April 27, 2010 // Franchising.com // CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The nationwide movement to "Free Your Toes" has reached yet another milestone. Flip Flop Shops, North America's leading flip flop and sandal retailer, recently announced that it has signed two franchise agreements with local entrepreneurs Jeff and Pam Burrus. The married couple will bring the growing brand to the Charlotte region with the first location slated to open this summer at Carolina Place Mall in Pineville, and the second planned to open in South Charlotte later in the year.
"Now, more than ever, is a great time to become a Flip Flop Shops franchisee. We are doing the right things, with the right people in the right markets," said Brian Curin, the President (Size 10) of Flip Flop Shops. "We are totally stoked to bring our unique lifestyle brand and 'Free Your Toes' state-of-mind to the Charlotte area where flip flops are part of the everyday scene."
Once reserved only for poolside or beachwear, 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. Flip Flop Shops' mission is to provide the opportunity for anyone, in any climate, to "live…work …play with their toes exposed®" while wearing the freedom of flip flops on their feet. The shops carry the hottest brands of flip flops and sandals – such as REEF, Sanuk, Flojos, VANS, Havaianas, Olukai, Rainbow, Cobian and O'NEILL, among others – and retail between $20 to over $100.
"Shops in Charlotte are long overdue," added Darin Kraetsch, the CEO (Size 10) of Flip Flop Shops. "Flip flops have evolved into a premium lifestyle necessity and Flip Flop Shops was created to fill the void in the retail industry."
The smell and sound of each shop captures the Flip Flop Shops laid-back, yet adventurous character. If the 500-900 square foot shops aren't near the beach, they bring the beach to consumers with coconut suntan oil scents wafting through the air, active lifestyle inspired music tickling consumer senses and the top action sport films playing on flat screens.
"Flip Flop Shops is the perfect fit for us and for our lifestyle in Charlotte," said Jeff (Size 10). "I am super amped to be pioneering the growth in the North Carolina market, we believe in this franchise and signing agreements to open two shops seemed like the perfect solution for us."
After being laid off, Jeff and his wife Pam decided to pursue their lifelong dream of owning a business. In search of investment opportunities, Pam and Jeff researched Flip Flop Shops and knew that it was a perfect fit.
"The decision to open two locations was so natural for us since we love the Flip Flops Shops business culture," said Pam (Size 8). "We knew instantly, just like the perfect pair of flip flops, it just felt right."
At a time when one-third of all small business startups fail during the first two years and less than half make it to four years*, Flip Flop Shops, North America's first retail chain exclusive to the hottest brands and latest styles of flip flops and sandals, has defied the odds and grown its franchise system at a record pace. Since 2008, the growing brand has received nearly 5,000 franchise applications, generated more than $1 million in franchise fees and opened 14 shops throughout the United States, Caribbean, Guam and Canada.
With 14 shops currently operating and 40 more in development, the company plans to open 236 shops by 2013.
Founded in 2004, Flip Flop Shops is North America's first retail chain exclusive to the hottest brands and latest styles of flip flops and sandals from big names such as REEF, Sanuk, Flojos, VANS, Havaianas, Olukai, Rainbow, Cobian and O'NEILL. The company began franchising in January 2008. Flip Flop Shops is an Environmentally Responsible Retailer™ and encourages the nation to Free Your 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.
Founded in 2004, Flip Flop Shops is the authentic retail chain exclusively devoted to the hottest brands and latest styles of flip flops and casual footwear.