Burgess COMMENTARY

Peter Burgess

Photographer: Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images Payless Is Said to Be Filing for Bankruptcy as Soon as Next Week Retailer plans to initially close several hundred stores Shoe chain has more than 4,000 locations in 30 countries Payless Inc., the struggling discount shoe chain, is preparing to file for bankruptcy as soon as next week, according to people familiar with the matter. The company is initially planning to close 400 to 500 stores as it reorganizes operations, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the deliberations aren’t public. Payless had originally looked to shutter as many as 1,000 locations, and the number may still be in flux, according to one of the people. Payless’s bankruptcy would add to a tumultuous year in retail, with several bankruptcies and hundreds of store closings -- even at companies that aren’t distressed. The industry is racing to try to adapt to more online purchasing and a shift away from mall shopping. Payless was bought by private equity firms Golden Gate Capital and Blum Capital Partners in 2012 as part of the breakup of publicly traded Collective Brands Inc. The company, founded in 1956 in Topeka, Kansas, employs almost 22,000 people, according to its website. It has more than 4,000 stores in 30 countries. Payless didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.