Shark Tank Contestant Opens Five Local Stores

New York City Entrepreneur Frank Scozzafava found success on the reality TV show, Shark Tank, and is now seeking further success in the Tampa Bay market as he opens new stores selling his innovative bikinis. MiX Bikini offers customers the unique opportunity to create their own bathing suits online, assembling the pieces themselves to become their own fashion designers.

While customers can access the website from home to design and purchase their swimsuits, the stores offer shoppers the ability to try on their creations and purchase them on the spot.

“Coming off of Shark Tank I was itching to get into malls,” says Scozzafava. “When I was on Shark Tank I said that my plan was to open up at malls, franchise and license the product. The Westfield Mall chain made me an offer I couldn’t refuse, and we are opening up five stores in Florida.”

There is already one MiX Bikini store at Westfield Brandon Mall in a kiosk out front of Abercrombie and Fitch. Later this year stores will open in Westfield Countryside and Citrus Park Mall. Plans are also underway to open additional stores in Sarasota and Broward.

In addition to creating quite a buzz at local malls, the stores will also create jobs.

“Right off the bat I hired a regional manager to oversee all of the stores in Florida,” Scozzafava says. “At each location we will have six part-time sales positions as well, creating approximately 30 jobs in the area.”

Writer: Kimberly Patterson
Source: Frank Scozzafava, MiX Bikini