MUMBAI: Disney and Payless ShoeSource have announced their plans to develop their first 'direct-to-retail' licensed footwear collection. The multi-year deal will bring together the Payless and Disney design teams to create a special line of fun, high-quality footwear styles featuring Disney and Disney Pixar characters. Payless will source, market and sell the line through its nearly 4,600 store chain and on Payless.com.

Payless has sold Disney-themed footwear and accessories for several years; however, the two companies will now work more closely on shoe design, creative direction and retail marketing.

As a result of this collaboration, the character styles will include: Disney Princess -- Disney's $3.4 billion girl's lifestyle brand, Power Rangers, Winnie the Pooh and an assortment of Disney Pixar characters from The Incredibles and Finding Nemo. The first products are currently scheduled to be in stores in Spring 2007 with an expanded line in time for next year's back-to-school season, states an official release.

"Payless is ideal for our first direct-to-retail footwear collaboration because the company is well-aligned with Disney's goal to create quality, on-trend products for kids and families," said Disney Consumer Products chairman Andy Mooney. "Being closely involved with the shoe design process is a significant step for us, and we plan to have a truly integrated relationship with Payless, the nation's leading footwear retailer, from creative to point of sale."

"Payless' mission is to democratize fashion and design in footwear and accessories for the family and this new Disney collection will platform us to achieve our mission," said Payless ShoeSource CEO Matt Rubel. "Payless is the number one footwear retailer for kids' shoes; Disney is a premier kids' brand company. Together, we'll create a fun, exciting and creative line that will inspire kids, while allowing parents to pay less."