It’s not just flip-flops at Flip-Flops and What Nots.
One look in Kathleen Robert’s closet and it’s no surprise she owns her own shoe centered shop.
“‘I have so many shoes that I could open my own shoe store,’ was kind of the running joke in my family,” said Roberts, the owner of Flip-Flops and What Nots in Cahaba Heights.
The joke became a reality when Flip-Flops and What Nots opened on Halloween in 2005 and has sold flip-flops, and other shoes ever since. Roberts was originally met with some uncertainty from those who did not believe that flip-flops would sell in all seasons, but she believed that this idea was possible thanks to the Birmingham weather. “Look around Birmingham on any given day, and you’ll see flip-flops,” Roberts said. “The way we live now is so casual.”
Although you can always find a pair of flip-flops at Kathleen’s store, you can also find plenty of boots during the Fall and Winter, sandals in the Summer, flats, and several orthotic brands on top of clothing, jewelry and gifts! There is something for everyone!
This era of casual wear is reflected through the Caribbean vibe that Roberts has worked to create in her store. There are giant palm trees and even a tiki-hut, which is accompanied by Caribbean music that is always playing. Those who work in the store are eager to get to know their customers, further adding to the relaxed getaway atmosphere of the store.
“We don’t try to sell to customers,” Roberts said. “We try to help friends.”
Roberts says she has made an effort to make her store unique, welcoming and reasonably priced. She believes this is what attracts people to her store, even though there are several department stores in the area.
“There’s a lot of expensive boutiques around,” Roberts said. “I wanted to open a store where Moms wouldn’t feel so bad spending on themselves.”
Flip-Flops and What Nots, 4137 White Oak Drive, is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 967-7429 or visit flipflopsandwhatnots.com.
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