Payless ShoeSource is the latest large-chain retailer to face the reality of a changing market and will begin liquidation sales ahead of closing 2,100 locations nationwide including three in the Town of North Hempstead.
Payless stores are currently operating in New Hyde Park, Garden City Park and Port Washington North. Liquidation sales at the stores have begun and all stores are expected to remain open until the end of March and possibly remain in operation until May, according to a Payless spokesperson.
The company will also wind down its online operations as part of the U.S. liquidations. Payless franchise operations and Latin American stores will remain open for business as usual, according to a spokesperson.
Founded in 1956 and based out of Topeka, Kan., Payless operates 3,600 locations in 40 countries worldwide, employing over 18,000 employees, according to the company website.
The popular discount-shoe franchise previously filed for bankruptcy in April 2017 following a decline in sales, shutting down 500 locations before a process of reorganization.
Payless is the most recent victim of a so-called retail apocalypse, brought on by a decrease in shopping at brick and mortar stores and the continued success of online shopping.
Other major American stores that have filed bankruptcy in the last few years include Sears, Toys ‘R’ Us, Radioshack and Brookstone, among others.
