Payless ShoeSource helps footwear enthusiasts worldwide shop like Imelda Marcos. One of the top shoe retailers in the world, Payless ShoeSource operates more than 4,400 stores in more than 30 countries. It also has nearly 260 franchised stores located primarily in Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Payless shops offer dress, athletic, and casual shoes; slippers; boots; and sandals for men, women, and kids. The discount shoe chain targets women age 18 to 49. Its North American stores stock about 6,600 pairs of shoes in 500 styles. Founded in 1956, today Payless ShoeSource is owned by Golden Gate Capital and Blum Capital Partners.