Flip Flop Shops Catches A Wave to Duck

First retail chain exclusive to flip flops and sandals brings 'free your toes' attitude to the area; Opens first shop at Scarborough Lane Shoppes

DUCK, N.C. - Flip Flop Shops is exposing its toes in Duck. The only lifestyle retail franchise to capture the essence of the flip flop connoisseur way of life, Flip Flop Shops recently opened its first local shop in the Outer Banks of North Carolina at 1171 Duck Road in Scarborough Lane Shoppes.

"Flip flops have evolved into a premium lifestyle necessity, and Flip Flop Shops was created to fill the void in the retail industry," said co-owner, Joe Goetschius (Size 12) who owns the new shop with his wife Lisa (Size 7). "Our goal is to make finding the perfect flip flop a cinch! We offer local consumers an opportunity to indulge in all the hottest brands and latest styles of flip flops at their leisure, with expert product knowledge right at their finger tips."

In addition to the Duck location, company plans call for significant expansion of this one-of-a-kind, laidback brand throughout the North Carolina market. Another husband and wife team opened their first of two locations in Wilmington in May 2010, with their second location planned to open in Myrtle Beach, S.C. in spring 2011. While, another franchisee from the Charlotte area plans to open two locations, with the first shop that recently opened at Carolina Place Mall in Pineville and the second shop in late 2010 in South Charlotte. The Goetschius' plan on opening several locations throughout the Outer Banks area as well.

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, Cobian and O'NEILL, among others - and retail between $20 to over $100.

The Duck opening is part of a well-managed national growth strategy calling for 236 locations to open in select markets nationwide by 2013. With more than 20 shops currently operating and more than 50 in development, the company is also targeting, among others, Atlanta, New York City, Orlando, Tampa, Houston and the Pacific Northwest for expansion.

"There are droves of people just as passionate about freeing their toes as Flip Flop Shops," Joe added. "Our flip flops are a total extension of who we are and what we stand for. We live, work and play with our toes exposed, and wouldn't have it any other way."

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, no matter the season, you will always find the "Free Your Toes" state-of-mind in every Flip Flop Shops," Joe said.

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, VANS, Havaianas, OluKai, 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 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 more than 20 shops currently operating and 50 more in development, the company plans to open 236 shops by 2013.