[Editor's note, July 18: The name of the CEO of Flip Flop Shops mentioned in this article was previously reported inaccurately. The article has been updated.]
Karen Breault can usually be found wearing flip flops. The self-proclaimed "beach bum" who grew up shuffling around in sandals on boats in Stamford's Shippan Point neighborhood has opened a Flip Flop Shops location on the Post Road in Fairfield.
Breault, who taught kindergarten, first grade, and third grade at Stamford's Newfield Elementary School for 21 years, needed a change of pace after her mother, father, and brother died within a short period of time.
The Stamford resident found out about Flip Flop Shops during time off from teaching -- and decided becoming a franchisee of the brand would be her next step.
The principal at Newfield Elementary wasn't surprised when Breault let her know of her new venture.
"You're the perfect person for this," Breault recalled principal Miriam Arango saying. After all, Breault is clad in flip flops once winter thaws through autumn.
She was drawn to the Flip Flop Shops not just because the company is a purveyor of her favorite shoes, but for the franchise's message.
Flip flops -- symbols of carefree, summer days -- can help you "de-stress your life," Breault said.
CEO Brian Curin suffered a heart attack at a young age and has since partnered with the American Heart Association to deliver the message to de-stress, according to Breault.
Store manager Julie Sohon of Monroe added that Flip Flop Shops is a "lifestyle brand about being laid back."
Breault has stocked the Fairfield site -- which opened Friday -- with "a little bit of everything for everybody."
Brands of sandals include Reef, Cushe, Olukai, Sanuk, Cobian, Roxy, and Quiksilver. Breault has flip flops for all sizes and ages, including infants.
Popular sellers include Cobian's Draino sandals, Olukai's sandals with orthotic footbeds ("They're ridiculously comfortable," Sohon said), and the dressy leather Olukai sandals.
Though the shop has only been open for a few days, Breault feels right at home as a business owner in Fairfield.
"The town and Chamber of Commerce have been coming to me and offering support," she said.
Plus, the foot traffic (no pun intended) and location aren't bad. Breault is between Sweet Rexie's and Colony Grill, a staple of her days growing up near the pizza place's flagship site in Stamford.
Wondering what happens to a flip flop shop in the winter?
Breault said still need sandals in the winter for vacations, college kids wear flip flops in dorms year-round, and the store will be stocked with some fur clogs and boots when it gets cold.
Flip Flop Shops is located at 1552 Post Road. It's open Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Pictured in the first photo are Karen Breault (left) and Julie Sohon. The second photo shows (from left) Breault, sales associate Dylan, Sohon, and sales associate Sammy.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
