Flip Flop Shops Invites Consumers to Enjoy the Cushe Life

(Franchise Buy) - By . Updated Feb 27, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
           

Flip Flop Shops Invites Consumers to Enjoy the Cushe Life

Cushe becomes part of North America’s Leading Flip Flop and Sandal Retailer’s Exclusive Club of Core Brands; Now Carried at all Flip Flop Shops Locations

ATLANTA – The laid-back, yet adventurous lifestyle that emanates out of every Flip Flop Shops serves as the perfect setting for Cushe (pronounced ‘Cushy’) footwear, a division of Wolverine Worldwide.

Home to the hottest brands and latest styles of flip flops and sandals, Flip Flop Shops announces that it is adding Cushe to its exclusive collection, making the active lifestyle brands’ men’s and women’s flip flops, sandals and casual shoes core product lines carried at all Flip Flop Shops locations.

“Cushe is more than just another footwear brand—it reflects the lifestyle of a universal traveler, fit for those trekking through an urban safari or seeking coastal supremacy,” said Brian Curin, the President (Size 10) of Flip Flop Shops. “Flip Flop Shops is all about being on the leading edge of footwear fashion, and we’re confident that the Cushe product lines we’re bringing into our shops will be a sure hit with consumers.”

Highly selective when naming a new “core brand,” Flip Flop Shops took a deep look at Cushe—taking into account both the quality and style of the footwear, as well as the brand’s core values. Cushe was created for a lifestyle that is independent and individual, offering consumers high-quality footwear that conforms to a foot’s natural shape, ensuring comfort, protection and stability. This, combined with Flip Flop Shops’ rapid expansion, made the partnership a natural fit for both companies. The brand will formally launch in all Flip Flop Shops locations in April 2012, with the support of a joint, national advertising campaign in select consumer magazines, such as Surfer, Nylon and Dwell, among others. The partnership also includes plans for advertising in People and InStyle later this year.

“Teaming up with Flip Flop Shops, as our top national retail partner, makes perfect sense for the growth and direction of our brand,” said Patrick McNulty, the U.S. Sales Director (Size 10) of Cushe. “Cushe defines a way of life…It’s about living life on your own terms and creating unique experiences. Flip Flops Shops exudes the same passion for this lifestyle, while freeing the toes of consumers world-wide—there’s no other retailer like it out there. We love where the brand is headed and are excited to be on board for the ride.”

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 Cushe, Quiksilver, Roxy, REEF, Sanuk, OluKai, and Cobian, 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 50 locations operating throughout the United States, Canada, Guam, and the Caribbean, with 80-plus shops in the development pipeline.

“Cushe brings an exciting, fresh product to the table that commands the ‘Free Your Toes’ state of mind,” said Darin Kraetsch, the CEO (Size 10) of Flip Flop Shops. “Their footwear is definitely gnarly and the perfect fit for our consumers. We’re stoked to partner with the brand in its early stages of growth throughout North America.”

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 Cushe, Quiksilver, Roxy, REEF, Sanuk, OluKai, and Cobian. The recipient of the International Council of Shopping Centers’ prestigious “Hot Retailer Award,” Flip Flop Shops began franchising in January 2008. Flip Flop Shops is an Environmentally Responsible Retailer™ and encourages the nation to Free Their Toes^®. 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 and Nike. Recognized in the 2011 Inc. 500|5000 listing as the sixth fastest growing franchise and 12^th fastest growing retailer in the nation, the brand currently boasts more than 50 shops in operation and 80-plus in the development pipeline. The company’s well-managed global expansion strategy calls for 236 locations to open in select markets by 2013. For more franchise opportunity information, visit http://franchise.flipflopshops.com/.

About Cushe

Founded in 2004, Cushe (pronounced ‘Cushy’) launched their first sneaker collection in 2005, sporting their ‘lazyboy’ reclining figure logo. A division of Wolverine Worldwide, Cushe challenges the boundaries of ordinary footwear design, creating shoes for the independent individual who is looking to do things their way and at their own pace. Utilizing the latest manufacturing techniques and the most innovative material, Cushe’s footwear conforms to the foot’s natural shape, ensuring comfort, protection and stability. The line now consists of three different collections, Urban Safari, Universal Traveler and Coastal Supremacy and is available in 55 countries. Cushe prides itself on its laidback ethos, striving to be the unconventional choice for everyday life. “We live in an Urban Safari, we are Universal Travelers, and we aspire for Coastal Supremacy…We are Cushe.” For more details on Cushe, visit www.cushe.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jayne Levy, Fishman Public Relations. (847) 945- 1300 ext. 225 or jlevy@fishmanpr.com

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