Payless ShoeSource could nearly double the number of store closures under its bankruptcy plan as the extent of the discount footwear chain's troubles come into sharper focus, USA Today reported today. The company, which filed for chapter 11 protection in April, is asking a federal bankruptcy judge for permission to close up to 408 additional stores. Those closings add to about 400 locations the Topeka, Kan.-based retailer already put on the chopping block when it tumbled into bankruptcy. Taken together, the 800-some locations would represent about 20 percent of Payless' total locations worldwide.
