Flip Flop Shops Exposes Toes Worldwide Through Social Media Networking

Posted on January 15, 2009 by Kel Sajid (CM)

"The Vibe" Keeps the "Free-Your-Toes" Movement Alive
ATLANTA – With the social networking craze showing no sings of slowing down, Flip Flop Shops President Brian Curin and CEO Darin Kraetsch jumped on board to promote the "Free-Your-Toes" movement that they are so passionate about.

Flip Flop Shops, the nation’s first retail chain exclusive to flip flops and sandals, recently introduced a new page to their website titled "the Vibe." The page contains a variety of social media outlets, including MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and Blogger. By creating a Twitter account titled the Flip Flop Life, complete with characters Jack and Freeman, Curin and Kraetsch have the ability to communicate with flip flop lovers throughout the world and share stories of their adventures.

"We get that today’s generation communicates almost solely via social media outlets," said Curin (size 10). "The Vibe is designed to expose our passion for flip flops and the lifestyle they promote, while launching our ‘Free-Your-Toes’ Movement to a vast audience in hopes of networking to followers."

Selling such popular brands as Reef, havaianas, O’Neill, Hurley and OluKai, Flip Flop Shops plans to reach 236 shops across North America within five years. Thanks to Hawaiian-based band Go Jimmy Go, the company has their own theme song, "Flip Flop" - an infectious blend of reggae rhythms and cool, original melodies – which is played at every shop. In addition to the sound, even the smell of each Flip Flop Shops shop captures the laid-back, yet adventurous character of the brand. Approaching from 15 feet away, coconut suntan oil scent and active lifestyle inspired music beckons to consumers.

"We encourage Flip Flop Shops customers, franchise owners and the leadership team to get involved in this project as they all have a strong appreciation for the active lifestyle and laid-back attitude we believe in," added Kraetsch (size 10). "We also want flip flop lovers everywhere to visit ‘the Vibe’, submit some of their favorite lifestyle flip flop-pix and join the Movement. The more people we connect with our ‘Free-Your-Toes’ mantra, the greater impact we will have on the world."

About Flip Flop Shops
Founded in September 2004, Flip Flop Shops is the nation's first retail chain exclusive to flip flops and sandals. 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 four locations currently operating and 18 in development, the company plans to franchise 236 stores by 2013.