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Free Your Toes® for a Cause: "Flip Flop Fridays" Extends through August

By: Flip Flop Shops |  18 Shares     92 Reads

Flip Flop Shops Encourages Workers to Wear Flip Flops Every Friday through August to Support its Fight Against Stress; Extends In-Shop and Online Donations to the American Heart Association

July 29, 2013 // Franchising.com // ATLANTA – Due to the immense outpouring of support for “Stress-Free America Month” in June, national footwear retailer Flip Flop Shops is extending its “Flip Flop Fridays” movement throughout the end of August and in-shop and online donations to the American Heart Association (AHA) throughout the remainder of the year.

These efforts are part of Flip Flop Shops’ cause-related campaign, “the Heart To Sole: Creating A Stress-Free America,” benefitting the AHA. The campaign launched this year after the company’s President and Co-Founder, Brian Curin (size 10), underwent lifesaving open-heart surgery in September to repair severe blockage in his four main arteries. Doctors linked the problem, in part, to high stress endured by the 39-year-old earlier in his career.

The campaign declared June as “Stress-Free America Month” and created awareness through several initiatives, including “Life’s Too Short to Wear Shoes Rallies” across the country, a Pinterest contest, and in-shop donations, among others.

“We are beyond grateful for all the support we have received from consumers across the nation, our own shop owners and staff, and the action sports industry. June was an amazing month and we couldn’t have done without each and every one of them,” said Curin, adding that Flip Flop Shops was able to raise more than $16,000 for the American Heart Association in June, including a significant contribution by footwear company Sanuk. He continued, “Since the campaign is going so well, we figure – why limit Flip Flop Fridays to June when the warm weather extends throughout the end of August? So, while summer is in full swing, we are extending the Flip Flop Fridays movement in hopes to spread our message of ‘pace, not race’ to even more people throughout North America.”

The movement encourages companies to ask all their employees to wear flip flops to work on Fridays and support the AHA in its efforts to reduce heart disease, which is commonly linked to high stress. To endorse the cause, companies are urged to sign an online pledge and donate $2 to the AHA for every employee that wears flip flops on Fridays.

A study released in April 2013 by consumer research firm, Alexander Babbage, found a correlation between lower stress levels and relaxed dress codes in the workplace. After surveying 584 male and female workers in a broad variety of ages, employment, and industries, the research firm discovered that the more formal the dress code, the more stressful the work environment. The survey also found that those who wear flip flops frequently are more likely to have lower or non-existent stress levels than those who wear more formal options like lace-ups, heels or even loafers and flats.

Consumers can make donations at Flip Flop Shops locations in increments of $1, $2, and $5 or online through the Flip Flop Shops Facebook page. To join the conversation via social networks and show your support, use the #FlipFlopFridays hashtag.

About Flip Flop Shops

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, SANÜK, OluKai, Cobian, Quiksilver, ROXY, and Cushe. The Kennesaw, Ga.-based company 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. Industry 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 85 shops in operation and 115-plus 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 company is an Environmentally Responsible Retailer™ encouraging the nation to Free Their Toes®. Flip Flop Shops also promotes a healthy, stress-free lifestyle through its educational campaign, the Heart To Sole: Creating A Stress-Free America, designed to reduce stress levels throughout North America, improve heart health and support the American Heart Association in its My Heart. My Life. healthy living initiative. For more information on the franchise opportunity, visit http://franchise.flipflopshops.com/.

SOURCE: Flip Flop Shops

Media Contact:

Jayne Levy
Fishman Public Relations
(847) 945-1300
jlevy@fishmanpr.com

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