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SUNGLASS HUT UNVEILS FLAGSHIP LOCATIONS IN NEW YORK AND LONDON

New York, 04.09.2010

New York (USA), 9 April 2010 – Sunglass Hut, the leading global sunglass retailer, opens two Flagship locations in New York and London, offering customers in both cities a new way to find their cool with the opening of the brand’s first ever flagship stores. The Sunglass Hut Flagship in New York is located on Fifth Avenue, the London Flagship on Oxford Street. Both stores open in the month of April.

These simultaneous openings in major cities mark an unprecedented commitment to the eyewear category. The flagship stores are part of Sunglass Hut’s strategy to build brand equity by increasing its presence in “gateway cities” – markets that are cutting edge of fashion and retail trends and are tourist centers catering to large, dynamic and diverse consumer population.

The Sunglass Hut flagship concept was inspired by the brand’s style savvy consumers, providing a fun, innovative experience that celebrates a love of fashion and shopping. With over 30 designer brands in today’s must-have shapes, such as aviator and cats eye, consumers will be able to reinvent themselves and convey a new look by simply wearing a new set of shades.

“People are familiar with Sunglass Hut, but the New York and London flagships provide an opportunity to make the brand a consumer destination that showcases sunglasses like no other retailer in the world,” said Fabio d’Angelantonio, Sunglass Hut CEO. He continues, “Sunglasses are starting to have their place in fashion, shown recently down major runway collections in New York, London, Paris, and Milan. The consumer is bored with bags and shoes, and is looking for what’s new, what’s next.”

The Sunglass Hut Fifth Avenue Flagship store is 6,000 square feet and spans two floors including a mezzanine level. The ground floor features displays that will showcase the latest sunglass collections from leading brands, while full-length oversized mirrors will allow consumers to try sunglasses on to complete their total look. The second floor, a dedicated VIP area, overlooks bustling Fifth Avenue, known for attracting global travelers and fashion focused consumers. A Sunglass Hut SocialSun station, the retailer’s proprietary interactive retail concept, will be a major feature.

The Oxford Street Flagship is 1,906 square feet and features a 975 square foot sales floor, in a prime location on London’s destination shopping street. The store design features large display walls and free standing units to showcase the latest collections from the leading designer brands, as well as a Sunglass Hut SocialSun station for an interactive experience. In addition to this there is a separate VIP lounge for private fittings and press appointments.

The flagship locations will feature an expanded brand assortment that truly reflects Sunglass Hut’s personality and editorial voice with a focus on Burberry, Bvlgari, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Persol, Prada, Tiffany & Co., and Versace. Consumers will also be able to find classic sunglass brands like Ray-Ban, and Oakley.The New York Flagship also carry newly launched brands such as Tory Burch and Stella McCartney. Special editions found only in this premier Sunglass Hut include Tom Ford and Badgley Mischka.

Sunglass Hut is one of the retail brands of Luxottica Group, the global leader in eyewear.

FLAGSHIP OVERVIEW

New York
Address: 605 Fifth Avenue
Telephone: 001 (212) 759 3720
Store hours: Monday to Saturday: 9 am - 9 pm
Sunday: 10 am - 7 pm
Square footage: 6,000 square feet
Sales floor space: 1,200 square feet
Website: www.sunglasshut.com
London
Address: 332 Oxford Street
Telephone: 00 44 (0)20 7290 1700
Store hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 am - 9 pm
Sunday: 10 am - 7 pm
Square footage: 1,906 square feet
Sales floor space: 975 square feet
Website: www.sunglasshut.co.uk