Eyewear Market Report 2009
Don’t compromise your rider’s safety by stocking cheap, low-quality sunglasses and goggles – instead take a look at these new products from the people who know best. They’ve offered up information on their latest eyewear products for your consideration so you don’t have to resort to poorly made knock-offs to satisfy your customer’s desire for cool shades and favorable goggles.
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People riding the older machines are definitely dressing the part and they will enjoy the new split lens, leather biker goggle from EMGO International, which features a classic style from the 1950s, informed spokesperson Greg Tysor. Like the entire motorcycle industry, the economy is the biggest threat to the eyewear market, he noted, however, with people riding the older machines, the retro styles are becoming popular, from helmets, to old style jackets and goggles. “A guy riding a GSXR is probably not going to buy our split lens goggles but the rider on an older Norton may be looking for an old school look,” Tysor stated. Considering the state of the economy, sales are about the same as the year prior, he told us, which they’re happy about. “EMGO is a very sound company,” he added, “We can weather the storm.” He concluded by reminding dealer/retailers that, like all apparel, eyewear should be displayed, stocked and lighted well, especially if it’s a unique product like the leather split lens style goggles.
EMGO International
Phone: 770-944-3532
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Dan Freeman, president of marketing and product development, stated, “The Wiley X Reign features high velocity protection (HVP) Selenite™ polycarbonate wrap-around lenses for serious protection and offer distortion free vision under the most challenging conditions.” He told us they far exceed the ANSI Z87.1 and ANSI Z80.3 safety and optical standards to provide full coverage and clear visual acuity. Its attractive wrap-around frame was reportedly designed to provide full coverage and clear peripheral vision, while protecting eyes from harmful UVA/UVB rays and distracting glare. These sunglasses are said to come in a number of frames/lens combinations, including gloss black frames with polarized silver flash lenses and matte black frames with smoke lenses. Freeman said they have noticed a lot more styles that include foam on the frame and Wiley X has the patent on removable, air permeable foam as part of its Climate Control Series. “We’re beginning to see non-removable foam on more sports styles, as well as safety styles,” he stated. Retailers need to realize that eyewear can be a fantastic accessory and safety item for their customers, he continued, and eyewear that meets ANSI Z87.1-2003 safety and ANSI Z80.3 optical standards, certifying that certain eyewear models will provide a level of protection suitable for rigorous activities, can create huge sales opportunities. Sales are up, Freeman divulged, as the public becomes more aware of the Wiley X brand and products. “We’re also becoming a ‘destination brand’ for resellers because we have product they and their customers love and we’re easy to work with,” he added, “In other words, there’s almost no risk for the dealers selling Wiley X and they get a top-quality product.” Selling eyewear is not as simple as ‘one size fits all’, Freeman told stores. “[Dealers] should understand what their customers intend to use their eyewear for and then find the right style for them,” he concluded, “For motorcycle riding, wearers should be fitted with glasses that not only meet the ANSI Z87.1-2003 safety standards, but those glasses must be marked accordingly.”
Wiley X
www.wileyx.com
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The X-Brand GOX goggle is equipped with the highest-quality, polycarbonate, shatter-resistant, anti-scratch and anti-fog coated lens available, informed MTA spokesperson Jeff Laird. “It has 100 percent UVA protection and it is the leader in lens attributes and function,” he told us, adding there are lenses available in a variety of colors, as well as light sensitive and every GOX goggle package comes standard with two lenses: a mirrored, gray tint lens that is anti-fog coated for bright riding situations and an extra clear, anti-fog coated lens in the box. “Tear-off posts are integrated into the polycarbonate, hard coat lenses for ease-of- use and function,” Laird explained, and the 100-PPI “reticulated” vent foam allows the ultimate in airflow while keeping dust and debris out. “This special vent foam is designed to allow moisture and condensation to escape freely,” he told us, and an adjustable, double buckle woven strap is silicone backed for the ultimate in strap placement and hold. Laird said he has noticed an increasing trend of brighter colors and more standard options available, but the cheap knock-offs can compromise the rider’s safety. Take advantage of the new lens technology to create sales opportunities, he advised, and know what all of the features mean to the end consumer and how to sell the correct goggle to fit their needs.
X-Brand Goggles - MTA
www.mta-la.com
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Educate your consumers on the importance of buying quality sunglasses and goggles, even if they cost them a little more than they are looking to spend. In the long run, it will save them money, and keep them safer, than if they had chosen a cheaper, low-quality piece. If you have any questions regarding this information, use the contact list provided and don’t forget to check out our other stories on metric cruiser accessories and motorcycle electronics, elsewhere in this issue.
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