Flip Flop Shops Steps into Greenville

Contact: Jayne Levy, Fishman Public Relations, (847) 945-1300, ext. 225, jlevy@fishmanpr.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Flip Flop Shops Steps into Greenville
First retail chain exclusive to flip flops and sandals brings ‘Free Your Toes’ attitude to the area;
Opens first shop in Haywood Mall
GREENVILLE, S.C. – Flip Flop Shops is exposing its toes in Greenville. The only global lifestyle
retail franchise to capture the essence of the flip flop connoisseur way of life, Flip Flop Shops
will open its first shop in South Carolina at Haywood Mall, located at 700 Haywood Road.
“When it comes to footwear, flip flops have grown to play a key role in most consumers’
wardrobes,” said Larry Hamilton (Size 11), who co-owns the new Flip Flop Shops in Greenville
with his wife Allison (Size 10). “Flip Flop Shops was created to fill a distinct void in the retail
industry. Our goal is to make finding the perfect pair of flip flops a breeze. With our new shop in
Greenville, local consumers have the opportunity to indulge in all the hottest brands and latest
styles of flip flops and sandals, with expert product knowledge right at their finger tips.”
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, havaianas, OluKai, Cobian and O’NEILL, among others – and retail between $20
to more than $100.
“Flip flops are a part of our everyday life – whether we’re working, running errands, or hanging
out with friends and family, flip flops are always on our feet,” said Allison, adding that flip flops
are also part of the everyday scene in Greenville. “Local consumers are just as passionate
about freeing their toes as we are. That’s why we wanted to bring Flip Flop Shops to the area
and provide them with the opportunity to find the perfect pair any time of the year.”
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 or season, Flip Flop Shops allows you to escape reality with a brief vacation in flip flop
paradise,” Allison added.
In addition to the Greenville location, company plans call for significant expansion of this one-ofa-kind, laidback brand throughout the southeastern United States. The Hamilton’s recently
opened their first shop in Augusta and already plan to open their third in Columbia, S.C. later
this year. In addition, another local husband and wife team are opening South Carolina’s second
location next year in Myrtle Beach.
With more than 40 shops currently operating and 65-plus in development, the Greenville
opening is part of a well-managed global expansion strategy calling for 236 locations to open in
select markets by 2013.
For further information on Flip Flop Shops and products carried, visit www.flipflopshops.com.
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, Sanuk, Flojos,
havaianas, OluKai, Cobian, and O’NEILL. The recipient of the International Council of Shopping
Centers’ prestigious “Hot Retailer Award,” Flip Flop Shops 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 the world’s most well-known brands, including Cold Stone Creamery, Moe’s
Southwest Grill and Nike. With more than 40 shops currently operating and 65-plus in
development, the company plans to open 236 shops by 2013. For more franchise opportunity
information, visit http://franchise.flipflopshops.com/.
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