Koko Gilley pump

TOPEKA, Kan. (Oct. 13, 2008)—Payless ShoeSource will bring ‘green’ to the masses with a new line of affordable eco-friendly footwear due out early next year. Lending credibility and star power to the project, the company has signed Summer Rayne Oakes, Discovery Network's Planet Green fashion and beauty expert, as well as author of Style, Naturally: The Savvy Shopping Guide to Sustainable Fashion & Beauty (Chronicle Books, February 2009), as an eco consultant for the brand.

Payless’s new line of eco-smart shoes advances the company’s mission to democratize fashion and position Payless as a diversified “House of Brands.” According to Matt Rubel, CEO of Collective Brands, Inc., the parent company of Payless ShoeSource, "The sustainability movement is pervasive today and is touching so many elements of consumers' daily lives, and they are interested in more and more green product options being available to them. But green items are often expensive and inaccessible to so many. With our mission to democratize the latest ideas in footwear and accessories, we are in the best position and proud to bring forward a green footwear line that is affordable and accessible to all.”

The line will feature sustainable and eco-friendly materials such as organic cottons and linen, natural hemp and recycled outsoles, as well as the use of eco-smart packaging. The green collection will launch with fashion-forward footwear and accessories for women and later expand to include men’s and children’s offerings. Price range for the collection will be under $30 on average, with select styles available in 1,000 retail locations, as well as on Payless.com.

In a multi-year arrangement, Oakes will participate in seasonal line reviews focusing on materials used and aesthetics for the product, packaging and in-store materials. In addition, Oakes will be involved in other marketing activities for the yet unnamed brand.

“Our alliance with Summer Rayne Oakes is important to this new brand initiative,” explains Rubel. “Summer Rayne is a trend-setting expert in eco fashion, and she will help us launch our new green brand, as well as assist us in driving innovation with fresh, new eco-smart ideas for this brand going forward."

"When Payless approached me to partner with them on what would be their first-ever affordable green line of footwear, it was an offer I couldn't refuse," says Oakes. "It's high time a stylish line of shoes can be both environmentally friendly and reasonably priced. Payless is at the forefront of a significant movement bridging fashion, environmental awareness and accessibility—an undertaking I am proud to be a part of."

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