Page 81 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition Jan-Feb 2020

designs, materials and colours that Angelo Trocchia, Safilo’s chief in the design, manufacturing and
reflect bold, contemporary tastes. Its executive officer. “With Blenders, distribution of sunglasses, optical
high quality products, inspired by we aim to foster and accelerate our frames, sports eyewear and products,
California’s active and progressive e-commerce and omni-channel is noted for its strong craftsmanship
lifestyle, appeal to a wide range of strategy, leveraging on the digital expertise that dates back to 1878
consumers, particularly millennials DNA and proven capabilities of the and high-quality products designed
and Generation Z. brand and putting Safilo’s global in the Italian tradition. Through an
capabilities at its disposal to enable extensive wholly owned network
Profitable since its inception,
Blenders Eyewear has achieved global expansion of the brand.” of subsidiaries in 40 countries – in
its rapid growth through highly Founded in San Diego in 2012, North and Latin America, Europe,
effective social marketing strategies, Blenders Eyewear has built an Middle East and Africa, and Asia
partnering with influencers, athletes, advanced e-commerce platform Pacific and China – and more than 50
lifestyle enthusiasts, and product with unique digital and social media distribution partners in key markets,
collaborations which have driven skills, which has achieved fast and Safilo ensures its products are
sales and brand awareness. It has profitable growth thanks to its world- available in nearly 100,000 points of
enjoyed a strong track record of class digital capabilities. About 95% sale all over the world.
CAGR of 175% in the last three years. of its current business is through
The Enterprise Value of Blenders its proprietary direct-to-consumer Safilo’s portfolio spans its own
Eyewear is USD 90 million, and its e-commerce platform, more recently core brands Carrera, Polaroid, Smith,
expected profitable net sales for 2019 complemented by the opening of its Safilo, Oxydo, and more than 25
is USD 42 million, all generated in the first flagship store in San Diego. licensed brands including Dior, Fossil,
United States. Givenchy, Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs,
Safilo Group, a worldwide leader Swatch, and Tommy Hilfiger.
“We are thrilled to welcome to
Safilo an inspiring brand like Blenders
Eyewear, a fast-growing e-commerce-
powered business at the forefront
of the latest direct to consumer and
omni-channel capabilities, which will
enrich our proprietary portfolio with
new strong skills and a particular
focus on our key US market,” said

BLENDERS IS ONE OF AMERICA’S
FASTEST-GROWING SUNGLASSES BRANDS

JAN-FEB 2020 | 77 SAFILO-BLENDERS

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