ATLANTA, June 3, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Citing a study that correlates lower stresslevels with relaxed dress codes at work, national footwear retailer Flip Flop Shops has initiated "Flip Flop Fridays" – a movement that encourages companies to ask all their employees to wear flip flops to work on Fridays and support the American Heart Association. To endorse the cause, companies are urged to sign an online pledge and donate $2 to the AHA for every employee that wears flip flops on Fridays.
A study released in April 2013 by consumer research firm Alexander Babbage surveyed 584 male and female workers in a broad variety of ages, employment, and industries. Among its many findings, the study revealed that the more formal the dress code, the more stressful the work environment, and that those who wear flip flops frequently are more likely to have lower or non-existent stress levels than those who wear more formal options like lace-ups, heels or even loafers and flats.
Flip Flop Fridays are part of Flip Flop Shops' cause-related campaign, the Heart To Sole: Creating A Stress-Free America," benefitting the AHA. The campaign launched this year after Brian Curin, the President and Co-Founder (Size 10) of Flip Flop Shops, underwent lifesaving open-heart surgery in September to repair severe blockage in his four main arteries. Doctors linked the problem, in part, to stress that Curin endured earlier in his career. The campaign declares June as "Stress-Free America Month."
"In line with our 'pace, not race' motto, the start of summer is a great time to slow it down and ask companies to Free Their Toes® at work – at least every Friday throughout the month," said Curin, 38. "At Flip Flop Shops, we encourage people to love every moment, and sometimes, life is just too short to wear shoes. We hope people join us and encourage their company to support the AHA through Flip Flop Fridays."
Starting June 1, consumers can make donations at the register in increments of $1, $2, and $5 to the American Heart Association at Flip Flop Shops locations throughout the United States. Also during "Stress-Free America Month," people can enter a Pinterest Contest in which Flip Flop Shops will give away a pair of flip flops each week to one Pinterest user who shares their "Flip Flop Friday" photos from work.
In addition, Flip Flop Shops will be hosting "Life's Too Short to Wear Shoes Rallies" across the country during the month of June to make a statement about the need for people to slow life down and de-stress. The rallies also encourage employers to enact Flip Flop Fridays in their workplaces.
To join the conversation on Twitter and show your support, use the #FlipFlopFridays hashtag.
About Flip Flop Shops
Founded in 2004, Flip Flop Shops is North America's first retail chain exclusive to the hottest brands and latest styles of flip flops and sandals from big names such as REEF, SANÜK, OluKai, Cobian, Quiksilver, ROXY, and Cushe. The Kennesaw, Ga.-based company began franchising in January 2008 and continues to be recognized by industry leaders as one of the fastest-growing franchises and retailers in the nation. Industry accolades include: the International Council of Shopping Centers' prestigious "Hot Retailer Award" and ranking No. 170 in the 2012 Inc. 500 | 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the United States, as well as the sixth fastest-growing franchise and ninth fastest-growing retailer in the nation.
Growing the brand to more than 80 shops in operation and 110-plus in the development pipeline, 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 the world's most well-known brands, including Cold Stone Creamery, Moe's Southwest Grill, Nike and OfficeZilla.com. The company is an Environmentally Responsible Retailer™ encouraging the nation to Free Their Toes®. Flip Flop Shops also promotes a healthy, stress-free lifestyle through its educational campaign, the Heart To Sole: Creating A Stress-Free America, designed to reduce stress levels throughout North America, improve heart health and support the American Heart Association in its My Heart. My Life. healthy living initiative. For more information on the franchise opportunity, visit http://franchise.flipflopshops.com/.