Marika, the largest division of Fam Brands, has signed a multi-year licensing agreement with Glance Eyewear for women's sunglasses and reading glasses, as well as related eyewear accessories.
The first collection to be produced under the Marika label will debut in August and begin shipping in December for the spring 2015 season. The new licensee will augment the brand's expanding portfolio of licensees and complement the existing Marika active apparel. Glance Eyewear has been an industry force for nearly 40 years.
"We are delighted that well-known and highly regarded Glance Eyewear has joined Marika's evolving licensing portfolio," said John W. Spotts, who joined Fam Brands in the middle of 2013 as EVP international, business development and licensing in mid-year 2013. "Both Marika and Glance Eyewear are experts in their product categories and have strong retail relationships, superior design and sales teams, as well as exceptional expertise in product development." In just 10 months since joining Fam Brands, Spotts has awarded four licenses to market Marika branded products in key brand-extension categories of hosiery, athletic shoes and sportbags/handbags/backpacks/soft coolers. "Sunglasses and reading glasses are huge lifestyle categories and Glance is an industry pro, therefore our expectations are high for this category," said Rob Stone, who has worked with Fam for over a decade on a variety of strategic planning and licensing projects. "Our mission is only starting and our master plan highlights many other categories that we can expand into licensing and that relate well to our coveted Marika name." Glance Eyewear feels there is a void in the women's sunglass market for a brand that provides both function and fashion, according to its EVP Alexander Wu.
The company expects to offer Marika 18 to 24 styles of active and lifestyle eyewear at retail prices of $28-$38. Style will include aviators, wraps, and updated classic styles with lens technology that prevents reflective glare and protects the eyes and skin around the eyes.
