REPRESENTATIVES of Payless Shoesource, the popular American chain that prides itself in offering customers affordable, stylish shoes, are now in the island recruiting staff in preparation for the opening of its first store here next year.

Last night, Michael Stern, the minister of state in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, confirmed Payless’ impending investment in Jamaica, saying it represented a trend.

“A lot of foreign companies are now showing interest in Jamaica, especially since the reduction in the crime rate,” Stern told the Business Observer.

Some of these firms, he said, are American, while others are from within the Caribbean.

“What it shows is that Jamaica is proving an attractive place to invest,” Stern said. “So Payless coming here is a trend.

Stern said he did not have the details of the investment. However, he confirmed that the Payless representatives were working with Jampro to ensure that the investment went smoothly.

Last week, a Business Observer source said that the Payless representatives are also working with a local company to interview prospective employees who will, after selection, undergo training.

An effort by the Business Observer to get from Payless the size of its investment was unsuccessful up to press time last night. However, one of the Jamaicans who was contacted about interviewing for a job said she was told that the company intended to open at least two stores in Kingston and another probably in Montego Bay or Negril.

“I was told that they were seeking 10 managers and five associates to work with those managers,” the source, who opted for anonymity, said.

On its website, Payless lists Airwalk, Dexter, Champion, American Eagle by Payless, Zoe&Zac, as well as designer labels Lela Rose for Payless, Christian Siriano for Payless and Isabel Toledo for Payless, as among the popular brands it sells.