Company information
About us…
Welcome to Sunglass Hut Europe, part of the Luxottica Group which also includes LensCrafters,
Eyemed and Pearle Vision. We’re the market leaders in the optical industry
– Luxottica Group, is the world’s leading designer, manufacturer and
distributor of prescription frames and sunglasses in the premium and luxury segments.
Its distribution network covers all of the world’s key markets both wholesale
and retail.
In the retail business, the Group enjoys the largest and most efficient network
in the industry, with approximately 5,500 sun and optical stores worldwide –
in fact we’re quickly evolving into a powerhouse within the retail industry.
Each company within the Luxottica Group family has its own rich history, culture,
benefits and training programmes, and each one is vital to our thriving growth.
The Sunglass Hut chain is synonymous with style and innovation in the eyewear market.
It has a very dynamic image, a very wide customer base, and well-distributed sales
points. Sunglass Hut is recognised as a front runner in specialty niche retailing
with over 1500 Sunglass Hut locations across the globe. Located in a wide variety
of high traffic shopping and tourist destinations, Sunglass Hut stores offer consumers
the latest branded and luxury products at competitive prices along with outstanding
customer service.
Our History…
Sunglass Hut Europe began retailing in the UK, in May 1993, with the first store
opening in the Departure Lounge at Terminal 3, Heathrow Airport, the largest Airport
in Europe followed by a unit at Gatwick Airport in the Landside area of the South
Terminal.
Prior to Christmas 1993 a store was opened at the main UK shopping destination of
Oxford Street. Followed, in 1994, with further stores opening at Heathrow and Gatwick
Airports and in Manchester, Watford and Dudley. During this period Sunglass Hut
acquired an American Sunglass retailer, Sunshade Optique, who operated a number
of units across the UK, two of which are retained today - North Terminal Landside,
Gatwick Airport and the other in Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock.
In 1995 Sunglass Hut started an expansion programme in Europe opening stores in
Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
At the end of 1996 Sunglass Hut Europe had in the region of 150 shops.
A restructuring programme took place in 1997 and a number of stores were closed
to concentrate on activities in Belgium, France, Holland, Ireland, Portugal, Spain
and the UK. As a trial, Europe converted a number of stores to “combi’s”
incorporating Watch Station. This proved successful and as a result the vast majority
of shops changed to this format.
New store openings in recent years in the UK have included Liverpool, Norwich and
Cheltenham. International openings include Prague and Vienna.
Present Day…
The group is now the market leader in terms of its brand portfolio. The Luxottica
group owns 8 house brands including Ray-Ban, the world’s best known prescription
and sun brand as well as Arnette, Persol, Revo and Vogue.
In addition Luxottica licences a further 18 brands including Bvlgari, Chanel, Dolce&Gabbana,
Donna Karan, Prada and Versace. New brands are constantly being added to the portfolio,
most recently Burberry in December 2006 and Polo Ralph Lauren in early 2007.
With regard to Sunglass Hut stores, in spring 2007, we will open a flagship store
to promote the worldwide launch of the new Sunglass Hut brand. This promises to
be the perfect vehicle to showcase our luxury brands, expert service and fashion
oriented teams.
But don’t take our word for it – visit a Sunglass Hut today and let
us help you find your cool.