Flip Flop Shops announced the hiring of nationally renowned commercial real estate
firms, Podell Real Estate Advisors, LLC and Friedman Retail Consulting, to help fuel its expansion efforts.
The Atlanta-based firm recently signed its 100th franchise agreement and reached a 30-shop master expansion deal for Canada. The brand’s global expansion strategy calls for 236 locations to open in select markets by 2013.
With more than 65 shops already in the development pipeline, Podell Real
Estate Advisors Josh Podell, the president, and Friedman Retail
Consulting’s David Friedman, the principal , will work together to bring
the growing brand into 500-900 square foot, high-profile retail
locations throughout the nation, including open air lifestyle centers;
large, regional malls; airports and theme parks, among others.
“This partnership is proof that were serious about growing the Flip Flop Shops brand,” said Darin Kraetsch, the CEO of Flip Flop Shops, adding that having better representation through Podell and Friedman has significantly elevated the company’s site selection/real estate strategy. “Not only will Josh and David bring Flip Flop Shops to even more prominent retail locations, but they will also help bring the brand to new areas of the United States through their established relationships with national and independent landlords.”
Prior to launching Podell Real Estate Advisors in 2010, Podell was the vice president of real estate at Jones Apparel Group’s JAG footwear, accessories and retail division, where he helped manage and grow the company’s 1,000-store portfolio which includes Nine West, Anne Klein, Jones New York, Easy Spirit, Kasper and other brands. Podell has completed several thousand transactions in every type of retail real estate. In addition to Flip Flop Shops, he currently represents Nine West, Anne Klein, Osh Kosh BGosh, Carter’s, beya, Traffic Shoes, Juliska and Shoe Woo, among others.
Flip Flop Shops, which opened its first store in 2004, sells brands such as Reef, Sanuk, Flojos, Havaianas, OluKai, Cobian and ONeill.
“Flip Flop Shops currently has a handful of high-profile locations on its roster, including Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino, Universal Studios theme park and Universal CityWalk to name a few,” said Friedman. “The company has the potential to expand into more high-profile, iconic locations throughout the nation and Josh and I have the relationships and expertise to help accomplish this. We look forward to helping franchisees bring the brand to these sites and taking Flip Flop Shops to the next level.”
