SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Customer Carla Arsenault is “not impressed,” with the recently announced closing of Payless Shoe Source stores across Canada.
“I thought this store would be doing well,” she said.
Arsenault figures online shopping is impacting local businesses, but she prefers to shop in person.
“This just gives us less places to shop.”
The day after the chain announced it was closing, the phone line to the Summerside Payless Shoe Source was busy all day.
The number one inquiry was when the sales would start.
The shoes were marked down on Feb 25. A sign in the window announced the final liquidation.
The Kansas-based discount footwear retailer announced Feb. 19 that all North American stores in the chain will be closing around the end of March. Some may stay open later, but it will depend on inventory.
All five people working at the Summerside store will be out of work once the merchandise is sold. In the summer there are up to nine people working at the Granville Street shop, said one employee.
Simon Ouellette’s family was browsing while the grade-schooler tried on sneakers with his mom’s help.
Line Ouellette was also disappointed the store would be closing.
“It’s a little sad because it’s a good place to come and shop for children’s shoes.”
