Business is booming for sunglasses suppliers, with a number of retailers and manufacturers growing at double digits this year. What should you pay attention to when buying sunglasses and what is recommended for spectacle wearers.
Sunglasses manufacturers and retailers are looking at this season with two smiles: Thanks to the good summer and the increased desire to travel, the demand for dark glasses has increased this year. “The sunglasses market is currently up 5.66 percent compared to 2021,” analyzes entrepreneur Robert Hartlauer. “Our turnover is even in double digits compared to last year.”
Prices vary widely
In Germany about 2.5 million sunglasses are sold every year. The industry’s income is around 180 million euros. Prices vary: “Fielmann starts at 17.50 euros,” says boss Arnd Scharlau, adding: “For little money you get sunglasses with all the optical qualities in terms of image, UV protection and road safety – and even in your own eyes.” , it can also be more expensive. Scharlau also offers “very individual varifocal sports glasses for special golf, sailing or cycling use. That can be in the price segment of several hundred euros.”
Fritz Wutscher expands with his chain see!wutscher. There are already 90 branches. “We ended 2021 with a significant increase in turnover and are also very satisfied with the current summer season,” emphasizes the entrepreneur.
Optical sunglasses an ever-growing market
An ever-growing market is optical sunglasses that are adapted to the customer’s eyesight. “These play a very important role for us,” says Pearle boss Christoph Huber. “Especially in the summer it is important to ensure that your eyes are well protected. The intense light of the sun’s rays puts extra strain on the eyes. That’s why we recommend optical sunglasses to anyone who wears glasses.”
Alternative: clip-on lenses
Alternatively, you can purchase tinted clip-on lenses. “This turns optical glasses into sunglasses in no time at all and you don’t have to store a large suitcase for the sunglasses,” says Andy Pirkheim, founder of the Styrian producer Andy Wolf. His models cost an average of 300 euros.
With a focus on shatterproof glasses, the Tyrolean manufacturer Gloryfy is expansive. Director Christoph Egger: “We are moving from one sales record to another. After the long period of hardship caused by the pandemic, it’s often the little things like a new stylish pair of sunglasses that consumers treat themselves to.”
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
