Arnette's Parent Company, Luxottica, Sees Strong Growth In Net Sales for 2Q 2008

Surfeyes.com: The Board of Directors of Luxottica Group, a global leader in the design, manufacturing and distribution of premium fashion and luxury eyewear, convened today in Agordo by chairman Leonardo Del Vecchio, approved financial results for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2008.

Andrea Guerra, chief executive officer of Luxottica Group, commented: “This year our Group is facing two significant challenges: the further significant devaluation in the U.S. currency against the Euro, which has reached approximately 13% year-to-date, and a slowdown in the global economy, particularly in North America.

We have been taking steps to proactively tackle the second challenge, including significant transactions such as the merger with Oakley. In fact, we are already seeing the benefits of these actions: for the quarter, consolidated sales at constant exchange rates rose by 12.6%, while net income5 in U.S. dollars rose by 8%. This resulted in an outstanding net income margin for the quarter of nearly 10%.

“Final results for the second quarter confirmed that we are on track to meet the previously announced financial outlook for the full year. For this, I am especially proud of our entire organization because, while the first half of this year was clearly challenging, the true strength and resilience of our business model was reflected in our ability to withstand and to quickly and efficiently react to the difficult market conditions that we faced in the period.

Additionally, phase one of the Oakley integration is now nearly complete within only seven months of the merger and the business is already positively contributing to overall results.

“I am very pleased with our underlying performance for the quarter in North America, where pro forma sales were flat. Our results were well above those of the overall market and key peers. The initiatives taken to bring costs in line with the current environment have made our overall business model in the North American market more sound for the longer term. And, profitability has already improved significantly from the first quarter of this year.

“Total wholesale sales for the quarter, including Oakley, rose year-over-year by 21.2%, reflecting the 13th consecutive quarter of double-digit growth. Within this business, we continued to see positive performances, especially in North America, and achieved overall satisfactory results in continental Europe and emerging markets, while seeing a slowdown in southern Europe and Japan.

At the same time, we believe we are extremely well positioned to tackle the challenges ahead due to: a truly global presence; the ability to forge even closer relationships with key clients; the investments made over the past few years in an ever-stronger and increasingly effective organization; and, the strongest and most well-balanced brand portfolio in the industry.

Additionally, following several years of continued strong growth in manufacturing capacity to manage demand, today we are able to realize efficiencies and increasing quality levels within our manufacturing operations.”

In terms of brands, both Ray-Ban and Oakley posted another strong quarter, while luxury brands showed some signs of weakness as a result of the overall challenging environment. In particular, Ray-Ban continued to grow due, in part, to the strength of the Wayfarer, which is now the second best-selling model worldwide.

Oakley, on the other hand, was outstanding across all regions, due, in part, to strong performances by its athletes and anticipation of the brand’s expected strong visibility at the upcoming Olympics in Beijing. The merger with Oakley is one of the most important developments in our business of recent years.

Only twelve months after the announcement of the transaction, the new journey on which the Group has embarked continues to make significant progress: the integration of the European portion of the Oakley business was completed as of the end of the second quarter; the new teams are already on the ground and making a difference;

The sports channel is ready; the new emerging markets structure is up and running; the focus within retail has been on cross-selling opportunities at LensCrafters and Sunglass Hut and the integration of Oakley’s retail chains Sunglass Icon and Bright Eyes into Luxottica’s existing retail structure. Finally, most other phase one projects, including sourcing and sun lens strategy, have either been completed or are nearing completion.

Management now expects that one-time charges in connection with the merger with Oakley will be a total of €20 million, compared with the previously expected €25 million, resulting in a slightly lower impact of these charges on the second half of this year.

Luxottica Group’s consolidated net debt3 on June 30, 2008, was €2,839.7 million, reflecting a consolidated net debt to pro forma EBITDA ratio(3) of 2.6x. Free cash flow generation for the quarter was again particularly positive, further underlining the strength of our business model.

Today the Group’s Board of Directors also approved the Company’s financial results for the six-month period ended June 30, 2008 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

- Surfeyes.com

Over Rx, OveRx, Fitovers...These Sunglasses are Here to Stay!


No matter what you call them Over Rx, OveRx, Fitovers these unique and useful sunglasses fill a valuable nitch in the eyewear market and are here to stay! The key feature that makes these types of frames so popular is the ability to be worn over you existing Rx or Prescription eyewear, providing you with 100% UVA and UVB protection in tinted Polarized or regular lenses!

Originally developed down under in Australia over a decade ago to combat the ruthless Australian outback sun. This effective, comfortable, affordable, sunglass has a revolutionary innovative wrap around styling that has quickly caught on.

At Surfeyes we sell Coocon's OveRx Sunglasses because of their great price, awesome quality and Life Time Warranty. Features that can not be beat in Fitovers Eyewear!

Cocoons OveRx™ is the science of engineering performance sunglasses that deliver unparalleled protection. All Cocoons OveRx models can be worn over prescription eyewear or as conventional sunglasses.

Cocoons feature OveRx design principals, meaning that the sunglasses will fit comfortably and deliver advanced UV protection when worn over your everyday prescription eyewear or alone as regular sunglasses.

Creating a sunglass that can be worn comfortably over prescription eyewear is a little more complicated than designing a regular sunglass. How the frame fits, what it looks like, what it can comfortably fit over, the weight, performance and the feel all have to be considered.

Fit is a big concern among users of over Rx eyewear, that is why Surfeyes and Cocoons eyewear have made available this easy to use OveRx Sunglass Fit Guide with complete instructions on choosing the right Over Rx sunglasses to fit you prescription eyewear.

Once you understand what size you need you can order your Cocoons OverRx Sunglasses at Surfeyes.com


http://www.surfeyes.com/acatalog/Cocoons_Sunglasses.html

- Surfeyes.com

Arnette Surge Sunglasses: 4097 - Now Instock!


The newest model from Arnette Optics is the Arnette Surge 4097 Sunglasses. This bold new design is in stock and smoking hot. This is a solid contender for Arnette Girls frame of the year.

The Arnette Surge 4097 Sunglasses is working. this hot frame from Arnette optics has all the cool features you need to quiet the non believers. With a big full wrap frame sporting 3D Arnette logos on the Arms the Arnette Surge continues the put down with wide view 100% UVA and UVB lenses for your protection.

Don't believe the liberal press...the Arnette Surge 4097 Sunglasses is working to spread peace and liberty around the world!

You can Buy the Arnette Surge Sunglasses online at www.Surfeyes.com

You can Buy genuine OEM sunglass parts for the Arnette 4097 sunglasses also on line at www.Surfeyes.com

- Surfeyes.com

Spy Dirty Mo Sunglasses - Takes the Checkered Flag in Sunglass Sales!

Dirty Mo Sunglasses - Dale Jr's Signature Model are blowing doors off the competition in sales of Spy Sunglasses. Since appearing on the scene less than 2 weeks ago as an early release of a 2009 Spy Optics Signature sunglass model, the Dirty Mo has been tearing up the sales floor just like Dale Jr at a NASCAR Winston Cup Race!

"We were the first to sell the Spy Dirty Mo in the USA, says Chris Riehl product manager at eyewear and sunglass superstore www.Surfeyes.com, and the DMP signature frame has been selling like hot cakes since the day it arrived. With no end in sight! It just gores to show you how loyal race car fans are a what a marketing machine Dale Earnhardt Jr continues to be, plus it is such a cool frame!"

The Dirty Mo Sunglasses come in three color ways, each with an option for Regular or Polarized Lenses and right now supplies are just Ok, with stock left in each, but that is sure to change by the end of the month.

You can Buy the Spy Dirty Dirty Mo Sunglasses online at Surfeyes.com.

- Surfeyes.com

Arnette The Anti 4109 Sunglasses the Opposite of Everything you Hate!



Arnette The Anti Sunglasses: Arnette has recently unleashed a storm of new sunglass frames and the Arnette model "The Anti " is the latest gem to roll out of the factory in Italy.

The brand new Arnette model, The Anti Sunglasses are just what the anarchist in you is looking for! If you find it hard to follow the pack and tend to strike out on your own regardless of what you friends and family say then the new Arnette model The Anti Sunglasses will be your constant sidekick! These truly unique sunglass frames from Arnette Optics are cutting edge with their cool boxy frame wide lenses and comfortable arms with 3D Arnette A-wings embossed in the sides.

The Arnette The Anti Sunglasses are eyewear you can count on as you stear your own course in life!

Need your own pair of 4109's... Buy Arnette The Anti Sunglasses at Surfeyes.com

- Surfeyes.com

Arnette Slander 4108 Sunglasses Bad Mouthing Eyewear Everywhere!



The new Arnette Slander Sunglass model is new on the scene and talking trash on all the other optics. If you feel the need to walk the walk the Arnette Slander Eyewear has got your back.

Have you seen the Arnette Slander 4108 model sunglasses? If you are tired of disputing all the trash talk about you or your reputation is in the crapper...stop fighting it and instead wear like the badass badge it is and the new Arnette Slander Sunglasses are just the thing you need to throw it back in their faces. The cool Arnette Slander has a sweet lens shape, never seen before, combined with sharp stylish angles, embossed Arnette A-wing logos on comfortable temples.

The Arnette Slander Sunglasses are you best defense from a bad reputation...even if its true anyway!

You can buy the Arnette Slander Sunglasses online at Surfeyes.com

- Surfeyes.com

Arnette Shuffle 3054 Sunglasses Debut in America at Surfeyes.com

The Arnette Shuffle Sunglasses is a new model from Arnette and you are getting your first look at it right here at Surfeyes.com

The all New Arnette Shuffle 3054 Sunglasses and cool and different! Tired of the same old same old, then get yourself the Arnette Shuffle Sunglasses and start your game with a whole new hand. The Shuffle sports sweet rimless 1pc shield lenses with an independent noes bridge and tapered arms for comfortable all day wear.

The Arnette Shuffle 3054 Sunglasses will be the best hand you have been delt in a long time!

Click Here to Buy the Arnette Shuffle Sunglasses on line at Surfeyes.com

- Surfeyes.com

Arnette Stomp 4110 Sunglasses Breaking all the Rules!



Arnette Stomp Sunglasses: As the leaders in action sports eyewear Surfeyes.com is once more the first to offer the Arnette Stomp Sunglasses!

The brand new Arnette Stomp 4110 model sunglasses are breaking down doors! These ground breaking sunglass frames from Arnette Optics are leading action sports fashion in a whole new direction. Featuring big lens coverage with stylish temples and unique molded contours that are sure to set this from apart from all eyewear.

The Arnette Stomp Sunglasses are like the reverse of your Dads mullet... All party up front and business down the back.

You can Buy the Arnette Stomp Sunglasses online at Surfeyes.com.

- Surfeyes.com

Cocoons Eyewear Chooses Surfeyes.com as its Premier Online Retailer!

Today the Cocoons Eyewear Brand has joined forces with online eyewear giant Surfeyes.com. Surfeyes is the leading factory authorized retailer of brand name eyewear and the Cocoons brand is a perfect fit for our active customer.

Cocoons Unique eyewear products are designed to fit over your prescription glasses and provide you with 100UVA and UVB protection while you are wearing your stock Rx frames! Cocoons® completely isolate your eyes from the elements with 360° of Advanced UV Protection®. Five patented styles deliver crystal clear polarized protection, allowing your eyes to remain relaxed and focused on the task at hand. With models engineered to be worn over prescription eyewear and as conventional sunglasses, nothing protects your vision better than a pair of Cocoons. Scratch resistant, unbreakable and precision engineered with a lifetime warranty.

About Cocoons: Cocoons patented specialty sunwear is specifically designed for those that wear corrective eyewear. Cocoons patented sunglasses, clip-ons and even their economic flip-ups quickly and conveniently transform your existing prescription eyewear into polarized sunglasses, providing instant protection from the elements and improved visual performance

You can now buy Cocoons Over Rx Sunglasses online at Surfeyes.com

- Surfeyes.com

Spy Dirty Mo Sunglasses - Dale Earnhardt Jr's Sunglasses!



Surfeyes.com is once again the first in the world to offer the Spy Dirty Mo Sunglass model by Spy Optics. This is the brand new signature sunglasses endorsed by Dale Earnhardt Jr himself and is also his signature sunglass frame.

Dale has been a big fan of Spy Optics ever since we reported on him hooking up our military boys with 70 pair of the new Spy Logan Sunglasses. (read full article here) Since that time Dale has been working with Spy Optics on the Dirty Mo Sunglass model and here we are today as the first place you can get your own pair of #88's signature shades.

Spy's Dirty Mo Sunglasses are the new signature frame from Dale Earnhardt Jr and Spy Optics. This bad ass frame is the official gear of the DMP (Dirty Mo Posse) and is endorsed by number 88 himself. This flat out hot rod of a sunglass has an injection molded frame and double barrel hinges and polarized and regular lens choices so you can stay out on the track longer.

If your down with the DMP get yourself the Spy Dirty Mo Sunglasses and remember... SHAKE AND BAKE BABBY!

Check out Dales webiste..

If your a big fan of Dale and you wanna support the Dirty Mo Posse you can order your own Spy Dirty Mo Sunglasses online at Surfeyes.com

- Surfeyes.com

Smith Embargo Sunglasses On Sale at Surfeyes.com



Ketchum, ID: As the sun climbs higher above the horizon and the water warms at the beach, Smith Optics is breaking the stranglehold at the port of fashion, introducing the all new Embargo. This spring comes a piece which represents the perfect blend of men’s sport and fashion design by the revolutionaries at Smith. Bold lens profiles coupled with subtle but distinct surfacing details make the Embargo a modern, clean, tough looking sunglass- something every guy wants.

Constructed from durable and comfortable Grilamid TR90 nylon, the Embargo is sculpted to fit a wide range of face and head sizes with immaculate comfort. Backing their reputation as the finest quality eyewear purveyors in the world, Smith has utilized 8 base Carbonic lenses with their reputed TLT™ (Tapered Lens Technology) Optics which ensure distortion-free vision through a precise thinning of the lens from the center to the edges in order to allow light to pass into the eye in perfect focus.

Available this spring in Black with Polarized Gray lenses ($119), Tortoise with Polarized Brown ($119), Chemical Strip with Polarized Brown ($119), Black with Gray lenses ($90), and Cash Blue with Brown lenses ($90) the Embargo beckons you to forget the noise and step into something fresh, new, and clean.

As with all Smith products the Embargo is backed by with a true Lifetime Warranty.

You can Buy the Smith Embargo Sunglasses online at Surfeyes.com

- Surfeyes.com

Smith Embargo Sunglasses!
The Embargo sunglasses, from Smith optics, is the perfect blend of men’s sport and fashion design. A strong sunglass lens profile coupled with subtle but distinct surfacing creates a modern, clean, tough looking sunglass - something every cool guy wants. Constructed from Smith Optic's durable and comfortable to wear Grilamid TR90, each sunglass frame represents the finest in quality. When matched with our precision TLT Optics, the decision is easy when shopping for new shades.

The Embargo Smith Sunglasses are all good with none of the bad!

Ref: Smith Media
Ref: Smith Embargo Sunglass Press Release PDF

Smith Optics Chooses Surfeyes.com as its Premier E-Retailer!




Smith Joins Surfeyes.com: Smith optics has selected Surfeyes.com as the premier E-Retailer for Smith's high quality line of sunglasses and goggles. Surfeyes is honored to be, again, chosen to represent and retail the best brands for eyewear and optics on the internet As leaders in customer service, brand selection and as a factory authorized repair and replacement center, Surfeyes promises to apply the same level of care and customer attention that we have built our reputation on and are thrilled to do that for Smith Optics. In coming days you will see the Surfeyes.com website expand to offer the complete line of Smith Sunglasses, a Smith Rx Eyewear Department and the addition of original OEM parts for Smith Optics in our sunglass parts department!

About Smith Optics:
Based in Sun Valley, Idaho, Smith Optics, Inc. was founded in 1965 with the creation of the first-ever sports goggle featuring a sealed thermal lens and breathable vent foam. In the early years, founder Dr. Bob Smith, an orthodontist by trade, made goggles by hand using dental tools, foam and glue. Before he struck a deal for manufacturing of Smith goggles in the late 60's, Smith would often trade his ski goggle creations for lift tickets at local ski resorts. These early prototypes were usually manufactured by Dr. Smith and friends around the kitchen table.

Today, Smith Optics has become synonymous with innovative, durable, top-quality products in the eyewear and goggle market. The company is also recognized for its unparalleled team roster, which boasts some of the top names in biking, motocross, skiing, snowboarding, surfing, skateboarding and wakeboarding. Like many other companies, Smith sunglasses utilizes team input as a key element of new product introductions.

Click here to visit the catalog portion of Surfeyes.com where you can Buy Smith Sunglasses, Rx service and Replacement parts.

- Surfeyes.com

THE NEXT GENERATION OF SURFERS: SPOTLIGHT ON RISING SUPERSTAR KANOA IGARASHI




As told by Spy Optic Surf Segment Manager John Oda

Things have changed since I was a kid. With computer technology, internet access, high tech video games, and high-def TV, more kids have a fast-paced super-complex lifestyle. There is a new breed of superstardom within the growing sphere of action sports. The Tony Hawks and Kelly Slaters of the future are constantly emerging.

“Who is the next great one?” seems to be a common question of every young generation. It's like a feeding frenzy, a growing epidemic. Kids are different today because they are more driven than before as now fame and success are more exposed than ever.

Who doesn't want to be a superstar? We all have dreamt about it but now it's more available and even more youthful than ever.

I have been fortunate enough to see the growth of Clay Marzo, John John Florence, Luke Davis and many others on the Spy Optic surf team. Many say that the parents are pushing their kids too fast and too much, that they're being "soccer parents" and living vicariously through their kids. In my experience, if there is a wrong or something to blame it's the competitive times we live in. These kids want for themsleves it badly.

Now emerges another and even younger generation of groms. The one I have my eye on is Kanoa Igarashi. He's a second-generation Japanese transplant who resides in Huntington Beach, California. Ten-year old Kanoa stands about four and a half feet tall. He is a driven young grom with a great personality who has the passion and motivation for success. Kanoa goes to school like most kids, but goes above and beyond by attending Japanese school as well. He is bilingual, and keeps his Japanese roots alive by attending the extra schooling. After all his classes, he surfs and competes in contests. He loves contests and loves competing more than anything. I followed Kanoa around on a pretty typical weekend to see what he does and how he creates his own formula for success:

Saturday May 31, 2008
Rip Curl Grom Search.
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA

Kanoa is the reigning champion at this event. He won the twelve and under age division at only nine years old in 2007.

The Igarashi's leave home at 5am to get the contest early so that Kanoa can free surf before his heat to feel out the conditions in Pacific Beach. They have a two hour drive to get to the contest site.

The surf is at best three feet on the face and weak in power. Kanoa breezes through his early heats making it easily into the finals of the twelve and under division. With the tide dropping, the waves get inconsistent for the final. Kanoa gets one decent wave but fails to find another good backup and falls short of a repeat, getting 4th place in the 12 and under division. From the start of his day, thirteen hours later he's home in bed resting for his next contest the following day.

Sunday June 1, 2008
Big Day Out presented by Jack's and Oakley
9th street Huntington Beach CA

It’s another early morning for the Igarashi family. They arrive at the beach at 6am to sign up and get in a free surf to warm up before heats. Kanoa's on another good run, making two finals for this event (Mini Groms 10 and under and the Boys 14 and under divisions).

His first final is the Mini grom division, where one of the finalists that Kanoa has to surf against is his five year old brother Keanu. In this division, most of the kids can barely surf or even make it to the outside where the waves are breaking. It's not that the other kids in that division are bad; it's just that Kanoa is that good. Kanoa wins without any problems at all.

The next division is going to be harder for him. It's the Boys division (14-year-olds and under). Kanoa finds a couple of waves that break from the outside and rips his way into the shore break, winning that division. Not a bad day for him with two finals and two wins. He leaves with more prizes than any kid would ever know what to do with.

This is typical weekend for Kanoa Igarashi and many other surfer groms that have this level of drive. This is their joy not their sacrifice. This is their lifestyle and their playground built by ambitious kids who are destined for success.

JO: Do you really like doing this many contests? Why?
KI: Yeah. I like doing them to see how good I can do. It's so fun!

JO: So if you lose or didn’t win, would you want to do as many contests as you are doing now?
KI: Heck no. (laughter) If I surf well and don't win it's OK because I was happy with the way I surfed and that's all the matters to me. I only get mad when I don't surf well.

JO: So what are you going to do now that this contest is over? Are going to surf again today?
KI: No. I want to invite my friend to eat dinner with me at Wahoo's or California Pizza Kitchen and go to bed early and get ready for tomorrow. Where should I eat?

JO: What’s going on tomorrow? What are you planning to do next week?
KI: I am going to Lowers after school to meet my coach to surf and train for the NSSA Nationals. I really want to do well at that contest. It would be nice to get good results there because it's a contest with all the best kids from the US and Hawaii. I also want to do the HB Surf series next weekend.

JO: Any last words before we part ways?
KI: When do I get to meet Dean Morrison? (laughter)

JO: I admire these groms who are on the path of fulfilling their dreams. Who can blame them? What would you rather do; surf all day or sit behind a desk and have someone boss you around all the time? How about even worse, wondering if you could have ever succeeded in what you had once desired and daydreaming of what it would have been like if you had only tried?

It's not ours to stop them from trying or to tell them it's not right to do this because we did not have that desire or opportunity for ourselves. It's our job to help them be all they can be, to encourage them, to guide them, to slow them down at times and to teach them that it is a long distance race not a sprint. Remind them to enjoy it all—the wins, the successes and to learn from the losses and short comings. It all can be fun with the right mindset and we can learn from them as well.

- Surfeyes.com

The LOCS OG Ice Sunglasses Get Jumped in at Surfeyes.com



Surfeyes Locs Gang News: The brand new The LOCS OG Ice Sunglasses are the newest member of the Surfeyes selection of genuine Locs sunglasses. These tigh frames are scrappy but can take a beating as the OG Ice demonstare3d when he was jumped in to the Locs eyewear pages at Surfeyes.

The Locs OG Ice sunglass model is the low key salute to Baby G. If you walk the walk, got the dress code down and just need the shades then the Locs OG Ice sunglasses is as old school gangsta as you can get. Some Talk It - Some Live It - if your the later then you need to get yourself some Locs OG Ice Sunglasses!

You can be the first on your block to buy a pair of the Loc OG Ice Sun Glasses...

- Surfeyes.com