PAYLESS TO DEBUT NYC DESIGN OFFICE.(Payless ShoeSource to open office in New York)

Footwear News, November, 2006

Byline: ERIC NEWMAN

NEW YORK - Payless ShoeSource is taking a bite out of the Big Apple.

The Topeka, Kan.-based company, which has been working to become more fashion-oriented, said last week it will open a dedicated design office in New York in early 2007, as well as a product showroom. At press time, a deal was nearly completed for a location on Fifth Avenue in New York's Flatiron district.

"New York is important to us because it is the design capital of the world," said President and CEO Matt Rubel, adding that the office will house about 10 employees in the first year, a number that could grow "as business warrants" in the future. "New York is a place where there is great activity around trends and where you're going to find great...