In an effort to continue its emphasis on "serving the customer" Payless ShoeSource announced some new actions, namely, the increase of the number of North America associates who work closer to the store level, contributing to the reduction of layers between its corporate headquarters and retail stores.

The primary objective of this realignment is to drive results through coaching, mentoring, and developing a strong team of group leaders who will in turn lead the majority of Payless' store teams.  Additionally, the realignment will continue Payless' ongoing efforts to "modernize its approach to serving its customers in a continuously changing retail environment".

Martin R. Wade, III, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Payless, who is part of the leadership team at Payless commented: "In the fall and early winter, we began a process of putting the emphasis of our business back where it should be – on our customers, our lifeline.  This week we took another step forward in that effort, by increasing the number of associates and group leaders who are closest to our customers. We look forward to continuing the initiatives we began in the fall and will continue to press forward in the coming months to ensure Payless retains its position as a strong iconic brand that earns our customers' loyalty by providing great, quality styles for the whole family at an exceptional value."

Payless operates a network of approximately 3 600 brick-and-mortar stores in more than 40 countries.