The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Payless ShoeSource has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and is shuttering its remaining stores in North America.

The filing on Monday came a day after the shoe chain began holding going-out-of-business sales at its North American stores.

The company, based in Topeka, Kansas, updated the number of stores it is closing to 2,500, up from the 2,100 it cited on Friday when it confirmed it was planning to liquidate its business.

It reiterated that stores will remain open until at least the end of March and the majority will remain open until May.

The liquidation doesn’t affect its franchise operations or its Latin American stores, which remain open for business as usual, it said.

The debt-burdened chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection a first time in April 2017, closing hundreds of stores as part of its reorganization.

“The challenges facing retailers today are well documented, and unfortunately, Payless emerged from its prior reorganization ill-equipped to survive in today’s retail environment,” said Stephen Marotta, Payless ShoeSource’s chief restructuring officer.

He noted that the prior Chapter 11 proceedings left the company with too much debt and with too many stores.

Here’s what shoppers need to know:

When will stores close?

Payless said it will start closing up stores at the end of March, but that most stores in North America will stay open until the end of May. Its 420 stores in Latin America, as well as 370 stores in the Middle East, India and other international locations, will remain open and continue to operate as usual.

Is payless having a going-out-of-business sale?

Yes, Payless is currently advertising 20 percent to 40 percent off its products.

Can I still shop on payless.com?

No, the company stopped taking online orders last week. But it said some products are available on Amazon.com.

Can I use my Payless gift card or store credit?

Yes, but only until

March 11.

Can I return purchases?

For purchases that were made 60 days before Feb. 19, the company said it will allow returns until March 1. Anything bought after Feb. 19 can’t be returned.

I have a Payless coupon, can I still use it?

No, the stores are no longer accepting coupons, and its rewards program has ended.