Go Jimmy Go, Island-Sound Encourages "Free Your Toes" Mentality
October 14, 2008 // Franchising.com // Atlanta – When Flip Flop Shops President Brian Curin attended the Kokua music Festival in Hawaii last spring, he knew he had found the musical embodiment of the Flip Flop Shops brand as soon as Go Jimmy Go took the stage.
Curin was an immediate fan of the Hawaiian-based band's island sound – an infectious blend of reggae rhythms and cool, original melodies. In an opportune twist of fate, Go Jimmy Go band member Eric White expressed his excitement for Flip Flop Shops and interest in recording a tribute song for the nation's first retail chain exclusive to flip flops and sandals. The song, "Flip Flop," will be playing in Flip Flop Shops boutiques throughout North America, and on the Web site. Lucky fans may even hear it on the next Go Jimmy Go album.
"We dig the Free Your Toes movement that Flip Flop Shops promotes," said White. "Flip flops represent our laid-back, fun-loving island attitude and we are extremely excited to have our music heard by millions of consumers who are just as passionate about freeing their toes as we are."
Selling such popular brands as Reef, havaianas, Roxy, Hurley and OluKai, Flip Flop Shops plans to reach 236 stores across North America within five years. In addition to the sound, even the smell of each Flip Flop Shops store captures the laid-back, yet adventurous character of the brand. Approaching from 15 feet away, coconut suntan oil scent and active lifestyle inspired music, including Go Jimmy Go, beckons to consumers.
"We recognize that Flip Flop Shops customers, franchise owners and the leadership team all have a strong appreciation for music that reflects our active lifestyle and laid-back attitude," said Curin (size 10). "Having a super-talented group like Go Jimmy Go record a song about what we are most passionate about allows us to share the type of music that is conducive to the Flip Flop Shops shopping experience with the rest of the world."
"The Flip Flop song is a great addition to the sensory experience we provide to our consumers while visiting our shops," added company CEO Darin Kraetsch.
About Flip Flop Shops
Founded in September 2004, Flip Flop Shops is the nation's first retail chain exclusive to flip flops and sandals. The company began franchising in January 2008. 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 five locations currently operating and 15 in development, the company plans to franchise 236 stores by 2013. For more franchise opportunity information, visit www.flipflopshops.com.
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