The McGee Group expands its Vera Bradley Eyewear line with the addition of the three-style Vera Bradley Girlfriends Collection, designed to fit teens, tweens and petite faces. Frames feature the popular Vera Bradley patterns and colors on the temple exterior. Metal and layered plastic frames are available in four new patterns—botanica, capri blue, capri melon and peacock, as well as the popular java blue. Each style comes in two sizes and two patterns.


PHILOSOPHY: “Because young girls, college students and women of all ages love Vera Bradley handbags, accessories and travel items, the extension into eyewear for girls, tweens and teens is natural,” says McGee Group president and CEO Wayne McGee. “The Girlfriends Collection was developed for girls 10 and up who, like their mothers, are already carrying Vera Bradley handbags and accessories. Now girls of all ages have the opportunity to wear Vera Bradley eyewear with its popular patterns boldly displayed.”

MARKETING: With a six-piece frame purchase, eyecare professionals receive a countertop sign holder with a Girlfriends graphic and a Vera Bradley Katie handbag. Each PHILOSOPHY: “Because young girls, college students frame comes with a coordinating Vera Bradley eyeglass case.

PRICE POINT: $$. For additional information, contact the McGee Group, (800) 966-2020; web site: www.mcgeegroup.com

TIP: A portion of the proceeds from the sale of all Vera Bradley eyewear, sunglasses and readers is donated to the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer. To date, the Foundation has raised more than $5 million.