Shoe merged with The May Department Stores Company.
In 1996, Payless ShoeSource, Inc. was spun off to shareowners and became
an independent, publicly held company. Payless shares trade on the New
York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the trading symbol PSS.
Today, Payless ShoeSource is the largest specialty family footwear
retailer in the Western Hemisphere. The company sold more than 200
million pairs of shoes in fiscal 2003, generating $2.78 billion in net
sales. Payless operates stores in all 50 U.S. states, plus Puerto Rico,
Guam, Saipan, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, Central America, the
Caribbean, South America, and opened its first test store in Japan in
November, 2004. Payless stores feature fashionable, quality footwear and
accessories for women, men and children at affordable prices in a
self-selection format.
The company’s stores are located in a variety of settings, from urban to
rural, including regional malls, shopping centers, central business
districts, free-standing buildings and other retailer locations through
our store-within-a-store strategy.
In addition, Payless ShoeSource operates Payless.com, which offers the
strengths associated with Payless ShoeSource – quality, fashion and
selection – and adds the convenience of shopping online.
|
