Color rules with readers. And readers rule with color. As Janie Schoenborn, design director for print and pattern, brand presentation and accessories and footwear at Lilly Pulitzer observes: “Reading glasses are largely responsible for giving color a necessary push in the optical market. It’s possible to be a little crazier with readers and have fun with colors.” Hot picks for readers—and all eyewear—red, purple, green and blue with lots of graphics, ranging from floral patterns to stripes, plaids and checks. 

• In the 12-month period ending September 2008, 41.9 million pairs of readers were sold.
• A total of $637.7 was spent on readers in the 12-month period ending September 2008, a 1.6 percent increase in dollar sales compared with the same period a year ago.
• The average wearer buys a new pair of readers every 9.6 months.
• The average wearer owns and regularly uses three pairs of readers.