Payless ShoeSource is to open its first five stores in the Philippines by mid-next year with franchise partner Stores Specialists.

Stores Specialists is the leading fashion specialist in the country, managing 72 high profile brands and 340 retail stores.

In the past year Payless ShoeSource has struck franchise agreements for the retailer’s global expansion initiative, with six stores now open in the Middle East and stores planned for Russia next year with MH Alshaya.