Two heavyweight retailers in very different fields have partnered in a cross merchandising, back to school promotion. OfficeMax Inc., a national supplier of office products and services, and Payless ShoeSource, a national specialty family footwear retailer, have partnered to offer shoppers added value during the back to school season.

Through September 12, the retail giants are offering aggressive cross promotional register receipt coupons that customers receive at checkout for additional savings on school supplies and footwear. "At OfficeMax, we constantly seek creative new ways to support our customers and provide added value," said Ryan Vero, EVP and chief merchandising officer for OfficeMax. "Through this strategic partnership, OfficeMax and Payless ShoeSource are able to help consumers buy more for less, during this back to school season."

OfficeMax and Payless ShoeSource customers will receive register receipt coupons for making purchases at each other's respective stores. At nearly 2,900 select Payless stores across the nation, customers will receive a coupon for $10 off a total purchase of $30 or more at OfficeMax stores nationwide. The offer excludes purchases on the website at OfficeMax.com. At OfficeMax stores, customers will receive a coupon for $5 off a total purchase of $25 or more at all Payless stores nationwide, excluding those located in ShopKo and on the company website at Payless.com.

"This cross promotion with new partner, OfficeMax, is part of an overall back to school program we are launching this season to help parents more affordably get their kids ready to head back to the classroom," said LuAnn Via, CEO and president of Payless ShoeSource. "Kids feel confident with the right stuff, and shoes and school supplies are critical items. We are thrilled to team up with OfficeMax to help shoppers get more for less this shopping season."

In a recent back to school shopping survey of more than 1,000 moms across the country, OfficeMax found that 79 percent of moms are feeling stress about being able to afford everything their child wants and needs. And with the slowed economy, 39 percent of moms are cutting back on personal spending to ensure they can afford proper school supplies.