US specialty footwear retailer Payless ShoeSource is continuing its global expansion with a franchise deal for India.

Payless ShoeSource has signed an exclusive pan India franchise arrangement with Reliance Retail, which will replicate the experiential elements of Payless stores around the world and offer an entire footwear and fashion offering to the family.

Today, Payless has 258 franchised stores in the Middle East, Asia and Eastern Europe.

“A cornerstone of the Payless strategy is to expand into new markets and become the brand that resonates with consumers around the globe, and be the first choice for budget-conscious consumers who shop for shoes and accessories,” said Payless Holdings CEO Paul Jones.

“Partnering with Reliance will further our vision of being the ‘go-to’ shoe store that shoppers anywhere in the world can count on to be there for them and for their families, helping them look good every step of the way.”

G Sankar, CEO of footwear business at Reliance Retail, said the association underlines Reliance Retail’s core philosophy of democratising fashion.

Payless stores in India will be positioned as the first choice for budget-conscious consumers in the shoes and accessories segment. The offerings will comprise a comprehensive range of shoes and accessories including wedges, flats and canvas sneakers, handbags, boots, and a range of fashionable sandals.

Payless believes its unique points of difference are its hard-to-find sizing for women and the unique right-sizing service for children.

Payless stores also carry an array of accessories such as socks, handbags, scarves, jewellery and hair accessories.