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Payless ShoeSource Launches Exclusive Dexter Brand Offering Contemporary, Classic 'Preppy' Styling for Work to Weekend Wear

  Dexter(R) is Newest Brand in Payless' 'House of Brands' Strategy; Joins
    Airwalk(R), American Eagle(TM), Champion(R), Dunkman(R) and Payless
       Designer Collections - Great Brands With Affordable Price Tags

    TOPEKA, Kan., March 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Payless ShoeSource(R)
announced today that Dexter(R) branded footwear for women, men and boys is
available now in stores and features the latest updated classic trends
including women's sport casuals and printed and woven skimmers, men's
oxfords, penny loafers and nautical slip-ons, and boy's casual and dress
styles at prices under $40 a pair.

    Dexter is the latest addition to Payless' expanding brand portfolio,
which includes such well-known names as Airwalk, American Eagle, Champion,
Shaquille O'Neal-endorsed Dunkman and Payless(R) Designer Collections. The
new lines are a key strategy in the retailer's mission to democratize
fashion and design in footwear and accessories by making well-recognized
branded products featuring the latest trends and high-quality design
available at affordable prices through its nearly 4,500 store chain.

    The Dexter brand was born in 1957 in Dexter, Maine, and has remained a
strong brand well-known for its rich heritage, high-quality and great
style. Dexter footwear was offered most recently at department stores and
specialty retailers at premium price points. Through an exclusive license
agreement with H.H. Brown, which owns the brand, today Dexter is available
only at Payless stores for under $40 a pair.

    "Dexter fills a key role in the expanding brand portfolio at Payless,
representing contemporary American style and superior quality for the
family," said Matt Rubel, chief executive officer and president of Payless
ShoeSource. "In addition to offering the classic silhouettes, meticulous
craftsmanship and high-quality that has long distinguished the Dexter
brand, we have also integrated current trends and detailing. We are
confident consumers will be delighted to find this brand at our stores and
be inspired to incorporate Dexter into their modern wardrobes and
lifestyles."


Key footwear trends for the Dexter Spring 08 Women's collection include: -- Silhouettes: skimmers, wedges, slides, sling-backs, pumps -- Colors: metallic accents, bright plaids, chocolate browns, natural tans -- Materials: wovens, printed canvas, patent, sporty mesh Key footwear trends for the Dexter Spring 08 Men's collection include: -- Silhouettes: low boots, chukka boots, sport and dress oxfords, boat shoes, hand-sewn penny loafers -- Colors: classic black, brown and cordovan, as well as nautical navy, skipper white, rugged tans, madras plaid -- Materials: leather, canvas, comfort sock Four boy's styles are available, including penny loafers, to provide maximum comfort and support for growing feet. Girl's Dexter styles will be available later this year. About Payless ShoeSource 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 fiscal year 2007, the company operated more than 4,500 stores. In addition, customers can buy shoes over the Internet through Payless.com(R) at http://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(TM), Lela Rose for Payless(TM) and alice + olivia for Payless(TM), 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), Lamar(R), Sims(R), LTD(R), genetic(R), Dukes(R), Rage(R), Ultra-Wheels(R), and Skate Attack(R). Information about, and links for shopping on, each of the Collective Brand's units can be found at http://www.collectivebrands.com. About H.H. Brown H.H. Brown is a major supplier of women's and men's comfort casual shoes, rugged outdoor footwear and premier work shoes and boots. Founded in 1883, H.H. Brown was acquired in 1991 by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-A), and is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the holding company which is engaged in a number of diverse business activities. After more than a century of growth and diversification H.H. Brown continues to innovate, patent, manufacture and distribute footwear and accessories worldwide. H.H. Brown will continue to design, develop and sell Dexter performance bowling and golf shoes, as well as the exclusive hand-sewn Dexter 1957 Collection hand-crafted in Maine.
SOURCE Payless ShoeSource, Inc.




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Related links:
  • http://www.payless.com
  • http://www.collectivebrands.com
    CONTACT:
    Mardi Larson, +1-612-928-0202, for Payless
    ShoeSource, Inc.