Payless Returns from Bankruptcy as an Online Retailer: Business Casual

Millennials saw another piece of their childhood die off last year when news revealed the reliable back-to-school staple, Payless Shoesource, was filing for bankruptcy. The affordable shoe store chain could not survive the ecommerce boom and shuttered over 2,000 brick and mortar locations.

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But, an announcement on Tuesday revealed Payless is making a phoenix-like comeback. The brand is returning to the market with the same values, community and affordability, but with an all new range of products including shoes, apparel, and accessories. Reflecting the expansion in merchandise, the company plans to drop “shoesource,” from the name. Payless intends to start online in ecommerce, with plans to open 300-500 new stores. The stores will reflect the shift toward the experience economy and feature technology like touch screens, smart mirrors, and augmented reality.

Hosts Daniel Litwin and Tyler Kern on this Business Casual snippet as they analyze Payless’s new business model, as well as how they plan to reach consumers looking for value in the middle of a pandemic.

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