Payless ShoeSource to Launch New Line of Beauty Products this Fall

Payless ShoeSource to Launch New Line of Beauty Products this Fall
March 09, 2010

Payless ShoeSource Inc., a unit of Topeka, Kan.-based Collective Brands Inc., announced an alliance with Maesa Group to create a collection of new beauty and body care products to be available exclusively in about 1,500 Payless ShoeSource stores this fall in early September. The Maesa/Payless alliance is a multi-year arrangement; additional terms were not disclosed. This move extends Payless' position beyond shoes, handbags and other accessories and into a new product category for the retailer. Payless expects to expand the new product offering beyond the initial 1,500 stores to additional stores in the future, and said the new lines will be sold under two brand names: Zoe & Zac and Unforgettable Moments. The new products will include a range of body care and beauty items, such as lotions, creams, butters and shower gels for body, hands and feet; fragrances and mists; color for eyes and lips; as well as nail polishes, among other items. The new product lines follow on the 2009 success by Payless in extending its accessories offering in stores, which now feature a complementary accessory collection each season--including jewelry, belts, sunglasses, hats, scarves, gloves and more handbags, as well as other seasonal items.

"Our shoppers have responded very positively to our initiatives to go beyond footwear and democratize fashion and design in accessories as well, and this is one step further to bring consumers beauty products," said LuAnn Via, CEO of Payless. "Our new beauty line will feature the latest ideas, colors, shimmers, scents and formulas in the beauty and body care category and give our customers additional items to complete their personal sense of style, as well as offer great gifting options--all at a great price."