Louis and Shaol Pozez started Payless as a small chain of stores but eventually expanded to a corporation known as Volume Show Corporation, Inc. The two cousins stayed on as president and CEO when the company was bought by May Department Stores in 1979. Throughout the years, the company remained a staple in the shoe industry. Eventually, it became the No. 1 shoe retailer in the US. This new logo is designed to amplify the new Payless brand position--to inspire fun fashion possibilities for the family, CEO Matt Rubel said at the time. That year was one of the most successful years for the company, as it became a publicly held company. With the popularity of Amazon and other big retailers, Payless announced it will close all 2,500 stores. From boots to flats and sneakers to flip flops, Payless had something for every customer. Partnerships with Disney, Marvel and even Jojo Siwa were popular choices among children. Designers Christian Siriano and Martha Stewart both sold their shoes at Payless, while well-known brands like Champion, Airwalk, and American Eagle were also for sale. From jewelry to pillows, Payless had a wide variety of options for consumers that went beyond just footwear. Read more: 17 photos that show the glory days of Toys 'R' Us Payless ShoeSource seeks bankruptcy protection again A real-life Secret Santa paid for over 8,000 toys on layaway at a New Jersey Toys 'R' Us The worst retail fails and controversies of 2018