Flip Flop Shops Franchise Steps into the Middle East with Kuwait Opening
New shop kicks off development plans for 50 Flip Flop Shops locations throughout the Middle East; global franchising partners sought as company continues rapid expansion
Flip Flop Shops, one of the fastest growing global retail chains, achieved another milestone for its international expansion efforts with the company’s first shop opening in the Middle East. Opened Aug. 10, and located at The Avenues Mall in Kuwait City, Kuwait, this 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 Live…Work…Play 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.”
About Flip Flop Shops Founded in 2004, Flip Flop Shops is the authentic retail chain exclusively devoted to the hottest brands and latest styles of flip flops and casual footwear. Its mission is to help people “Free Their Toes®” and embrace the relaxing benefits of flip flops and casual footwear for a healthier, low stress lifestyle. In addition to being an Environmentally Responsible Retailer™, one of the company’s major initiatives is “the Heart To Sole™” campaign, designed to reduce stress levels and raise funds and awareness for heart health.
The company began franchising in 2008 and now operates more than 100 shops globally with 150-plus in the worldwide development pipeline. The executive team boasts more than 50 years of experience building and growing some of the world’s fastest-growing franchise concepts, category leaders and some of the world’s most well-known brands, including Cold Stone Creamery, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Nike and OfficeZilla.com. Flip Flop Shops has been awarded the International Council of Shopping Centers' prestigious 'Hot Retailer Award,' and ranked for the fifth consecutive year on the Inc. 500 | 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies. For more information visit www.flipflopshops.com.
