Flip Flop Shops Steps Into Jersey Shore
First retail chain exclusive to flip flops and sandals brings ‘free your toes’ attitude to the area; Opens first shop in Premium Outlets
ATLANTA – Flip Flop Shops is exposing its toes at the Jersey Shore. The only lifestyle retail franchise to capture the essence of the flip flop connoisseur way of life, Flip Flop Shops recently opened its first local shop at 1 Premium Outlets Blvd., Tinton Falls at the Jersey Shore Premium Outlets.
Company plans call for expanding its one-of-a kind laidback brand in the Northern marketplace in the next five years.
“Flip flops have evolved into a premium lifestyle necessity, and Flip Flop Shops was created to fill the void in the retail industry,” said Maritza McGhee (Size 9), owner of the new shop. “We look forward to offering local consumers with a ‘barista’ style experience of product knowledge, where they can indulge in all the hottest brands and latest styles at their leisure.”
The company’s mission is to provide the opportunity for anyone, in any climate, to “live, work and play with their toes exposed” while wearing the freedom of flip flops on their feet. Flip flops have grown to become the “global youth uniform”, as well as accepted footwear for anyone ranging from surfers to high-level corporate executives. In fact, flip flop sales exceeded those of athletic shoes for the first time in 2006, and flip flop fever has continued to build momentum ever since.
The Jersey Shore expansion announcement is part of a well-managed national growth strategy calling for 236 locations in exclusive markets nationwide in the next five years. With 14 shops currently operating and 40 more in development, the company is also targeting, among others, Atlanta, New York City, Orlando, Tampa, Houston and the Pacific Northwest for expansion.
“There are droves of people just as passionate about freeing their toes as Flip Flop Shops," McGhee added. “Our flip flops are an extension of who we are and what we stand for. We live, work and play with our toes exposed while wearing the freedom of flip flops on our feet.”
Even the smell and sound of each shop captures the Flip Flop Shops laid-back, yet adventurous character. Approaching from 15 feet away, coconut suntan oil scent and active lifestyle inspired music begins to tickle the senses and excite the toes of likely customers. “No matter the weather, no matter the season, you will always find the “Free Your Toes” state-of-mind in every Flip Flop Shops,” McGhee said.
About Flip Flop Shops
Founded in 2004, Flip Flop Shops is the nation's first retail chain exclusive to flip flops and sandals featuring the hottest brands and latest styles from big names such as Cobian, Rainbow,REEF, Sanuk, Flojos, Havaianas, Olukai and O’NEILL. The company began franchising in January 2006 Flip Flop Shops is an Environmentally Responsible Retailer™ and encourages the nation to free their toes®. The executive team boasts more than 50 years of franchise experience building and growing some of the world's fastest-growing franchise concepts, category leaders and some of America's most well-known brands, including Cold Stone Creamery, Moe's Southwest Grill and Nike. With 14 shops currently operating and 40 more in development, the company plans to open 236 shops by 2013. For more franchise opportunity information, visit www.flipflopshops.com.
