Bankrupt Shoe Store With Iowa Locations Could Make a Comeback in 2020

It was around this time last year that we told you Payless ShoeSource was about to file bankruptcy for the second time. Now, KWWL reports that thanks to new management, things could be looking up.

Back in 2017, when Payless filed bankruptcy the first time, they immediately closed roughly 400 stores. Only two of those were in Iowa. When they filed the second time for Chapter 11 bankruptcy they shut down everything, which amounted to nearly 2,300 stores. All Payless locations, like the 18 here in eastern Iowa, now show up as "permanently closed" in Google Maps.

According to a KWWL report, Payless ShoeSource could return after all of the closings last year. New brick-and-mortar stores, and a relaunch of the Payless e-commerce site are apparently in the works. In addition to that, it's reported that "a new executive management team plans to unveil a strategy" this year. Specifics on this plan have not been released, but at least things seem to be looking up.

It would be nice to see a brick-and-mortar retailer come up with creative ways to hang in there, and to see some of our Iowa locations back in business.