Flip Flop Shops, which sells a wide array of actions sports and outdoor brands, said a franchise partner opened the first of 50 shops planned for the Middle East in Kuwait City Aug. 10.
The store at The Avenues Mall in Kuwait City, Kuwait marks the first of 50 planned shops for the region through a master franchise agreement with Al Mana Fashion Group, W.L.L., a subsidiary of Al Mana Group. “We are constantly looking for promising new concepts to add to our portfolio of fashion brands and retailers we’ve brought to the Middle East, and Flip Flop Shops was an easy concept for us to get behind,” commented Andrew Fairall, General Manager of Al Mana Fashion Group’s Sports Division (size 11). “The demand for flip flops and casual footwear in this market is incredibly high, and to be the first and only established retail shop in the region devoted to this niche category gives us significant growth potential.”
Additional shops are planned for Kuwait and nearby countries, including: Qatar; United Arab Emirates; Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Bahrain and Oman. The development and openings will take place over the next 10 years. All franchises will be managed through the Al Mana Fashion Group through the master agreement.
“We are experiencing significant international growth this year, having now opened several shops in Canada, inaugural shops in the Middle East and Africa, and with a master franchise agreement in place for the Caribbean as well,” said Brian Curin, the President of Flip Flop Shops (size 10). “As the flip flop and casual footwear fashion trend continues to grow, we are actively pursuing established partners in a number of regions and countries including Latin America, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand, and parts of Asia, who are eager to be part of a fast growing franchise with a proven track record for success.”
With the mantra to encourage others to Liveorklay With Their Toes Exposed Flip Flop Shops is the leading authentic retailer devoted exclusively to the latest styles of flip flops and casual footwear from the world’s hottest brands, including OluKai, Cobian, Quiksilver, ROXY, REEF, SANUK, Havaianas and more. Once reserved only for poolside or beachwear, flip flops have found their way from surf boards to the boardroom, providing Flip Flop Shops the unique retail position to meet rapidly increasing consumer demand.
“Flip flops and casual footwear is a hot category in the U.S. and beyond,” stated Darin Kraetsch, the CEO of Flip Flop Shops (size 10). “We have more than 150 new shops in the development pipeline globally. We are quickly emerging as the leading international brand devoted to the laid back, low-stress lifestyle flip flops represent and consumers are eager to embrace.”
Founded in 2004, Flip Flop Shops began franchising in 2008 and now operates more than 100 shops globally with 150-plus in the worldwide development pipeline. In addition to core brands Sanuk, Olukai, Quiksilver, Roxy, Reef and Cobian, the company carries Billabong, Chaco, Crocs, , Cushe, DVS, Hurley Oakley, Ocean Minded, O’Neill, Rainbow, Speedo, Teva, Van’s, Volcom, and other brands.
