Payless files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, plans to close nearly 400 stores

(Joey Foley/Getty Images for Payless ShoeSource)

MIAMI – Payless ShoeSource has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The retail chain will close nearly 400 stores in the U.S. as it attempts to boost its balance sheet.

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There are about 60 Payless stores currently open in South Florida. It's unclear which stores will be closing. 

"This is a difficult, but necessary, decision driven by the continued challenges of the retail environment, which will only intensify," W. Paul Jones, Payless Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement.

"We will build a stronger Payless for our customers, vendors and suppliers, associates, business partners and other stakeholders through this process. While we have had to make many tough choices, we appreciate the substantial support we have received from our lenders, who share our belief that we have a unique opportunity to enable Payless -- the iconic American footwear retailer with one of the best-recognized global brands -- to remain the go-to shoe store for customers in America and around the globe." 

Payless was established in 1956, based in Topeka, Kansas.  Payless has approximately 4,400 stores in more than 30 countries.

 


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Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.