11.12.11
Posted in About Us at 12:08 am by Michelle Beighley
Bare Sole Sandals announces the release of a new improved website. “We are thrilled to have the new website complete with an enhanced look and features,” says Michelle Beighley, Proprietor. The new website at baresolesandals.com includes rotating homepage graphics with photos taken in various Florida Keys settings. Additional features include advanced search functions, improved navigation, customer registration capability and site-wide graphic enhancements. “Our goal with the new site was not only to improve ease of shopping, but to create a look that reflects the uniqueness and spirit of the Florida Keys,” says Beighley.
Bare Sole Sandals
Bare Sole Sandals launched the online store in 2008. Orders ship five days per week. Orders also ship internationally through a partnership with Global Shopex, an international shipping service based in Miami, FL. The current website enhancements were done with the assistance of Fast Pivot, an Asheville, NC based company that specializes in ecommerce internet development.
Bare Sole Sandals, LLC is located in Big Pine Key, FL and operates a brick and mortar retail store and an online store. The sandal boutique and gift shop opened on December 1, 2007. The store sells sandals for women, men and children as well as jewelry, accessories, tropical gifts and Florida Keys t-shirts. The store features brands such as Island Slipper, Onex, Taos, Switchflops, One Sole, Fitflops, Skechers, Yellow Box, Volatile, ecco, Sanuk, Columbia and Spring Step.
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09.11.11
Posted in The Florida Keys at 12:48 am by Michelle Beighley
Bare Sole Sandals has a team for the “2011 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk on Sunday October 9, 2011 at Bahia Honda State Park. We can’t think of a better place for a 5K walk than beautiful Bahia Honda.
We welcome more walkers! To join our team, please go to the website, click on the Bare Sole Sandals team and “Join.”
Donations can also be made through the website or in person at Bare Sole Sandals.
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08.01.11
Posted in General "Shoe Stuff" at 4:46 pm by Michelle Beighley
At Bare Sole, we like to say that we have footwear for the Keys way of life. Just what does that mean?
In the Florida Keys, most of us locals wear sandals all year long. So we want sandals that are comfortable, fashionable and sometimes just plain functional. Footwear for the beach and/or boat is a must. Columbia, Island and The North Face are some of our brands that offer great options for your time on the water.
We’ve probably all heard recent claims that flip flops aren’t good for the feet, and since we wear sandals all year, our foot health is an important consideration. It may not sound like an exciting topic, but nonetheless, is an important one. When I first began in shoe sales, I was surprised at how many customers reported various foot ailments – many caused by years of wearing non-supportive footwear.
That’s why at Bare Sole we offer many brands/styles that provide great support such as Orthaheel, Sole, ecco, Fitflop and Island. For a night on the town in Key West, South Beach or wherever you may be, we offer great lines that are also comfortable such as Onex, Island, Spring Step, Skechers, Yellow Box and Volatile.
Orthaheel South Beach orthopedic sandals
Current buzz words in the shoe industry are “wellness shoes” and “lifestyle footwear.” Dr. Weil, one of the creators of Orthaheel best describes the concept of wellness footwear. “Our feet are our body’s connection to the earth. Everything from the ground up really depends on our feet,” says Weil. Today’s wellness footwear is produced with high tech construction, sophisticated design and advanced materials. Wellness footwear promotes an active lifestyle by providing consumers with footwear that feels good and encourages walking without pain.
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03.27.11
Posted in General "Shoe Stuff" at 10:00 pm by Michelle Beighley
Prices for footwear have risen in 2011. Or should I say prices of shoes made in China? That encompasses the majority. Why? China is facing labor shortages, resulting in higher payroll costs. The strength of the Chinese currency has increased. A New York Times article states, “Factory wages have risen as much as 20 percent in recent months.”
Footwear Insight magazine says, “Major brands have indicated that prices could jump as much as 20% and an average of 12% across the board. To cope with that, many companies are taking money out of their product to hit a certain price point.” That is the case at Bare Sole.
A Business Week article quotes a report stating, “The continuous growth of labor costs in China, even at a moderate pace…is likely to have implications for inflation worldwide.” Bare Sole does offer brands that are not made in China like Onex (made in California), Island Sandals (made in Hawaii) and Spring Step (made in Europe). But while the shoes are actually made in other countries, many of the materials used still come from China. Oil prices will continue to impact rubber and manufacturing costs as well.
The labor shortages have effected production and distribution also. The first couple of years Bare Sole was in business, we would reorder popular styles and get them in a few weeks. Now we find that often when we submit a reorder, the product is not available. That affects our mindset at the Atlanta Shoe Show when we put in our orders, because if it isn’t order in advance, it might not be available later.
Sources: Footwear Insight Magazine, January/February 2011
New York Times, Feb. 26, 2010, Keith Bradsher
Business Week, March 2006
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02.26.11
Posted in The Florida Keys at 12:42 pm by Michelle Beighley
We’re having a fabulous winter down here in the Keys. For you northerners who are suffering through one of the worst winters in recent years, we really don’t want to rub it in. We won’t mention that while you’ve been shoveling snow in single digit temperatures, we’ve been enjoying sunny 80 degree days. We won’t mention all the fish caught, the great meals we’ve grilled, warm evenings at the tiki bar or our Key West excursions.
Long Beach, Big Pine Key. Photo by Renee Cobb
The weather has brought more of you down to escape the cold. In turn, the sandal store has been busy. Is it just the weather that has brought more visitors to the Keys? What about all the TV ads for the Florida Keys being shown across the country? My understanding is that there are more ads being run compliments of BP. My Mother in Maryland called and said, “I just saw an ad for Big Pine Key on a major network.” We never had oil here in the Keys, but the media reported we did last year, and it kept some tourists away. But thanks for the ads BP.
Or maybe the increased number of tourists is a factor of an improving economy? It’s probably a combination of all these factors. Regardless, we’re happy in our flip flop heaven – having more customers which means we get to order more sandals….. Spring break isn’t too far away. If you haven’t made plans for your trip to the Keys this year, there’s still time!
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01.04.11
Posted in About Us, Uncategorized at 9:51 pm by Michelle Beighley
Big Pine Key, FL – Bare Sole Sandals celebrates three years of business in the Lower Florida Keys. The independent sandal boutique with a Florida Keys décor offers footwear, accessories and tropical gifts. The store has a large inventory, including brands such as Switchflops, Fitflops, Skechers, Yellow Box, Sanuk, Ocean Minded, Onex, Island, Taos, Born, Orthaheel, Sole and Columbia.
Recently, the store expanded its gift and Florida Keys and Big Pine Key t-shirt lines. In April 2008, Bare Sole Sandals launched www.baresolesandalsstore.com allowing customers to get their “sandals from paradise” no matter where they are located. The store ships throughout the U.S. , Canada and many international locations and can be found at www.baresolesandalsstore.com.
To commemorate the anniversary, the store is holding special promotions for the entire month of January. On January 22, 2011 the store will host a Customer Appreciation Wine Party from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. Visit the store at 30313 Overseas Hwy (MM 30.3 on US 1) in Big Pine Key, or online at www.baresolesandals.com for more information.According to Michelle Beighley, Proprietor, “These first three years have affirmed just who our customer is. Our niche is footwear that fits the Florida Keys way of life that is comfortable, fashionable, and affordable.”
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01.03.11
Posted in About Us at 3:13 am by Michelle Beighley
These first 3 years have flown by. If only I knew 3 years ago what I know now!
Early on, I would have purchased more Sanuk Surfers in conservative colors (as opposed to the red striped ones that I thought were cool but didn’t sell). I would never have run out of Switchflops black flip flops, Sanuk Yoga Mat flip flops or Columbia Kea sandals. I wouldn’t have purchased those uncomfortable hard sandals, those really high heels that no one can walk on Florida Keys pea-rock in, or those overly trendy sandals. I would have purchased less really small and really large sizes (sorry you size 5’s – they are just hard to sell, so I now only stock my best sellers in these sizes).
After 3 years with some successes and mistakes, I have a better understanding of just who my customer is and what the Bare Sole Sandals niche is – footwear that fits the Florida Keys way of life that is comfortable, fashionable and affordable.
I’ve also learned that I can’t fall too deeply in love with any sandal. At some point, I have to say goodbye and bring in the new. Since I pick every style carefully, wait with anticipation for them to arrive and learn them all by name, I tend to get a little attached. All the shoes do have names like the Onex Cynthia, the Ocean Minded Seaweed, Fitflop Electra, Skechers Electric Slide, Rocket Dog Mustang……
Mr. Cuckoo of Big Pine Key,FL hangs out with Jeanmarie Dion, Bare Sole “Sandal Associate” while his mother shops for flip flops.
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12.11.10
Posted in About Us at 7:18 pm by Michelle Beighley
Bare Sole Sandals Mascot
If you’ve driven through the Lower Keys on a Saturday recently, you’ve seen the Bare Sole Sandals mascot out in front of the store.
After 3 years of being in business and still frequently encountering locals who don’t know the store exists (despite being located on U.S. 1), I thought the costume was a good way to draw attention to the store.
I believe I was right. The reaction from passersby has been quite entertaining. Drivers honk and passengers wave. People take pictures as they pass by and you can see them laughing. One woman actually stopped her car to get a photo with the mascot. I’m not sure how many places you would spot a flip flop mascot, especially in December?
We have a few Key West High School students who serve as the flip flop mascot. They all add their own twist the the role. Some dance, some play air guitar and some have amusing arm gestures.
I’ve had a few people inquire about the well being of those who wear the costume. Please be assured that they are given regular breaks and water. The temparature has been averaging in the low 70s. We only let them work for a maximum of 4 hours, and they listen to music on their Ipods.
If you drive by and see the Bare Sole mascot, give them a honk and a wave. Better yet, stop on in!
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11.10.10
Posted in The Florida Keys at 12:49 pm by Michelle Beighley
Fantasy Fest Key West 2010
I took a few days off for Fantasy Fest and my birthday and am just starting to get caught back up in the store. I’m paying a price for all that fun and it was worth it.
The Fantasy Fest photos didn’t turn out as good as I’d like. It seems we always do a big group shot prior to departing in the limo with the setting sun glaring in our faces. After that, all hell breaks lose and I forget about photos. My husband Bob was the snowman, and his costume was a hit — he got stopped many times by people wanting a photo. At one point, he ran into one of his customers who couldn’t recognize him in his costume. Bob grabbed the man’s rear and persisted even after the man told him to go away. Once Bob removed his snowman head and revealed himself they had a good laugh. Half way into the evening, however, he ended up removing the snowman’s head so he could more easily eat, drink and be merry.
Timmy as popeye was a big hit. Our other friends went as a jeannie and a lantern. We had a lot of fun with the lantern which had the lettering “RUB ME.” There are some funny photos that I just can’t post here. There were many great costumes are usual. Lots of Avatar and an array of body painting. I’m already looking forward to next year.
Fantasy Fest Key West 2010
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10.27.10
Posted in General "Shoe Stuff" at 9:15 am by Michelle Beighley
Who doesn’t like free shoes?
Bare Sole Sandals is offering a $50 gift certificate towards any pair of sandals! There is a HUGE variety to choose from, including popular brands such as Switchflops, Fitflops, Yellow Box, Sanuk, Onex Island, Skechers, Ocean Minded, Rocket Dog, Columbia Sportswear and Clarks.
You can enter to win the $50 gift certificate five ways. They are:
1. Follow the Coupons Make it FREE! Blog. Please comment below once you have followed.
2. Follow the Bare Sole Sandals Blog. Please leave a comment on this post once you have followed.
3. Like Coupons Make it FREE! on Facebook.
4. Friend Bare Sole Sandals on Facebook.
5. Tag Bare Sole Sandals and Coupons Make it FREE! on Facebook.
Each of the above enters you for a chance to win, so completing all five increases your chances! This giveaway runs through midnight, Thursday, November 4.
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