Payless debuts low-priced designer shoe collection

DSN Retailing Today, Feb 27, 2006 by Kelly Nolan

Next fall, consumers will be able to purchase a pair of designer shoes they can actually afford. Earlier this month during Olympus Fall Fashion Week, Payless ShoeSource announced its first-ever designer shoe collection, Abaete for Payless.

"Payless is dedicated to bringing fashion and fun to the consumer that includes making the latest footwear trends available at a great price," said Matt Rubel, ceo of Payless. "The hottest runway looks are an essential element in our inspiration."

The company has tapped Laura Poretzky, founder and designer for the contemporary, two-year-old sportswear Abaete, to create the line. It will include four styles--the "Sky" boot, "Casey" flat, "Oliver" pump and the "Luke" evening sandal. Each silhouette will include a range of colors, fabrics and details including polka dots, stitching and bows. Price points will range between $20 and $40, slightly above average Payless shoes, which ring in at $14 or less.

"As a higher-end designer, it's wonderful to have the opportunity to create something every woman can wear," said Poretzky.

The shoes will land this August and September in select Payless stores across North, Central and South America.

Poretzky joins the growing number of designers creating lines for the mass channel. Solange Azagury-Partridge designed a line of jewelry for H&M for holiday 2005 and Luella Bartley's junior line at Target accessories like handbags and iPod cases.

knolan@dsnretailingtoday.com