January 15, 2013 // Franchising.com // ATLANTA – In a year marked by uncertainty in the business community, one thing remained certain: consumers around the world continue to be hooked on setting their toes free via flip flops.
Flip Flop Shops, the global retail chain exclusive to the hottest brands and latest styles of flip flops and sandals, seemed unfazed by the tenuous economic climate as it surpassed expansion goals in 2012, opening 30 new shops, while signing 48 franchise agreements for additional new shops. Looking ahead to 2013, the franchise is set to exceed the previous year’s growth with 40 new shops slated to open, and 50 franchise agreements to be signed by the end of 2013.
Through its well-managed global expansion strategy, Flip Flop Shops will move into new markets such as Aruba, Curacao, and New York City in the New Year. Flip Flop Shops is also working with some of the most iconic brands in the action sports industry to bring the retail chain overseas through master franchise deals in regions including Australia/New Zealand, Latin America/Mexico and the Gulf Region/Middle East. All told, the lifestyle franchise is on track to have a total of 236 shops open or in various stages of development throughout five countries by 2014.
“Regardless of the climate or time of the year, flip flops have tremendous market potential, and no other retailer has capitalized on this segment. We have a unique, spot-on concept that gives consumers access to the latest styles of flip flops year-round from the industry’s leading brands—you can’t find that anywhere else,” said Brian Curin, the President & Co-Founder (Size 10) of Flip Flop Shops, noting that the company’s system-wide revenue grew more than 2,000 percent in the past three years. “Through an almost surgical approach to our strategic growth and a consistent stream of entrepreneurs throughout the world looking to join the Flip Flop Shops family, we’re taking the brand to new heights this year and living up to our company’s mission of providing the opportunity for anyone, anywhere, to Live…Work…Play With Their Toes Exposed®.”
Since launching its franchise opportunity in 2008, Flip Flop Shops has received more than 13,000 franchise applications, generated nearly $4 million in franchise fees and nearly $20 million in system-wide sales while boasting significant same-shops sales growth. The company was also awarded the International Council of Shopping Centers “Hot Retailer” of the year award. Most recent company accomplishments include:
“2012 was a banner year for us—it brought us key partnerships and expansion into new markets and venues and ultimately set the foundation for an even more epic 2013,” said Darin Kraetsch, the CEO & Co-Founder (Size 10) of Flip Flop Shops. “We’re breaking into new markets…we’re crossing seas…and achieving our goal of creating a World-wide Free Your Toes® movement.”
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® with the freedom of flip flops on their feet. The shops carry the hottest brands of flip flops and sandals—such as SANÜK, REEF, Cobian, Quiksilver, ROXY, OluKai and Cushe, among others.
For more information on Flip Flop Shops or its franchise opportunity, visit http://www.flipflopshops.com.
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 SANÜK, REEF, Cobian, Quiksilver, ROXY, OluKai and Cushe. Flip Flop Shops began franchising in January 2008 and continues to be recognized by industry leaders as one of the fastest-growing franchises and retailers in the nation. Company accolades include: the International Council of Shopping Centers’ prestigious “Hot Retailer Award” and ranking No. 170 in the 2012 Inc. 500 | 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the United States, as well as the sixth fastest-growing franchise and ninth fastest-growing retailer in the nation.
Growing the brand to more than 75 shops in operation and nearly 110 in the development pipeline, 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 the world’s most well-known brands, including Cold Stone Creamery, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Nike and OfficeZilla.com. The lifestyle franchise is an Environmentally Responsible Retailer™ encouraging the nation to Free Their Toes®. For more information on the franchise opportunity, visit http://franchise.flipflopshops.com/.
Julianne Kennelly
Fishman Public Relations
(847) 945-1300 ext. 239
jkennelly@fishmanpr.com
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.