Iconic footwear chain Payless Shoes is set for a valiant return to the market, following the appointment of a new Australian head to lead the company on local shores.
As previously reported on ragtrader.com.au, the local footwear chain was salvaged by US-based company Payless ShoeSource, after it as placed into administration in September 2012.
Following a few months of silence from Payless ShoeSource on plans for the Payless Shoes chain in Australia going forward, the parent company has now revealed that Mark Jeffery has joined the company to take on the role of managing director of Payless Shoes Australia.
In his new role with Payless, Mark will provide oversight and leadership for the Payless Shoes organisation in Australia, as the company continues to build upon its 143 existing store locations in Australia.
Jeffery was most recently a member of the Executive Leadership Team at BIG W, a division of Australia’s largest retailer Woolworths Limited. At Big W Jeffery also held various senior leadership positions including supply chain, operations and merchandising of hard goods.
In addition, Jeffery also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane and an MBA from the Macquarie Graduate School of Management.
Commenting on Jeffery's appointment, Payless ShoeSource executive vice president – retail operations and franchising Steve Gish said the move signals a bright future fior the Payless Shoes chain on home ground.
“We are excited to welcome Mark Jeffery to the Payless team,” he said.
“Mark brings significant global retail operations experience and a proven track record of delivering strong financial performance and creative business solutions. We look forward to his many contributions as we seek to grow Payless in Australia.”
Payless ShoeSource currently operates approximately 4,400 shoe stores in more than 30 countries throughout the world, and acquired the Payless Shoes 150-store network last year, following its successful restructure.
The company said it is looking forward to leveraging its experience in building a world-wide brand and will invest “significantly” in the Australian market to deepen the connection of the Payless brand with Australian consumers.
Payless Shoes Pty Ltd opened its first store on Sydney in 1980 and currently operates 143 units throughout Australia. The corporate office for Payless Shoes is located in Silverwater, NSW and was recently acquired by Payless ShoeSource based in Topeka, KS United States of America.