Birkenstock Joins Flip Flop Shops

Flip Flop Shops, a fast growing global retail chain, continues to make strides as a casual footwear industry leader with the introduction of Birkenstock to its retail brand selection. As an approved retailer for Birkenstock USA, LP, shoppers will soon be able to pick up Birkenstock's iconic slides and sandals at select Flip Flop Shops' domestic locations.

Being selected as a Birkenstock retail partner marks a major step for Flip Flop Shops, which has become a predominant sales force in the casual footwear industry over the last decade. Flip Flop Shops is the authentic retail chain devoted exclusively to the latest styles of flip flops and casual footwear from the world's hottest brands, helping turn what was once a seasonal niche industry into a major year-round contender.

"Birkenstock distribution is monitored very closely and having the right partners is paramount," said David Kahan, Chief Executive Officer for Birkenstock USA. "Flip Flop Shops is committed to putting sandals in the spotlight 365-days a year, and that integrates well with our primary offering. Birkenstock is an iconic footwear brand, anchored by our sandals, so it's natural for us to be in a shop singularly dedicated to that category. Flip Flop Shops shares many of the same brand values we do when it comes to health, wellness and a laid back lifestyle, and we are happy to be available for their shoppers who seek the same. "

Birkenstock's classic two-strap Arizona slide, the T-strap Gizeh, the Granada sandal and the Mayari sandal will be the first styles to appear in select Flip Flop Shops' locations throughout the United States, beginning January 2015. An expanded selection will roll out to Flip Flop Shops beginning spring 2015, to include the `

staple styles alongside Birkenstock's colorful new EVA line and other popular choices.

"We are incredibly honored to now carry Birkenstock," commented Brian Curin, the President of Flip Flop Shops (size 10). "This is one of the most storied footwear brands, and we know they are very conscientious about their distribution decisions. It speaks volumes for Flip Flop Shops as a trusted category expert to join their elite list of retail partners."

The global retail chain, Flip Flop Shops has more than 100 locations, a majority of which are located in the United States. International locations include Canada, the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean, with the company continuing to focus on global expansion as it champions its "Free Your Toes" message.

"When Flip Flop Shops opened in 2004 we carved out an entirely new channel for casual footwear brands, who were previously limited to seasonal displays and then relegated to a few SKUs in a tiny corner for the rest of the year," stated Darin Kraetsch, the CEO of Flip Flop Shops (size 10). "Flip flops and sandals have come a long way since then, and are being recognized as a year-round footwear staple. Flip Flop Shops is meeting the increasing consumer demand and making it easy for people to browse and shop the hottest styles available no matter what month it is."

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 theInc. 500 | 5000 list of America's fastest-growing Private companies. For more information visit www.flipflopshops.com.