When you walk into Flip Flop Shops at the Falls, you are struck by how many different flip flop styles are available. The styles go from glitz to grunge and prices range from $20 to $120.
Franchise owner Celia Guillen says the store has a variety of flip flops and sandals for men, women and children.
“I would say at least 13 different brands with so many different styles,” Guillen says. “We have the biggest collection of flip flops and sandals in Miami.”
Name brands include Reef, Havaianas, Flojos, Cobian and Yellow Box.
“Scott Hawaii is another brand,” she says. “They have been in Hawaii since the 30s and just came to the States three years ago. They have a women’s brand with cute little flowers.”
Flip Flops also carries the famous Reefs flip flops that have bottle openers on the bottom and they have the Flojos that people travel to the Keys to buy. They also carry a brand out of California called Sanuk, which features yoga mat bottoms and are supposed to be very comfortable.
Today, flip flops are more than simple rubberized strips attached to rubber soles.
“Flip flops are not just for the showers and the pool,” she says. “Now people wear them every single day. I believe it has become a staple in our closets now.”
So the flip flops are more elaborate. And, because there are reports that wearing flip flops all day can be hard on the body, there are even flip flops with orthopedic bottoms.
“Our motto here is ‘For your toes,’” Guillen says.
She also carries unusual sizes. At six-foot-one, she has difficulty finding her size in stock.
“I try to accommodate everybody,” she says.
And while we think of flip flops as being very casual, she also has styles with glitz and glamour. Even the color range for flip flops is impressive – there’s no need to be stuck with dull brown shoes when there are multicolored Cobians or Havaianas in red, white and blue.
The shop has already become a favorite for high school and college students. Of course, in Florida, the dress code for college students is tee shirt, shorts and flip flops, making the store the natural place to search for new shoes.
The store’s environment is also a draw with a flat screen television that runs surf and skate videos. The shop features cork floors and water-based paintings, and it’s environmentally friendly.
Flip Flops Shops also works to help the community. The store supports an international shoe charity.
“We are a participant and a drop location for Souls 4 Soles,” Guillen says. “They go to victims of natural disasters and the poor. When people bring them (the shoes) in, we give them 10 percent off.”
Shoes in good condition are accepted. Guillen says her staff ships them to the charity.
“That’s our way of giving back,” she says.
Another way they give back is by giving firefighter and the military discounts. And they participate in the Kidgits Club, a promotion with Simon Malls that offers discounts at certain stores.
Guillen says the store, which has been open since November, is doing well.
“Tourists love to get some,” she says. “We also have our locals.”
Local customers can sign up for the VIP list and receive email offers.
For information, call 305-235-7007.
