Collective Brands, Inc. announced that it is conducting a closed search for a new media planning and buying agency for the Payless ShoeSource and Stride Rite units. The new agency will be responsible for the media planning and buying for Payless' US General, US Hispanic, Canada and Puerto Rico markets, as well as the North American efforts for Stride Rite's brands including Stride Rite, Keds, Saucony, Sperry Top-Sider and Robeez.


This activity is currently managed by Mediaedge: cia, New York City, who was invited to participate in the review. Driven primarily by dynamic changes in the media market and the expanding needs of Collective Brands, Inc., the review does not affect the creative agency relationships for Payless and Stride Rite.


Collective has employed the services of Joanne Davis Consulting, Inc., New York City, to assist in the identification of potential agencies, agency presentation process and final negotiations through this closed review.