By George Anderson
Payless ShoeSource is getting into the grocery business, sort of.
The footwear chain has opened a 700-square-foot Express Store in an HEB in Laredo, Texas, according to a report on the Visual Store Web site. Payless will own and operate the store.
John Haugh, chief marketing officer and senior vp of business development, Payless said, "Seasonal footwear has been available in a limited way in grocery stores for many years. But this is the first time we've executed a full store-within-store setup in a grocery store. We know that consumers will appreciate the convenience this approach delivers."
Moderator's Comment: What are your thoughts on the Payless Express Store operating inside a HEB supermarket?
Payless gets more exposure and HEB gets paid for the space. We can't help but wonder, however, if HEB wouldn't be better off building its own brand (although probably not shoes) in that 700-square foot space. [George Anderson - Moderator]