Stroll Into Summer With Gap & Havaianas’ Urban Beach Flip-Flop Shop

Gap and Havaianas Invite New Yorkers to “Make Your Own Havaianas” at Urban Beach Pop-Up Shop

SAN FRANCISCO - Pack up the snow boots and wool socks, flip-flop season has officially arrived. To usher in summer, Gap, in partnership with renowned Brazilian sandal maker Havaianas, is transforming its rotating New York City concept store into an urban beach oasis. Gap is inviting flip-flop lovers to stop by the store, adjacent to its flagship store at 54th and 5th Ave., and cool their soles with customizable summer footwear now through Saturday, June 13.

Opening today, the Urban Beach Flip-Flip Shop will offer the latest Havaianas styles [$18-32] in vibrant, bold colors and perfectly versatile neutrals. For sandal enthusiasts who want to add their own personal style to their Havaianas, the shop will offer embellishments, including pins [initials, stars and flowers] and crystals, which can be added to the flip-flops [$20]. Additionally, on Saturdays and Sundays, consumers can visit the “Make Your Own Havaianas” customization bar to mix-and-match colorful straps and comfortable foot beds to create their own one-of-a-kind Havaianas.

“With summer just around the corner, we are thrilled to partner with Havaianas to bring some fun-in-the-sun to New York,” said Ivy Ross, executive vice president, Gap Marketing. “This urban beach in the heart of the city is the perfect way to transition into the season. With the customizable flip-flops, we are giving consumers an opportunity to express their individuality and creating an affordable summertime treat for everyone.”

At the “Make Your Own Havaianas” customization bar, consumers can pick from a range of colors, from classics like black, white, navy and brown, to bright, energetic colors like pink and orange, or even metallic options in gold, silver and white.

“Flip-flops are such an iconic symbol of summer, and we’re excited to be working with Gap to bring the best rubber sandals in the world to 5th Ave.,” said Elaine Sugimura, president of Havaianas U.S.A. “The Urban Beach Flip-Flop Shop is our first standalone endeavor in the U.S. and we are thrilled to bring a bit of Brazilian warmth and color to New York City this summer.”

And just in time for summer, Gap stores nationwide will begin carrying select Havaianas styles and colors for women and men through August, with select stores carrying Havaianas year-round.

Details about the Urban Beach Flip-Flop Shop:

WHEN: Thursday, April 30, 2009 - Sunday, June 13, 2009

Store Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

“Make Your Own Havaianas” Customization Bar

Dates & Hours:
Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sundays: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Embellishment Customization Bar is open seven days a week, during store hours.

WHERE: 680 Fifth Avenue (between 53rd and 54th Streets), New York

About Gap Inc.
Gap Inc. is a leading global specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories and personal care products for men, women, children and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime and Athleta brand names. Fiscal 2008 sales were $14.5 billion. Gap Inc. operates more than 3,100 stores in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Japan and Ireland. In addition, Gap Inc. is expanding its international presence with franchise agreements in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. For more information, please visit gapinc.com.

About Havaianas
Havaianas are truly are the best rubber sandals in the world. Designed and manufactured in Brazil by Alpargatas S.A. The ultra-high quality of Havaianas is due to a top-secret rubber recipe that makes the sandals feel soft as marshmallows yet highly durable. Havaianas customers know that there is no substitute for the comfort and quality that only an authentic pair of Havaianas can provide. For more information, visit www.havaianasus.com.