Whats Next

Mar
2005

What's Next

Altair Eyewear: Tommy Bahama Sunglasses

Featured Eyewear From Top: Tommy Bahama 24SP & 29SP, Tommy Bahama 305A

Echoing an Island Lifestyle
Designed with the islands in mind, Altair Eyewear launches the Tommy Bahama sunglass collection, consisting of 19 mens and womens models. Like the ophthalmic line, the sunglasses feature designs ranging from classic to modern. Included are oversized rounds and squares, double-bar aviators, almonds, sport wraps and rectangles in fully-rimmed, semi-rimless and rimless options. Frames are made of titanium, stainless steel, monel, single and multi-layered plastic, grilamid and leather. Lenses are CR-39 and/or polycarbonate and are Rxable. Polarized lenses are available for most frames. Complementing the Tommy Bahama apparel line, the sunglasses are offered in a wide selection of lustrous colors, such as abalone cream, antique bronze, black crystal, coral spice, jade, matte plum, midnight, tortoise and wine. Lenses are available in duotone tropical gradients, monotone fades and solid tints, some with flash mirror treatments.   
PHILOSOPHY: Relaxation is a way of lifethe food is good, the beaches are splendid and the mood is calm, easy and inspired. Thats what Tommy Bahama is all about, says Altair vice president of sales and marketing Ken Suesse. Since 1992, this lifestyle brand has been elevating the act of relaxation throughout all aspects of life. This laid-back state-of-mind is echoed throughout the island lifestyle brand and is the design philosophy that inspired the sunglass collection. MARKETING: Merchandising materials include an 18-place locking counter display, 12-place display box, double-sided counter sign/one-place display and countercards. Each sunglass comes with a case in various color options and a coordinating micro-fiber cleaning cloth. PRICE POINT: $$$ to $$$$. For additional information, contact Altair Eyewear, (800) 505-5557; web site: www.altaireyewear.com


Hilco: FrameWorks

Featured Eyewear: Model 350 and Model 300

Thinking Outside The Box
Hilco introduces FrameWorks, a value-oriented frames buying solution. The program is centered abound bestselling stainless-steel frames in masculine, feminine and unisex styles with such features as Logic comfort nosepads and Safe-Lok locking screws. Eye sizes range from 46/18 (135) to 51/18 (135). Each frame is offered in two colors, including brown, bronze, coffee, mocha, pewter, violet and yellow gold. Fully rimmed, semi-rimless and three-piece drill-mount designs are available. Frames can be ordered directly from the catalog or dispensers can request a 16-piece sample kit, returning the styles they dont want (postage prepaid). Upon request, dispensers will be sent six new bestselling frames each quarter.  
PHILOSOPHY: The idea behind FrameWorks is to help independents compete in the market place by offering a program that allows them to dramatically increase their profit margins by thinking outside the box, says Hilco marketing/communications manager Debbie Fitzgibbons. FrameWorks removes the guesswork in frame buying and results in high sell-through. MARKETING: A catalog showing all styles is available. In-house sales managers assist customers in placing orders, make frame recommendations, proactively manage accounts and expedite returns. PRICE POINT: $ (per frame). For additional information, contact Hilco, (800) 955-6544; web site: www.hilco.com


A&A Optical: Alexander Grilamax Collection

Featured Eyewear From Top: Alexander 0344, Alexander 0312

The Right Material Equals the Right Look
A&A Optical has created a new look in its Alexander ophthalmic line. Targeted to mature women, the new collection consists of six frames crafted from Grilamax, the latest generation of polyamides. With a heat resistance of 293 degrees Fahrenheit, strength and flexibility greater than acetate and light-volume transmission similar to glass, Grilamax features a blend of transparency and elasticity with the heat resistance of thermoplastics. This cold-mount material survives incidental salt pan use, is ideal for those extra-thin, light, comfortable looks and an excellent base for complementary color tones. Highlights include narrow bridges and glove-fit nasal areas. Additional styles are on the drawing board for release later in 2005 and early in 2006.
PHILOSOPHY: We have listened to our customers and have been looking for just the right material to accomplish just the right look for our mature women consumers, says Robert Liener, president of A&A Optical. Grilamax is exactly what we have been searching for, for over a year. MARKETING: Merchandising materials include a five-piece display, two countercards and a logo plaque. Frames come with a hard case. PRICE POINT: $$. For additional information, contact A&A Optical, (800) 492-4465; web site: www.aaoptical-pez.com


Elite Eyewear: Smart Clip Titanium

Clockwise From Top Left: SC 516, SC 515, SC 513, SC 512 & SC 514

The Clip Advantage 
Elite Eyewear expands its Smart Clip collection with the addition of five titanium styles for men and women. Each frame comes with a coordinated, magnetic, polarized sun clip. The collection consists of an oval and variations on rectangles, including a double-bridge design, semi-rimless style and pillowed rectangles. Some models have zyl and zyl/metal temples. Colors range from antique gold, matte gunmetal, black, matte black, coffee, graphite, havana and satin sand to cranberry and lavender. Eye sizes are 49mm to 54mm with bridges of 18mm to 20mm and temple lengths of 135mm and 140mm.
PHILOSOPHY: Our new titanium collection has been designed with the more discriminating and fashion-conscious wearer in mind. From the rich colors coupled with Mazzucchelli zyls, no details were overlooked. These frames are meant to not only look good, but also feel good, while withstanding the daily wearer regimen. A screw tender system is used in place of spring hinges to maintain temple integrity, says Elite executive vice president product development Chris Madden. MARKETING: Merchandising materials include a three-piece box display and countercard. Each frame comes with a cleaning cloth and specially designed case with a removable clip pouch that can be affixed to a car visor. PRICE POINT: $$ (with clip). For additional information, contact Elite Eyewear USA, (800) 935-4833; web site: www.eliteeyewear.com


i-dealoptics: Reflections Pure Titanium

Featured Eyewear From Top: Reflections 04, Reflections 02

Stylish, Affordable Titanium  
i-dealoptics presents Reflections 100 Percent Pure Titanium, a four-style collection designed for men and women seeking stylish, high-tech eyewear. Included are a narrow, semi-rimless, unisex style, a womens oval and two mens rectangles. All frames are equipped with spring hinges and adjustable nosepads. Color ranges from brown, gun and khaki to pink, wine and black in matte and shiny finishes.
PHILOSOPHY: This collection is geared to the fashion-conscious consumer who wants a titanium frame without the added costs that are usually associated with the material, says Matt Weingarden, i-dealoptics vice president marketing. PRICE POINT: $$. For additional information contact
i-dealoptics, (800) 758-6249; web site: www.i-dealoptics.com

 

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