When Sandal Factory opened for business in July 1990, the retailer focused on polarized sunglasses and premium sandals from brands such as Birkenstock, Mephisto and Naot for customers at its original store in Islamorada, Florida.
Over the years, customers began requesting other name-brand sandals, footwear and apparel. Customers wanted other quality footwear brands like Olukai, Reef, Teva, Oofos and more. In addition, customers requested apparel brands such as Quiksilver, Roxy, Billabong, Columbia, Guy Harvey and others. The retailer also expanded its merchandise selection, adding swimsuits, towels, jewelry, candy, name-brand sunglasses and other souvenirs. The business grew to 11 storefronts across Florida until Hurricane Ian washed two locations away in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.
However, Sandal Factory owners Shawn Tolley and Marty Austin didn’t let the devastating loss of those stores hold them back from expanding into new territory in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, an area they have visited annually since they were kids.
“Owners Shawn and Marty grew up together. They are one big family-oriented business where the owners basically have known each other forever,” explains Sarah Newsom, general manager of Sandal Factory’s new Emerald Isle store. “Marty and his family own a house locally so they are acquainted with this area and know quite a few people here.”
Newsom joined Sandal Factory in May as the retailer was opening its Emerald Isle store.
“There is a nice selection of items here,” she says. “People are surprised. They read, ‘Sandal Factory’ and expect just sandals, and then they see how much we offer. Usually, people walk out with something and are pleasantly surprised.”
Newsom says the Emerald Isle store is small — about 1,800 square feet. She notes that customers love that the shop offers high-quality merchandise and souvenirs.
According to Newsom, Tolley and Austin are planning to open another store in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, in the first half of 2024. The retailer plans to start work on its next North Carolina storefront in January 2024, with the goal of opening by springtime. Newsom says the Atlantic Beach location will be housed in a 6,500-square-foot building, making it much larger than the Emerald Isle store. She will serve as a general manager of both Sandal Factory locations in North Carolina. She says she is hopeful to see growth at both shops in the New Year.
Although Sandal Factory has over 10 locations now, Newsom says the retailer maintains a family-oriented feel.
“We care about customer service. We try and talk to every customer. It’s a great atmosphere and we have been getting so much positive feedback,” she says. “We make sure we establish good rapport with people and make them feel at home.”
