ATLANTA, Aug. 28, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Flip Flop Shops will exclusively debut a new footwear collection from ultra-premium lifestyle brand, OluKai, on August 30, 2013 in locations across the United States, Caribbean and Guam.
The new collection, called Shave Ice, is inspired by the traditional Hawaiian Shave Ice culture and features a fun, colorful twist to OluKai's bestselling styles to resemble the flavors of the timeless Hawaiian treat. It's part of the company's Resort 2013 footwear collection and includes the following consumer favorites: 'Ohana synthetic sandals for women and men, women's Heleuma Canvas, women's Nohea Perf and men's Nohea Mesh closed-toe style.
"Shave Ice is a true rite of passage in Hawaii amongst both locals and visitors," said Kerry Konrady, the Marketing Director (size 11) of OluKai. "The flavors and colors – such as tropical, punch and sour tart – are cues that evoke a sense of exotic fun. It's spontaneous, refreshing, delicious and colorful. We are excited to bring this iconic Hawaiian treat to life through vibrant interpretations of our bestselling footwear."
Brian Curin, the President and Co-Founder a.k.a. the Flip Flop Enthusiast (size 10) of Flip Flop Shops, added, "We're stoked to be the first and only retailer where consumers can find the new Shave Ice collection from OluKai. They delivered a killer line, complete with all of their bestselling styles, but with an entirely fresh look and the same top quality and comfort consumers expect from the brand. We're confident it's going to be a huge hit."
To create awareness around the program, each Flip Flop Shops location will receive an impressive promotional facelift, complete with window clings, cash wrap posters, ceiling graphics, sidewalk signs, and peg talkers all coinciding with the Shave Ice theme. In addition, Flip Flop Shops' unique and innovative "flip flop trees" will be exclusively dedicated to the new OluKai Shave Ice product line and staff will wear OluKai branded tees and footwear.
"OluKai is a true lifestyle brand with their Hawaiian heritage prominent in all of their footwear styles. You can feel the Aloha spirit in everything they create and the new Shave Ice collection is no exception," said Darin Kraetsch, the CEO and Co-Founder (size 10) of Flip Flops Shops.
Bursting onto the retail scene in 2004, Flip Flop Shops quickly became North America's first retail chain exclusive to the hottest brands and latest styles of flip flops and sandals from such leading brands as OluKai, REEF, SANÜK, Cobian, Quiksilver, ROXY, and Cushe, among others. Its mission: to provide the opportunity for anyone, in any climate, to Live…Work…Play With Their Toes Exposed® with the freedom of flip flops on their feet.
Today, Flip Flop Shops has more than 85 locations operating throughout the United States, Canada, Guam, and the Caribbean, with 115-plus shops in the development pipeline.
For more information or to find the nearest Flip Flop Shops location, visit http://www.flipflopshops.com.
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 OluKai, REEF, SANÜK, 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 85 shops in operation and 115-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://www.flipflopshops.com.
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About OluKai
OluKai is an ultra-luxury lifestyle brand that believes everyone, no matter where they are, can live Aloha. OluKai is one way to unlock its spirit in all of us. It is an inspired brand that whole heartedly believes in creating an emotional connection with the consumer and communicates from an "inside-out perspective." The company is committed to building a unique and better class of products that blend ocean heritage with modern performance while leaving the smallest footprint possible on the planet. Through its Fit by Nature™, Crafted by Hand™ design principle, OluKai builds every pair of footwear with signature anatomically contoured footbeds to deliver the perfect balance of instant comfort and lasting support. Each pair features beautiful, quality materials and handcrafted details inspired by island culture. In every facet of its business, the brand is committed to respecting the people and the environments it touches. Inspired by the strong tradition of giving an offering or tribute in Polynesian culture, OluKai established the 'Ohana Giveback Program to support the efforts of those who continue to give back to preserve local cultures and traditions. For more information visit www.olukai.com.