Consumer demand for sustainable materials – and eyewear with superior value story – to propel demand for new ECOspex(TM) and ECOshades(TM) …
SKOKIE, Ill., Sept. 15, 2009 — Barbara Creations, Inc. (BCI) today announced the availability of the first popular-priced, non-prescription reading glasses and sunglasses with hand-finished, natural bamboo, spring hinge temples.
Anticipating further acceleration in consumer demand for sustainable materials used in full-featured, fashion-forward products at affordable prices, BCI developed these comprehensive unisex eyewear lines with a suggested retail price for both ECOspex and ECOshades of $19.99/pair.
“Consumers demand products that use sustainable materials, look great, and offer high quality and all-day comfort – at a price designed to encourage multiple and repeat purchases,” said Tibor Gross, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Barbara Creations, Inc. “Our 40-plus years of experience with popular-priced eyewear allowed us to pre-empt the marketplace with beautiful natural bamboo temples at everyday prices. It’s a win, for consumers and the environment.”
Lightweight and strong, natural bamboo is one of nature’s most sustainable resources, Gross said. “This 100 percent biodegradable plant has the capacity to acclimate to the environment and regularly renew itself.”
The undeniable fashion appeal of bamboo is showcased by its clean, natural tone and fine grain. In addition to long-lasting good looks and comfortable light weight, bamboo is actually stronger than oak and impervious to changes in humidity. The bamboo used in each SKU in the ECOeyewear(TM) program is hand-finished, made one piece at a time, a laborious process that includes selection, drying, splitting and cutting, steaming, die-pressing, bending, polishing and painting. Each SKU is available with either laser-etched or smooth classic, hand-finished, spring hinge bamboo temples.
The quality of the temple material is only one facet of the ECOeyewear(TM) story, Gross explained. Most of the metal components are crafted of hypoallergenic, nickel-free Green Metal (Bio-Steel), more durable than stainless steel and used in the creation of fine optical frames.
Further, lenses are inspected by Lenstech Corporation, an independent optical testing lab, in accordance with the requirements of Standards for Reading Glasses (LC0993) and Transmittance Properties for Sunglasses (ANSI Z80.3). All ECOshades(TM) models offer 100 percent UV protection and are available in full-frame and rimless square or oval styles. ECOspex(TM) reading glasses are available in +1.25, +1.75, +2.25 and +2.75.
A portion of all net proceeds will be donated by BCI to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
“The introduction of ECOshades(TM) and ECOspex(TM) is further evidence that we know fashion, we are tuned into the demand for sustainable products and we understand the importance of value – and of eye protection,” said Gross.
(Editor’s note: for a phone or in-person interview with Tibor Gross or Christina Joly, BCI’s Senior Category Manager, contact Martin Kleinman, Communications Strategies, LLC, 718.398.4009, .)
Contact:
Martin Kleinman/Tibor Gross
Communications Strategies/Barbara Creations, Inc.
718/398-4009 or 847/679-1012
or
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