Payless now in Manila - and, yes, it's just as cheap

MANILA, Philippines - Over talks concerning the opening of Payless, the most frequent question is: Is it as cheap as its US counterpart?

An American institution, Payless is known for offering footwear at bargain prices. “The prices are exactly the same,” assures SSI’s Anton Huang.

“Since we’re shipping from origin and not from the US, it won’t be a problem keeping the price within range,” says Payless marketing and communications director Cricket Tantoco. “In fact, some merchandise here will be cheaper than in the US.”

With the first store set to open in Festival Mall, Alabang on July 30, Pinoys will finally get to experience the Payless phenomenon.

“At Payless, you get competitive prices and good quality in fashionable styles,” says Huang.

The store stocks men’s shoes Dexter and Airwalk, kiddie styles under Disney (licensed under brands like Hannah Montana and Wizards of Waverly Place) and Nickelodeon, Airwalk and Minicci, and women’s labels Smartfit and Zoe & Zac (an eco line). Manila stores will also carry all Payless collaborations, including lines by designers Isabel Toledo, Lela Rose, Sex and the City costume designer Patricia Field and Project Runway’s Christian Siriano.

According to Huang, 8,000 pairs will be stocked in each store. Huang expects to open 10 stores, rolling out branches in Rockwell, Megamall and other parts of the metro, within the year.

With prices starting at P800-plus for basics (like flats) and P2,000-up for boots, Payless is opening itself up to a new market. (The designer collaborations are slightly pricier — but far from unreasonable — at P2,950 to P3,250).

SSI, known for operating high-end stores like Gucci, Marc Jacobs and Bottega Veneta, is now straddling what they consider mass market. “This is not our first effort,” says Huang, when it comes to more affordable labels, noting that Marks & Spencer is also an SSI brand.

The local retailer will be following in the strategic marketing footsteps of its American predecessor, which means its buy-one-take-one promos and super sales will also be occurring here on the same schedule. Expect SSI to stock brand-new collaborations as soon as it launches in the US. “We’ll be keeping up to date with every collection,” Huang says.

The store is being positioned as the go-to shop for the whole family’s needs. At Payless, Dad can find work shoes, kids school shoes and Mom all kinds of shoes.

“You can expect more and pay less,” quips Huang.

Over talks concerning the opening of Payless, the most frequent question is: Is it as cheap as its US counterpart?

An American institution, Payless is known for offering footwear at bargain prices. “The prices are exactly the same,” assures SSI’s Anton Huang.

“Since we’re shipping from origin and not from the US, it won’t be a problem keeping the price within range,” says Payless marketing and communications director Cricket Tantoco. “In fact, some merchandise here will be cheaper than in the US.”

With the first store set to open in Festival Mall, Alabang on July 30, Pinoys will finally get to experience the Payless phenomenon.

“At Payless, you get competitive prices and good quality in fashionable styles,” says Huang.

The store stocks men’s shoes Dexter and Airwalk, kiddie styles under Disney (licensed under brands like Hannah Montana and Wizards of Waverly Place) and Nickelodeon, Airwalk and Minicci, and women’s labels Smartfit and Zoe & Zac (an eco line). Manila stores will also carry all Payless collaborations, including lines by designers Isabel Toledo, Lela Rose, Sex and the City costume designer Patricia Field and Project Runway’s Christian Siriano.

According to Huang, 8,000 pairs will be stocked in each store. Huang expects to open 10 stores, rolling out branches in Rockwell, Megamall and other parts of the metro, within the year.

With prices starting at P800-plus for basics (like flats) and P2,000-up for boots, Payless is opening itself up to a new market. (The designer collaborations are slightly pricier — but far from unreasonable — at P2,950 to P3,250).

SSI, known for operating high-end stores like Gucci, Marc Jacobs and Bottega Veneta, is now straddling what they consider mass market. “This is not our first effort,” says Huang, when it comes to more affordable labels, noting that Marks & Spencer is also an SSI brand.

The local retailer will be following in the strategic marketing footsteps of its American predecessor, which means its buy-one-take-one promos and super sales will also be occurring here on the same schedule. Expect SSI to stock brand-new collaborations as soon as it launches in the US. “We’ll be keeping up to date with every collection,” Huang says.

The store is being positioned as the go-to shop for the whole family’s needs. At Payless, Dad can find work shoes, kids school shoes and Mom all kinds of shoes.

“You can expect more and pay less,” quips Huang.