- Payless ShoeSource filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday.
- This is the second time in two years that the company has filed for bankruptcy.
- The store has struggled in recent years due to big competition from fast-fashion brands like Forever 21 and larger retailers alike. Its less-than-optimal online-shopping experience has also failed to give the company an edge.
- We went shopping at a Payless location days after the company's announcement and found outdated styles and dull shoe displays.
- Here's what it was like inside.
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We went shopping at Payless 3 days after it filed for bankruptcy for the second time in 2 years — and it's clear why the store is dying
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This is one of roughly 2,500 stores in North America that will be closing following the companys bankruptcy filing.
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Source: Business Insider
There were posters advertising the stores closing displayed on the windows.
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The loud yellow lettering was hard to miss.
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And you could also spot yellow sales stickers on a display table of sneakers through the window.
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The advertising seemed to be working the aisles were fairly packed with bargain hunters.
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Everything in the store was 20% off.
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Tall boots had a larger discount they were 40% off.
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The womens department was on the ground floor.
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Handbags lined a wall close to the cash register.
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There were also socks and tights, all advertised as being 20% off.
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There were a few of these cushioned seats stationed around the store. This one had some stains on it.
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Through the aisles, there was a wide range of shoe labels.
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Airwalk sneakers were abundant, priced at $30.
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Champion sneakers and walking shoes were also prominent in the store.
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There were plenty of work- and comfort-oriented shoes, like these slip-resistant black slip-on shoes that cost $34.99.
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What looked like school uniform footwear was in stock as well.
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There were heels and sneakers by the American Eagle brand.
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These American Eagle black flats were $24.99.
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Shoes by Dexflex comfort were in stock.
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There were these on-trend red sock boots by Brash for $50.
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These Brash over-the-knee boots were priced at $60.
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But these sparkly tall boots were on clearance sale for a more affordable $20.
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There was a handful of shoes that had the red clearance sticker.
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High-heels by the Christian Siriano brand were some of the trendiest shoes in the store. These gold shimmery heels were $34.99.
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There were these pointed red pumps ...
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... but also some more work-friendly shoes for $34.99.
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Upstairs was the mens department.
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It was a ghost town compared to downstairs.
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There were pieces of trash scattered in certain places.
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There were slip-on work shoes by Dexter Comfort for $39.99.
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Shoes by the Hunters Bay brand were in stock.
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And these waterproof work boots were priced at $44.99.
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There were multiple Champion sneaker options ...
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... and there were slip-resistant work shoes for $29.99.
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Overall, the store was nicely kept, but the shoes werent obviously sorted by category, like fitness, dress, etc.
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The shoe boxes sat straightened on the shelves ...
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... but the display didnt look anything like how department stores like Macys showcase their footwear.
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Historically, the store has been known for its unbeatable low prices.
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Source: Digiday
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But Payless has had to compete with other fashion brands across the board in recent years, from fast-fashion stores like Forever 21 to larger retailers like Walmart and Target.
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Source: Digiday
Payless also has a lackluster online-shopping experience, which has likely played a role in its downfall.
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Source: Digiday
Some of the styles seemed outdated, too, like these glittery Birkenstock look-a-likes.
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Despite the bargain prices, Payless unattractive shoe displays, lack of an e-commerce presence, and inability to keep up with other fashion labels point to why its struggled in recent years.
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Source: Digiday
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It seems as though an era of value shoe shopping is coming to an end.
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See Also:
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SEE ALSO: We went shopping at GameStop and saw why it's struggling in a new era for video games
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