Payless ShoeSource
Discount footwear retailer with thousands of locations.
PE-OWNED
Acquired by Golden Gate Capital2012-04-01
What Made It Great
Affordable shoes for the whole family at everyday low prices.
What PE Will Likely Do
Payless ShoeSource will likely experience a rapid decline in the quality and durability of their shoes as Golden Gate Capital implements cost-cutting measures
Customers will likely notice that Payless shoes become less comfortable, with lower-quality materials and construction
The selection of affordable, family-friendly shoes at Payless will likely be reduced as the company closes underperforming stores and trims inventory
Payless may eventually file for bankruptcy or be sold off in a fire sale, leaving customers without access to their affordable, trusted shoe brand
Expected Timeline
“0 to 6 months months”
Announcements about 'transformation' and 'optimization' at Payless, hinting at upcoming changes
“6 to 12 months months”
First round of Payless store closures announced, along with staff reductions
“12 to 24 months months”
Noticeable decline in the quality and durability of Payless shoes, as cheaper materials and construction are used
“24 to 48 months months”
Bankruptcy rumors begin to circulate about Payless, leading to more aggressive cost-cutting measures
“48 to 60 months months”
Payless may file for bankruptcy or be liquidated, leaving customers without access to their affordable shoe brand
Similar Cases
Other companies that followed a similar path after PE acquisition
What You Can Do
Actions
Consumers should be prepared for a potential decline in the quality and selection of shoes at Payless ShoeSource in the coming years
Customers may want to consider alternative sources for affordable, family-friendly shoes as the Payless brand and product quality potentially deteriorate
Consumers should stay informed about any major changes or announcements from Payless ShoeSource and be ready to find a new trusted source for their shoe needs
Alternatives
Employee-owned warehouse retailer
Publicly traded retailer with strong values