Payless disappoints
Published:Friday | February 11, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Dionne Rose, Staff Reporter
Shoppers at Payless ShoeSource are expressing disappointment at the prices at which the American based company has entered the local market at its first store, which it opened in St Andrew.
Payless, which is noted for its trendy but economic footwear, opened its doors two weeks ago to shoppers at a store located at the Boulevard Super Centre in Pembroke Hall.
"I think it [the prices] could be more reasonable, the Payless store abroad is cheaper," said Hilary, who could be seen earlier this week scrutinising prices in the store, which has a similar layout as the American chains.
"I could get a shoe on sale for US$10(J$856) ... I don't see any shoes in here for less than a $1,000. I thought they would open with lower prices," she said, expressing her disappointment.
But Hilary wasn't the only disappointed shopper; Angie also expressed similar sentiments.
"Even though the quality is good, I think the prices could be better," she said.
Meanwhile, Andrea, another shopper, said that she was hoping that she could have cashed in on the "buy one, get one half off everything".
"I don't see that bargain here," she said, pointing out that the store assistants had said that was not yet in place.
Women's shoes on display were selling for just over $3,000, with men's shoes costing a little more.
For example, men's sneakers or trainers with the Champion brand were selling for $5,000. A check on the store's website showed that they were selling for between US$39.99 (J$3,424.34) to US$49.99 (J$4,280.64).
Men's American Eagle brand sneakers were being sold for a little over $5,009 (inclusive of tax) as opposed to US$39.99 (J$3,424. 34).
Everton Davies, another shopper was, however, comfortable with the price.
"It looks all right, I like the stuff I'm seeing so far. I'm not sure I'm seeing much difference from the price I see elsewhere," he said.
One shopper, who usually shops online, said the prices were about the same.
"When I ordered online recently, I paid US$20 (J$1,712.60), including shipping costs for a pair of shoes. To me, it works out basically the same," she said, as she compared prices pointing out that her daughter would then transport the shoes to Jamaica.
When the Financial Gleaner tried to interview the store manager, all questions were referred to the management overseas as, she pointed out, they are not allowed to do any interviews. Meanwhile, email messages that were sent to Payless management in the United States were not returned.
Our newsroom was later told by a local public relations firm that the management would be available for an interview next week Thursday, when the store would have a grand opening to celebrate its entry into Jamaica.
Payless Shoesource has some 4,500 store locations in more than 100 countries. It offers a well-known portfolio of brands such as Airwalk, Dexter, Champion, American Eagle by Payless and Zoe&Zac.