top: W7713, bottom: W7716

LINES AND LAUNCHES
What�s New for Buyers
By Marcy Bruch
Photography by Peter Baker

In The Tradition of Utility
New York Eye Introduces Woolrich Eyewear

Established in 1830, Woolrich is one of the oldest American apparel companies in the United States. Known for producing wool shirts, breeches, jackets, and caps, the company�s heritage is rooted in manufacturing clothing that best fits the task of the trade. For example, during the 1890s, the railroad, logging, and trapping businesses all required specific clothing and Woolrich was there to provide it. Building on that principle, New York Eye, a division of Hart Specialties, has partnered with this apparel legend to launch Woolrich Eyewear. The ophthalmic line consists of 24 styles made of beta titanium, titanium, stainless steel, monel, and zyl. Double browbars and saddle bridges are some of the distinguishing characteristics of the collection. �The eyewear has an outdoorsy, rugged, and durable feeling to it, in keeping with the Woolrich, trademark,� says Arthur Jankolovits, president of New York Eye. Wholesale prices range from $39 to $59, and each frame comes with a hard case. Merchandising materials include a 15-place wood/tray box, nine-place display kit, pedestal display, eight-place rotating display, logo plaque, and banner. As an incentive, New York Eye is putting together an apparel reward program for participating dispensers. For more information, call 800-221-6966.

nj7501 & nj7500

Rainbow Effects
Nikon Launches Niji

Niji, the Japanese word for rainbow, is the name of Nikon�s newest eyewear collection of frames constructed with solderless titanium wire to make them feather light. Nikon utilizes its patent-pending system to create screwless, solderless joints that allows hinges to move fluidly on a pinion. Silicon nosepads snap into place so there are no loose or lost screws from hinges, nosepads, or closing blocks. Because the frames are made of pure wire titanium, they are 100 percent hypoallergenic.

There are four styles and eight color choices available within the collection. Frame colors reflect the various hues of the rainbow and include: Shimmering gold, cornflower blue, purple orchid, and multi-colored kaleidoscope. To allow consumers even greater latitude of creativity, bridge and temple colors can be mixed and matched for two-tone effects. All frames wholesale for $99.95. Sunglass clip-ons, featuring transparent lenses or polarized lenses with anti-reflective coatings are also available for $39.95. Eyecare professionals will receive a self-contained display unit when they place their first order. For more information, call 800-RX-NIKON

	UCB351(top) &  UCB343(bottom)

We Are The World
Altair Eyewear Presents United Colors of Benetton

For more than 35 years Benetton has offered vibrant-colored knitwear and casual clothing to a global clientele. The proof? There are 6,000 Benetton retail stores in 120 countries around the world. Now Altair Eyewear has partnered with Benetton to create the United Colors of Benetton ophthalmic collection. The line consists of 11 styles in shapes ranging from metal bowties, to cateyes to rectangles in laminated plastics. Colors reflect the brand�s wide spectrum of brightly-hued knits and run the gamut from cranberry and mint to antique bronze and cream. Frames wholesale from $42.95 to $48.95. �This brand is available exclusively to independent dispensers, and as part of the deal, we have a no-questions asked return policy, lifetime warranties, and zero back orders,� says Altair managing director Steve Wright. A 12-piece display kit, one and three-place displays, a mirror, and countercards are also available as supporting merchandise materials. The line is available to VSP practices exclusively. For more information call 800-505-5557.