Flip Flop Shops Catches A Wave to Jacksonville

Posted on September 17, 2010 by Jessica Dees

First retail chain exclusive to flip flops and sandals brings ‘free your toes’ attitude to the area; Opens first shop at The Avenues

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Flip Flop Shops is exposing its toes in Jacksonville. 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 Northeast Florida.

\"Flip flops have evolved into a premium lifestyle necessity, and Flip Flop Shops was created to fill the void in the retail industry,\" said owner Jamie Rowell (Size 11). \"My goal is to make finding the perfect flip flop a cinch, at any time of the year! 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 Jacksonville location, company plans call for significant expansion of this one-of-a-kind, laidback brand throughout the Florida market. Rowell is one of 11 entrepreneur teams spearheading the growth of the brand throughout the state. His Jacksonville location will be the fifth shop to open in the state, while another nine are planned to open before Spring 2011. Rowell already plans to open a second location in Jacksonville in Spring 2011.

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 Jacksonville opening is part of a well-managed North American growth strategy calling for 236 locations to open in select markets by 2013. With 25 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," Rowell added. \"Flip flops are a total extension of who I am and what I stand for. I live, work and play with my 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,\" Rowell said.