Payless names new CEO

TOPEKA, Kan. — Payless Holdings has named Paul Jones as CEO. Jones was most recently chairman, president and CEO of Shopko Stores, a $2.7 billion mass merchandiser providing quality products and health services at great values in small to mid-sized markets. Jones will be based in Topeka and will join the company in an official capacity on Oct. 22.



At Shopko, Jones spearheaded the brand’s successful repositioning, the acquisition and conversion of Pamida – a smaller footprint, rural retailer – to a new small market business format, Shopko Hometown, and the launch of Shopko’s e-commerce platform. His prior career highlights include serving as the VP general merchandising of Sears, where he played a key role in the reinvention and turnaround of the $2.3 billion men’s and children’s apparel business. Prior to Sears, Jones was SVP merchandising of Kohl’s Department Stores, which opened more than 450 stores nationwide during his tenure. Jones began his career at May Department Stores.



Jones said, “I am thrilled to join the Payless team and help drive this global brand’s future success. I have had the pleasure of working with Payless for several years through a strategic partnership with Shopko and have a deep appreciation for the power of the Payless brand. Based on the solid foundation and successful value-oriented strategy established by the talented Payless management team, Payless and CLI have numerous opportunities for growth, and I am committed to realizing them with the team’s help. Working together with the company’s management and its dedicated employees, we will build upon this company’s bright future. I am particularly excited to partner with Golden Gate Capital, who has a proven track record for adding value in the retail sector, and with Blum Capital, who has a long history with Payless.”