Payless goes to Manila

Philippine Star reports that Store Specialist Inc. of the Rustan's Group will be bringing US shoe retail giant, Payless, here in Manila.

"MANILA, Philippines - US footwear giant Payless announced it has entered into a franchise agreement with Stores Specialists Inc. (SSI) of the Rustan’s Group to sell its products in the Philippines with the first stores planned to open by the middle of next year.

In a press statement from Topeka, Kansas, Payless ShoeSource said the Philippines will be the next country in its continued international expansion of the Payless retail chain.

SSI has a strong background in developing well-known international brands in the Philippines, and is the leading fashion specialty retailer in the country, managing 72 well-known brands and 340 retail stores.

“We are thrilled to bring Payless and all it represents to the Philippine market,” said Anthony Huang, SSI executive vice president. “As a retailer and fashion brand, Payless is doing tremendous things for people across the globe with its mission to democratize fashion and design in footwear and accessories for all to enjoy. We believe this brand promise will do well here, as it has in the US and other areas of the world.”

The two companies said they expect to start opening new Payless stores in 2010 and that the Philippines – the 12th largest country by population with over 90 million people, and a family-oriented culture that is attracted to affordable fashion – appears to be a strong fit for the Payless offering and brand promise."

read rest of the article here.

Payless carries brands such as Airwalk, Fioni, American Eagle and zoe&zac. They are know to carry affordable but fashionable shoes for the mass market. Although, price points may differ since it is an imported brand.

Well, it's one thing to look forward to next year. Tori Burch has already opened in Greenbelt 5 and Hermes will be opening soon too. I heard H&M will be coming to our shores in the near future too.