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Exterior Rendering of
Payless ShoeSource, LLC
Payless Shoesource, Inc
Project Overview
In late 2006, Payless ShoeSource, Inc. launched a multi-state search for the location of its new state-of-the-art, 600,000 sq. ft. East Coast Distribution Center built by Clayco. When the 75-plus site search narrowed to include the Northbrook Industrial Park outside of Dayton, Ohio, local officials quickly began vying for the $65 million, 300-job project.
How Vectren Helped
Competing for the Payless ShoeSource Distribution Center required a total team effort. From the beginning, Vectren proved to be a willing partner, working with state and local officials to present the most competitive offer to Payless representatives.
When an initial gap analysis revealed the need for natural gas service at the Northbrook Industrial Park, Vectren responded immediately and assisted local officials by
- Determining the existing natural gas service near the industrial park’s vicinity,
- Answering technical questions about the feasibility of establishing natural gas service at the proposed location, and
- Offering financial assistance in extending a natural gas pipeline to the project site
The Results
In March 2007, Payless ShoeSource and Clayco officials announced they had selected the Northbrook Industrial Park as the site of Payless’ new East Coast Distribution Center – a facility that will serve more than 2,900 stores in the eastern half of the United States.
A little more than a year later, Payless announced a 200,000 sq. ft. expansion to the facility in order to support the company’s Stride Rite Children’s Group division, resulting in the creation of 100 additional jobs onsite.
Vectren’s participation from the beginning of the project was critical in landing the Payless project according to Erik Collins, economic development manager for Montgomery County, Ohio. “From the beginning, Vectren was part of our team,“ he says. “I was impressed by their professionalism and focus on the customer. When Payless and Clayco came to Dayton and saw all of our partners – from utilities all the way down to workforce providers – it really made us stand out.”
