(Source: MARKETWIRE)Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS), a leader in bringing compelling performance, lifestyle and fashion brands for footwear and related accessories to customers worldwide, yesterday held its Annual Investor Conference in Kansas City for institutional investors and financial analysts and provided an update on the company and the strength of its new business model, which is enabling it to bring forward innovative branded products to targeted consumer groups through multiple distribution channels including retailing, wholesaling, licensing and e-commerce across the globe.

Members of management provided progress updates from Payless ShoeSource, newly named Collective Brands Performance + Lifestyle Group (formerly The Stride Rite Corporation), and Collective Licensing International. Presenters stressed the strong portfolio of iconic brands, powerful enabling infrastructure and operating platform, cost reduction measures in light of today's economy, enhanced enterprise-wide operating efficiency, and strategic multi-channel initiatives for its business units and brands aimed primarily at new category growth and global expansion.

"Collective Brands has made tremendous progress toward its vision of becoming the preeminent, consumer-centric, global footwear, accessories and lifestyle brand company," said Matthew E. Rubel, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Collective Brands. "Over the last two years -- a span that has encompassed one of the most difficult markets in recent history -- the strategic rationale for creating Collective Brands and its new business model has been validated. We are successfully extending the reach of our businesses and brand platforms internationally, as well as through product innovation and new categories."

A vital element of Collective Brands' business model is its strong operating foundation rooted in powerful shared infrastructure and investments and knowledge transfer designed to platform all its brands for success in the marketplace. This allows each distinct brand to live individually in the marketplace and at the same time leverage shared, best-in-class back-end infrastructure.

In each presentation, management outlined initiatives designed to capitalize on key industry growth trends and the company's competitive advantages. A replay of all of the presentations made by Collective Brands management and the presentation materials are available on the company's website at www.collectivebrands.com.

Payless ShoeSource

Payless ShoeSource continues to build upon its successful House of Brands strategy. The retailer's powerful brand portfolio helps the company validate its on-trend positioning, develops exclusivity in its product lines, and builds emotional connections with targeted customer segments.

Payless indicated that the children's business is outperforming the overall business, capitalizing on the retailer's deep understanding of one of its best customers -- mom. The company has had success with identifying in-demand styles for kids, offering strong direct-to-retail licensing programs, and executing key strategic initiatives supporting the children's business, including the extended size program and repositioning SmartFit from private label to bona fide brand.

The Payless accessories business is an area targeted for growth over the next few years, and as a category has experienced positive sales growth for five consecutive quarters.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) has become an important driver for Payless to enhance consumer connections. While still in its early stages, the program is exceeding expectations.

Performance + Lifestyle Group (PLG)

Collective Brands recently announced that The Stride Rite Corporation will now be doing business as the Collective Brands Performance + Lifestyle Group. The new name communicates the strength and diversity of the Performance + Lifestyle Group's (PLG) brand portfolio and reinforces the unique personalities of its iconic brands and their focus on distinct and targeted customer groups.

Several future growth opportunities were highlighted by PLG management:

Saucony, now among the top performance running brands, will continue to lead through the development of best-in-class technology and continued innovation.