Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Flip flops are tops at two planned shops

Closed-toe shoes need not apply at a new store aiming for its first Charlotte location this summer, with another to follow in the fall: Flip Flop Shops, an Atlanta-based chain where, unsurprisingly, flip flops are the focus. Local couple Jeff and Pam Burrus plan to open one at Carolina Place mall in Pineville on July 1 - on the second level, near American Eagle - and say they're scouting sites across south Charlotte for a second location they hope to open in October or November.

Flip Flop Shops, which has 14 locations thus far and 40 more in the works, says it's the country's first retail chain devoted specifically to the summery shoes. It sells leading sandal brands such as Reef, Sanuk, Flojos, Vans, Havaianas, Olukai, Rainbow, Cobian and O'Neill in a laid-back, beach-themed setting, with prices ranging from $20 to more than $100. "Once reserved only for poolside or beachwear, flip flops have grown to become the global youth uniform, as well as accepted footwear for anyone ranging from surfers to high-level corporate executives," the company says in a news release, although I am quite sure that the latter assertion would be news to my boss, and those of plenty of other companies.

The Burruses have lived in Charlotte for 18 years, said Pam Burrus, who worked in banking before having her first child 10 years ago. Jeff Burrus was previously in the mortgage business, spending 14 years at the same company before it went out of business in February 2009. Instead of looking for another mortgage-related job, Pam said, he decided to do something on his own, and the couple began researching franchises. They kept coming back to the flip flop store, as they liked the concept and one-stop shopping aspect. They're planning to provide a relaxed experience and good customer service, Pam said.

17 comments:

kwprice said...

You can get these same great shoe lines at the Tikki Hut kiosks in Southpark and Concord Mills and much more beach and surfwear at their retail store in Afton Ridge in Concord, NC.

Anonymous said...

Sell them at the beach or the pool where they belong. News flash...flip flops are not appropriate footwear for the office, restaurants, airplanes, etc.

Anonymous said...

AMEN, Flip flops in the office I know would get you booted (no pun intended).. Also, nobody wants to view dirty feet when they are eating.

Anonymous said...

Why does this announcement have me seeing visions of masses of people with corns, bunions, foot fungus, jagged toenails and flashy toe rings prancing around in flip flops?

Anonymous said...

I totally agree...I have seen people wearing these in nice restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores. Invariably, people slip them on and off as they sit. You wouldn't think you would have to tell people that this is rude/crude, but apparently we do. There are way too many classless people who just don't care about anyone but themselves.

Anonymous said...

This is just what we need. Some retailer telling people it is ok to wear these ridiculous things anywhere they want. ENOUGH with the flip flops already!

Anonymous said...

I'm guessing all the anonymous posts above came from the same person agreeing with themselves over and over again. Get over yourself. No flip flops in a grocery store??? Um, ok, because the bottom of your shoes are so much more sanitary.

Anonymous said...

I hear ya J said...These are not a good look for anyone over age 15. And while we are at it, to the men of Charlotte: wearing boat shoes, loafers, or leather shoes of any kind, without socks, makes you look like a rube. Charlotte needs to get with the times when it comes to shoe fashion dos and don'ts.

Anonymous said...

I agree with the poster that said beach or pool only....sorry anonymous.....flip flops are a no go in the grocery store for me also.......time and place...

Anonymous said...

Are you seriously saying that flip flops are a no go at the grocery store? Right, because I always get dressed up to go to the grocery store. Who notices what people are wearing on their feet? First lets talk about the people that come to the grocery store in their pajamas and then we will talk about flip flops.

Anonymous said...

wow, you people need a vacation! (don't forget your flip flops!)

Adrian DeVore said...

A slow news day to waste valuable space on overpriced flip flops.

butterfly7 said...

ok, i'm not being funny, but can someone explain why you shouldn't wear flip flops to the grocery store? I understand a nice restaurant, the office etc..but grabbing a pack of cold cuts? Also, while i'm at it, what's wrong with wearing them on a plane? With the TSA making us take our shoes off, this seems like the perfect place to wear them to me.

Anonymous said...

How old are the people in this forum? 80?
I agree with not wearing them at work, but what's the big deal with wearing flip flops at a grocery store? I'm 41 and do it all the time. Also wearing shoes without socks? It's a much better look than sock pulled up to your calf!

Anonymous said...

I don't know what "times" when it comes to shoe fashion dos and don'ts you are referring to, but, au contraire, mon frère, it is socks that are strictly for the rubes when it comes to casual dress. Always have been, always will be.

Read more: http://obswhatsinstore.blogspot.com/2010/04/flip-flops-are-tops-at-two-planned.html#ixzz0mzY2ThGW

Anonymous said...

America is surely on its way back to economic prosperity with flip-flop shops.

Evan said...

Everyone! Come catch a glimpse of what all these goofy blue-hairs spend all their valuable retirement time doing online! Complaining about flip-flops in public!