Reliance Retail introduces Payless ShoeSource in India!

Payless ShoeSource, the largest specialty family footwear retailer in the Western Hemisphere, with its franchisee Reliance Retail announced its launch in India. A gala footwear fashion show featuring leading models and tennis ace Sania Mirza marked the launch of the Payless ShoeSource store today at Phoenix Market City, Kurla, Mumbai. The newly opened stores have replicated the experiential elements of Payless stores around the world and offer a fashionable range of trendy footwear options at great value.

Sania Mirza said, “It is great to have Payless ShoeSource, one of the leading global footwear retailers in India. Footwear is something that no fashionista can overlook… At the same time, as a sportsperson, I also understand the importance of specialty footwear as it is one of the most important aspect of our sports gear. We are experiencing some beautiful footwear trends here and I think Payless has some great pair of shoes. There is one for every person, every occasion, every season as well as for sports literally.”

“I am excited about this partnership with Reliance Retail, who shares our vision for the Payless brand and is the preeminent retail company in India. A cornerstone of the Payless strategy is to expand into new markets and become the brand that resonates with consumers around the globe, and be the first choice for budget-conscious consumers who shop for shoes and accessories. Partnering with Reliance will further our vision of being the ‘go-to’ shoe store that shoppers anywhere in the world can count on to be there for them and for their families, helping them look good every step of the way,” said Steve Gish, Executive Vice President, Payless ShoeSource.

Commenting on the launch, Gopalakrishnan Sankar, Reliance Retail’s CEO of Footwear Business said, “The addition of Payless to our portfolio will help us enhance our offerings of fashionable footwear at affordable prices for the Indian consumer. Demand for branded women and children’s footwear is growing at a healthy rate and we believe this association has the potential to storm this market in India which has largely been unorganized and fragmented to date. We are very optimistic about this segment and as we gear up for a national presence.”

Payless' collection includes shoes for every need – dress, casual and athletic styles for women, men and kids, as well as handbags and socks intended to help everyone complete their looks. Payless stores feature a well-known portfolio of brands including Disney, Airwalk, Dexter, Dexflex, Christian Siriano, Smartfit, Montego Bay Club, Lower East Side, Cross Trekkers, Fioni, Comfort Plus, BRASH, and Rugged Outback, among others. The first nine stores in India have been launched in various key markets including Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Coimbatore, Madurai, Mangalore, and Mysore.


- Dharmishtha Dagia