Blenders Eyewear, a thriving sunglasses brand reputed for its stylish and affordable products, falls under the ownership of the Safilo Group. The Italy-based Safilo Group, a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of eyewear, added Blenders Eyewear to its extensive portfolio in 2019. This article delves into the fascinating journey of Blenders Eyewear under the wings of the Safilo Group, exploring its growth trajectory while navigating the dynamic and competitive landscape of the eyewear industry.
Story of Blenders Eyewear
Blenders Eyewear was brought to life in 2011 by Chase Fisher, a 32-year-old surf coach who was inspired to offer stylish sunglasses at an affordable price. He noticed the trend of wearing high-end sunglasses such as Gucci, Oakley, and Ray-Ban, which were out of his budget. This inspired him to bridge the gap between style and affordability. He collaborated with graphic designer Blake Jensen to create Blenders as a brand. Fisher was motivated not just by business prospects, but also by his personal journey, having overcome the challenges of dyslexia during his school years.
Despite initial hurdles, Fisher remained determined. He raised the initial capital for the venture by borrowing $2,000 from his roommate, promising a 25% return in six months. After eight months of tireless research and negotiation, they launched their first collection of 300 pairs of sunglasses.
The early days saw its fair share of struggles, with disappointing sales at an entrepreneur fair in San Diego in 2012. However, Fisher took this as a learning experience and refused to be discouraged. He successfully raised $7,000 through an Indiegogo campaign in 2012, which helped diversify the product range.
The brand took off in 2013 when Fisher turned to Instagram for marketing. Posting photos of influencers and celebrities wearing Blenders sunglasses boosted the brand’s popularity, translating into impressive sales figures. By 2015, the addition of snow goggles to their product line helped the company reach its first $1 million in revenue.
The dedication and hard work paid off in 2019 when the Safilo Group acquired a 70% stake in Blenders Eyewear, valuing the company at $90 million. Fisher still serves as the CEO, managing all aspects of product production and distribution. In the same year, the company generated nearly $41 million in revenue, confirming its influential status in the sunglasses industry. Fisher’s narrative, from a struggling entrepreneur to the CEO of a multimillion-dollar brand, is an inspirational tale of persistence, ingenuity, and the power of an unshakeable vision.
Who Owns Blenders Eyewear?
Blenders Eyewear is currently owned by the Safilo Group, a worldwide leader in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of sunglasses, optical frames, sports eyewear, and products. In a significant move, Safilo Group increased its shares in 2019 through its subsidiary, Multibrands Italy B.V., which is owned by HAL Holdings N.V. This led to Safilo owning a majority stake in Blenders Eyewear, along with another digital native brand, Privé Revaux, both of which have strong e-commerce business models. As a result, although the Safilo Group is the primary owner of Blenders Eyewear, its subsidiary and HAL Holdings indirectly share ownership due to their stake in Safilo.
A Little Info About the Owner of Blenders Eyewear
The Safilo Group is a prestigious Italian company specializing in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of eyewear. Established in Pieve di Cadore, Italy, in 1934, it has grown to become a leader in its field and is now headquartered in Padua, Italy, under the leadership of CEO Angelo Trocchia.
The company owns a diverse portfolio of brands that cater to various tastes and price points, making it a significant player in the global eyewear industry. It is the parent company of popular brands like Carrera, Polaroid Eyewear, Smith Optics, Blenders Eyewear, and Privé Revaux.
In addition to these in-house brands, Safilo also holds licenses to design and distribute eyewear for a variety of fashion and sports brands. These include notable names such as Hugo Boss, Carolina Herrera, Dsquared2, Fossil, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade, Levi’s, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Tommy Hilfiger, and Under Armour, among others.
This impressive list of partnerships allows Safilo to offer an extensive range of styles and designs, catering to a broad consumer base worldwide.
