Puma and Kering Eyewear, a company of Puma's majority shareholder Kering, signed an eyewear partnership agreement for optical frames and sunglasses, fully effective January 2016. The license agreement with Puma's current partner for the production and distribution of optical frames and sunglasses Charmant will terminate at the same time.
The first collection by Kering Eyewear - Puma's "Collezione Uno" - will be made up of optical frames and sunglasses, which will be divided into three main segments: Performance, Active and Sportstyle. Each product segment is characterized by style, form and combines technology and color, which makes the products distinctive and functional for specific needs and situations. In line with Puma's new brand positioning as a sports brand, the range will also include eyewear items specifically designed for Running and playing Golf. The first collection will be officially presented in July 2015.
"A new phase in the world of eyewear is beginning for us," said Bjn Gulden, CEO of Puma. "Puma's new brand positioning as a true sports brand means that we need to offer eyewear collections that are able to go beyond the expectations of athletes and to guarantee better performance thanks to continuous quality research and innovation. I would also like to thank Charmant for the good cooperation in the last 12 years. They have not only created a solid foundation for our Eyewear business, but also significantly expanded it and established Puma Eyewear as a successful brand."
Roberto Vedovotto, president and CEO of Kering Eyewear said: "Being a brand leader in sportswear and a strategic brand for the Group, Puma offers us the extraordinary opportunity of developing an extremely innovative product with notable growth potential, especially in the performance segment, where the technology that we are able to develop will give us a unique positioning in the sports eyewear sector".
The eyewear collections continue to be available in the Puma Stores, including Puma's Online Store as well as retail stores.
