Retail
Entrepreneurs find chains worth buying into
By DAVID KAPLAN
Feb. 20, 2009
A new franchise with the motto “Free your toes” is bound for Houston.
Selling nothing but flip-flops and sandals, priced from $20 to $120, the Flip Flop Shop will open in Baybrook Mall in May.
In a time when companies are downsizing, many people may be thinking about venturing out on their own.
Some may dip their toes in franchise waters, whether it’s an unusual concept like the Flip Flop Shop or a well-known chain like McDonald’s.
A franchise is no sure thing, but opportunities do still exist in today’s rough retail environment, consultants say, if you pick the right business and a reputable franchisor.
$20 billion industry
The Houston-area franchisee for the Flip Flop Shop is Anna Ruhl, who also owns Clear Lake Body Shop.
She picked the Flip Flop Shop as her first franchise venture because the concept fits her personality, she said.
In a $20 billion flip-flop industry, Flip Flop Shop is the only retailer to specialize in flip-flops, a hot trend, said Brian Curin, president of Atlanta-based Flip Flop Shops Holdings. His company has four stores, two in California and two in Arizona.
Its first six franchises are set to open in the next three months.
The chain’s line of flip-flops, which include leading brands such as Reef, Hurley and O’Neill, sell on average for $45. Higher-priced flip-flops by Havaianas are embedded with Swarovski crystals.
Flip Flop Shops carry the scent of coconut oil and feature cork flooring and bamboo counters and a surf and ski theme.
After opening her first Flip Flop store in Baybrook Mall, Ruhl said she plans to open her next location in The Woodlands a few months later. Her goal is to open two stores a year.
Trouble with funding
Given the unstable job market, franchisors are having no problem attracting potential franchisees, said Mary Tomzack, president of Franchise Help, a franchise consulting company near New York City.
The franchise industry is having difficulty, however, finding lenders to help franchisees with funding, she said.
Ruhl had the advantage of owning another business, which gave her a solid relationship with her bank, which helped her open.
The franchise fee is $25,000. She’s expecting to spend another $100,000 to $150,000 to get the business up and running.
The funding challenge faced by potential franchisees “hasn’t impacted us too much, but we hear about it all the time. It is tough out there,” said Curin, who with his partners also launched Cold Stone Creamery and Moe’s Southwest Grill franchises.
When looking for a franchise, it’s advisable to consider the ones in “recession-resistant categories,” including service businesses like home improvement and senior care, said Lori Kiser-Block, president of FranChoice, a Minneapolis-based franchise consulting company.
She noted that McDonald’s franchises have been performing particularly well lately.
Fast food and tax help
Other fast-food franchises, lower-end casual restaurants and tax services are doing well, Tomzack said, although some of those that she describes as “I can do it myself” services like house cleaning are struggling.
“The franchise industry is fraught with danger and failures,” and people should do lots of homework before buying a franchise, said Nick Bibby, president of bibbygroup.com in Shreveport, La.
Unfortunately, less than 30 percent of franchisors provide performance numbers on their franchise models, he said. They are not required to by law.
The first thing a potential franchisee should do is “decide what you’re suited for,” Bibby said.
david.kaplan@chron.com
Monday, February 23, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Flip Flop Shops Exposes Toes Worldwide!
Flip Flop Shops Exposes Toes Worldwide Through Social Media Networking
“The Vibe” Keeps the “Free-Your-Toes” Movement Alive Press Release
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. For more franchise opportunity information, visit www.flipflopshops.com.
“The Vibe” Keeps the “Free-Your-Toes” Movement Alive Press Release
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. For more franchise opportunity information, visit www.flipflopshops.com.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Flip Flop Shops Tribute Song!
Media Contact: Mike Misetic, Fishman Public Relations, 847.945.1300 ext. 241, mmisetic@fishmanpr.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Flip Flop Shops Celebrates Free-Spirited, Adventure-Loving Lifestyle Brand with New Tribute Song
Go Jimmy Go, Island-Sound Encourages “Free Your Toes” Mentality
ATLANTA – When Flip Flop Shops President Brian Curin attended the Kokua music Festival in Hawaii last spring, he knew he had found the musical embodiment of the Flip Flop Shops brand as soon as Go Jimmy Go took the stage.
Curin was an immediate fan of the Hawaiian-based band’s island sound – an infectious blend of reggae rhythms and cool, original melodies. In an opportune twist of fate, Go Jimmy Go band member Eric White expressed his excitement for Flip Flop Shops and interest in recording a tribute song for the nation’s first retail chain exclusive to flip flops and sandals. The song, “Flip Flop,” will be playing in Flip Flop Shops boutiques throughout North America, and on the Web site. Lucky fans may even hear it on the next Go Jimmy Go album.
“We dig the Free Your Toes movement that Flip Flop Shops promotes,” said White. “Flip flops represent our laid-back, fun-loving island attitude and we are extremely excited to have our music heard by millions of consumers who are just as passionate about freeing their toes as we are.”
Selling such popular brands as Reef, havaianas, Roxy, Hurley and OluKai, Flip Flop Shops plans to reach 236 stores across North America within five years. In addition to the sound, even the smell of each Flip Flop Shops store captures the laid-back, yet adventurous character of the brand. Approaching from 15 feet away, coconut suntan oil scent and active lifestyle inspired music, including Go Jimmy Go, beckons to consumers.
“We recognize that Flip Flop Shops customers, franchise owners and the leadership team all have a strong appreciation for music that reflects our active lifestyle and laid-back attitude,” said Curin (size 10). “Having a super-talented group like Go Jimmy Go record a song about what we are most passionate about allows us to share the type of music that is conducive to the Flip Flop Shops shopping experience with the rest of the world.”
“The Flip Flop song is a great addition to the sensory experience we provide to our consumers while visiting our shops,” added company CEO Darin Kraetsch.
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 five locations currently operating and 15 in development, the company plans to franchise 236 stores by 2013. For more franchise opportunity information, visit www.flipflopshops.com.
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Flip Flop Shops Celebrates Free-Spirited, Adventure-Loving Lifestyle Brand with New Tribute Song
Go Jimmy Go, Island-Sound Encourages “Free Your Toes” Mentality
ATLANTA – When Flip Flop Shops President Brian Curin attended the Kokua music Festival in Hawaii last spring, he knew he had found the musical embodiment of the Flip Flop Shops brand as soon as Go Jimmy Go took the stage.
Curin was an immediate fan of the Hawaiian-based band’s island sound – an infectious blend of reggae rhythms and cool, original melodies. In an opportune twist of fate, Go Jimmy Go band member Eric White expressed his excitement for Flip Flop Shops and interest in recording a tribute song for the nation’s first retail chain exclusive to flip flops and sandals. The song, “Flip Flop,” will be playing in Flip Flop Shops boutiques throughout North America, and on the Web site. Lucky fans may even hear it on the next Go Jimmy Go album.
“We dig the Free Your Toes movement that Flip Flop Shops promotes,” said White. “Flip flops represent our laid-back, fun-loving island attitude and we are extremely excited to have our music heard by millions of consumers who are just as passionate about freeing their toes as we are.”
Selling such popular brands as Reef, havaianas, Roxy, Hurley and OluKai, Flip Flop Shops plans to reach 236 stores across North America within five years. In addition to the sound, even the smell of each Flip Flop Shops store captures the laid-back, yet adventurous character of the brand. Approaching from 15 feet away, coconut suntan oil scent and active lifestyle inspired music, including Go Jimmy Go, beckons to consumers.
“We recognize that Flip Flop Shops customers, franchise owners and the leadership team all have a strong appreciation for music that reflects our active lifestyle and laid-back attitude,” said Curin (size 10). “Having a super-talented group like Go Jimmy Go record a song about what we are most passionate about allows us to share the type of music that is conducive to the Flip Flop Shops shopping experience with the rest of the world.”
“The Flip Flop song is a great addition to the sensory experience we provide to our consumers while visiting our shops,” added company CEO Darin Kraetsch.
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 five locations currently operating and 15 in development, the company plans to franchise 236 stores by 2013. For more franchise opportunity information, visit www.flipflopshops.com.
# # #
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
