Payless ShoeSource in deals to open stores in Korea, Thailand and Vietnam

Topeka, Kansas — Payless ShoeSource, a division of Collective Brands, announced that it has signed two new franchise agreements with partners Emart, a business unit of Shinsegae Group, Seoul, for stores in Korea, and Central Marketing Group, a business unit of Central Group, Bangkok, for stores in Thailand and Vietnam, bringing the total countries, which will have franchised Payless stores to 20 countries.

Payless and its partners said that in 2012 they expect six store openings in Korea, as well as five stores each to open in Thailand and Vietnam.

"The franchise model has proven to be a profitable and effective way to quickly reach more international markets with the Payless brand and all it has to offer — great fashion, well-recognized brands, product quality and leading customer service all at a great price," Payless ShoeSource president and CEO LuAnn Via said.