TOPEKA, Kan., June 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Payless ShoeSource, the retailer on a mission to democratize fashion in footwear and accessories by offering the most in-demand styles at affordable prices, announced today its summer collection featuring the season's hottest trends. The line includes gladiator sandals, embellished wedges, nautical details and colorful canvas so everybody can have access to the latest looks - all at a great price.

The retailer is currently stocking shelves with hot summer styles for on average under $20 an item, with many styles for under $15. The Payless(R) summer collection reflects the most current trends with a diverse array of silhouettes, colors, materials, and details to suit any outfit. With today's focus on stretching dollars, shoppers can update their wardrobes and snatch up even more of the latest fashions and still stay within their budgets. Switch from gladiator-inspired sandals to strappy patent heels in candy-colored hues to transition a summer dress from day to night. Classic espadrille wedges in canvas materials are a summer wardrobe staple and can be paired with walking shorts, flirty skirts or dresses, providing effortless style and wearable elevation for lazy summer strolls and casual outings.

Payless' summer offerings also include its popular Designer Collections, exclusive labels featuring original designs by New York fashion designers including Abaete for Payless(TM) by Laura Poretzky; Lela Rose for Payless(TM) by Lela Rose; and alice + olivia for Payless(TM) by Stacey Bendet. Payless Designer Collections are among the most broadly distributed designer footwear labels in America today.

Rope details and stripes grace strappy sandals in the Abaete for Payless summer line, while vivid blues, reds, and oranges pair beautifully with frayed ribbon materials in the Lela Rose for Payless collection. The alice + olivia for Payless styles add a dash of downtown edge with bold hues and contrasting basket weave and patent detailing.

Footwear and accessory trends for the summer include:

• Silhouettes - t-strap sandals, platform wedges, strappy heels, wedge thongs, gladiator-inspired sandals, espadrilles, slip-on sneakers, peep-toe ballet flats
• Colors - nautical navy, tomato red, bright orange, popsicle pink, lime green, mustard yellow, and natural browns and tans
• Materials - patent, faux reptile, patterned canvas, woven straw, ribbon overlay
• Details - basket weave, jewel and flower embellishments, rope trim, ruffle accents
• Handbags featuring zebra, polka dot and floral prints offer an overall polished look

The Payless summer collection for women is currently available in stores nationwide. The line boasts dozens of fresh new footwear styles and coordinating handbags with fresh products arriving every few weeks throughout the summer season. Additional styles are available for the family and include a range of well-recognized brands including Airwalk(R), American Eagle by Payless, Champion(R), Smartfit(R) and Dexter(R), among others.

About Payless Designer Collections

Payless is on a mission to democratize fashion and design in footwear and accessories. The Payless Designer Collections - seasonal lines of original footwear and handbags created by New York fashion designers and hot off the runway - are a key piece of that strategy.

Payless designer labels are an expanding group that includes Lela Rose for Payless and special occasion line, Unforgettable Moments by Lela Rose, as well as alice + olivia for Payless by Stacey Bendet, Christian Siriano for Payless (first collection due in store in the fall), Abaete for Payless by Laura Poretzky, and Patricia Field for Payless capsule collections by style icon Patricia Field. This select group of fashion designers and stylists create designer footwear and accessory collections for Payless featuring the latest runway and red carpet styling details. Each collection is unique and reflective of the designer's signature style. For more information about Payless at New York Fashion Week and the company's Guest Designers, please see paylessontherunway.com.

About Payless & Collective Brands, Inc.

Payless ShoeSource, Inc., a unit of Collective Brands, Inc., is the largest specialty family footwear retailer in the Western Hemisphere and is dedicated to democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories and inspiring fun, fashion possibilities for the family at a great value. As of the end of first quarter 2009, the company operated more than 4,500 stores. In addition, customers can buy shoes over the Internet through Payless.com(R) at www.payless.com.

Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS) is a leader in bringing compelling lifestyle, fashion and performance brands for footwear and related accessories to consumers worldwide. The company operates three strategic units covering a powerful brand portfolio, as well as multiple price points and selling channels including retail, wholesale, ecommerce and licensing. Collective Brands, Inc. includes Payless ShoeSource, focused on democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories through its more than 4,500-store retail chain, with its brands American Eagle(TM), Airwalk(R), Dexter(R), Champion(R) and designer collections Abaete for Payless, Lela Rose for Payless and alice + olivia for Payless, among others; Stride Rite, focused on lifestyle and athletic branded footwear and high-quality children's footwear sold primarily through wholesaling, with its brands including Stride Rite(R), Keds(R), Sperry Top-Sider(R), Robeez(R), and Saucony(R), among others; and Collective Licensing International, the brand development, management and global licensing unit, with such youth lifestyle brands as Airwalk(R), Vision Street Wear(R), Sims(R), Lamar(R) and LTD(R). Information about, and links for shopping on, each of the Collective Brand's units can be found at www.collectivebrands.com.

AMERICAN EAGLE BY PAYLESS IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS

SOURCE Payless ShoeSource, Inc.