Payless to rebuild destroyed Joplin store

Topeka, Kan.-based Payless ShoeSource held a groundbreaking this morning for the rebuilding effort of its 1502 S. Range Line Road store in Joplin, which was completely destroyed by the EF-5 tornado that hit the city May 22.

A new 3,100-square-foot store - roughly the same size as the old store - will be built in the same location for an undisclosed price, according to a news release.

"The people of Joplin have been through a great loss, and they need the support of many to build back all that was lost," Payless President and CEO LuAnn Via said in the release.  "They are  now energized by their future and focused on rebuilding a community even better than before.  And we'll be there with them.

"Payless has been a member of Joplin for 18 years with two store locations, and we intend to remain a key member of the community," she added. "We are pleased to open this new store, which is a focal location for us in Joplin and frequented by many shoppers."

Payless also has a store in Joplin's Northpark Mall, 101 N. Range Line Road. Its new location is expected to open later this year.

"This is great news for our community,” Joplin Mayor Mike Woolston said in the release. “As a long-standing retailer in Joplin, Payless has been committed to serving our citizens, their customers, and this is a great example of their dedication to Joplin."[[In-content Ad]]