Payless

Payless ShoeSource, often simply known as Payless, was a multinational retailer of footwear. Founded in 1956 in Topeka, Kansas, by the Alders family, the company grew to become one of the largest discount footwear retailers in North America. Payless operated under a model of offering a wide variety of shoes at affordable prices, targeting a broad demographic of consumers. Their product line typically included casual shoes, athletic footwear, dress shoes, and children's shoes, often carrying both their own brands and licensed names.

Over its decades of operation, Payless expanded its retail footprint significantly, establishing thousands of stores across the United States, Canada, and numerous international markets. The company also experimented with different store formats and brand acquisitions throughout its history. In the early 2000s, Payless faced increasing competition from online retailers and big-box stores, alongside evolving consumer preferences. This led to financial challenges.

In 2017, Payless filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, closing a significant number of its stores. A subsequent restructuring allowed the company to continue operating, but it filed for bankruptcy again in 2019, leading to the closure of all remaining stores in the United States and Canada. While the physical stores ceased operations, the Payless brand has since been acquired and relaunched online, aiming to continue its legacy in the digital retail space.