Payless ShoeSource Announces Its First Payless ShoeSource Express Store-Within-Store Appearing in Grocery Stores

700-Square-Foot Payless ShoeSource Express Store Debuts in New HEB Grocery Store in Laredo, Texas; Offers Women's and Kid's Footwear, Accessories

LAREDO, Texas, July 15 /PRNewswire/ -- While shopping for the weekly menu and various sundries, why not grab a pair of needed kids shoes or a pair of hot sandals for the summer season? At the new 78,000-square-foot HEB grocery store here, shoppers can do just that at the first Payless ShoeSource Express store debuting in a grocery store, according to Payless, the nation's number one footwear retailer.

"Seasonal footwear has been available in a limited way in grocery stores for many years," said John Haugh, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of business development for Payless ShoeSource. "But this is the first time we've executed a full store-within-store setup in a grocery store. We know that consumers will appreciate the convenience this approach delivers."

Like all the stores in Payless' expansive 5,000 store chain, the new Payless ShoeSource Express in HEB is owned and operated by the footwear retailer. It's a 700-square foot store featuring women's and kids' products to match the grocery shopping demographic, which is made up primarily of women who tend to shop for themselves or their children. Payless ShoeSource Express stores offer a subset of the seasonal collection found in a full-scale Payless store.

"As the nation's leading footwear retailer, we are everywhere across the U.S. -- in communities, neighborhoods, and malls," said Haugh. "Our retail strategy is focused on broadening our reach. Payless ShoeSource Express is an important initiative to ensure that consumers across America can readily secure the great Payless products, which are well-know for delivering today's fashion at the same time they are available in department stores, but for a fraction of the cost."

Haugh said so far the Laredo Payless ShoeSource Express is exceeding initial performance targets and that Payless and HEB are planning additional future sites.

"We are pleased to offer our shoppers new products and services that will enhance their overall shopping experience and be a good match for their busy lifestyles," said Jeff Thomas, senior vice president and general manager for HEB's south Texas region. "In addition to our traditional food offering, our primary store offers pharmacy, deli, cosmetics, lawn and garden, floral and photo departments. With the store-within-store approach, also under our roof, we have available to shoppers footwear and accessories, insurance, wireless phone, and massage services. Customer reaction has been very positive."

Payless also sees Payless Express as a way to bring its fashion, quality and value to more consumers in more locations. "This program gives us another means to build awareness of our product and brand. As more consumers try and are satisfied with our products it ultimately strengthens the overall Payless franchise," said Haugh.

Businesses interested in featuring Payless ShoeSource Express should contact Adam Boucher, vice president of business development, at 785.295.6643 and adam_boucher@payless.com .

Payless ShoeSource, Inc., the world's footwear authority, is the smart shopper's source for high-fashion, high-value footwear and accessories for the entire family. With 5,000 retail stores throughout North, Central and South America and its e-store Payless.com(SM), Payless puts more feet in the latest footwear fashions than any other retailer.

SOURCE Payless ShoeSource, Inc.