Life isn't the same without Payless Shoe Source

Payless Shoe Source was a family business that opened in Topeka, Kansas in 1956. They rose to success in the 60's, and by the 80's were a well known brand. In 2019, they closed all of their 2500 stores, filing for bankcruptcy. Business magazines are reporting that they are planning to re-open sometime in the near future.

Without knowing or sharing all of Payless Shoe Source history and/or the reasons they succeeded or failed, I want to tell you why this store (besides The Dollar Tree) was my favorite. I think this memory and love journey begins with a store called Buster Brown where my mother used to shop for my little girl shoes. Perhaps Buster Brown didn't rise to the numeric heights as did Payless Shoe Source, but there was a wonderous feeling impressed upon me when I was there.

I was a loyal shopper to Payless Shoe Source. Although I did shop at other places for shoes (like Walmart, Target, Burlington, Sears, and other discount shoppes) most of my shoe acquisitions occurred at Payless Shoe Source while they were in operation. Their shoes were not known for the most blingy brands or the finest quality. They were known for style, comfort, value, and convenience. They were like having a jar of peanut butter on the shelf in your kitchen. They felt like a staple to me and when they disappeared in 2019, I was heartbroken. I had to learn to get shoes at other places and it wasn't much fun. Walmart and Target still offered the basics at a fair price, but looking for something different or stylish or exciting was much more difficult. Online retailers like Amazon or Temu or even Ebay offered some nostalgic and fresh options, however you could not try the shoe on so it was a gamble to buy from them. I don't always try on a dress or a pair of pants, but I always want to try on a shoe. I don't wear uncomfortable shoes. I've even made my own shoes just to avoid that.

When I saw the mention that Payless Shoe Source could be returning to the retail world, I was ecstatic. I would love to offer suggestions on how they could return even better than they were before. The store should look the same as I always thought it was quaint and charming. The products should remain mostly the same as I always thought they were a good value. They could add some new products and that wouldn't hurt anything. What they should really add is extra customer service.

Dump online sales completely. Your competitors (like Amazon) do that, be different. Self-service was one of the Payless Shoe Source trademarks, but the competitors Walmart and Target do that - be different. Have cashiers and/or managers also offer full service. Have those old fashioned foot measuring tools. Go the extra mile to make the shoe buyer feel like the experience is more than just an acquisition. That's how you win brand loyalty and that's how you become more than competitive. You become loved.

I was a loyal buyer to Payless Shoe Source from the 80's until it closed in 2019. If it reopens, I will smile and happily be loyal again.