Luxottica has sold the Bright Eyes sunglasses chain back to its former owners, Ralph Edwards and Geoff Harbert.
Edwards and Harbert were part of a local consortium that purchased Bright Eyes Sunglasses in 2000, growing it from 80 to 140 franchises over the following seven years to become Australia’s largest privately-owned retail sunglasses network.
In 2007 Bright Eyes was sold to Oakley, which subsequently came under the ownership of the world’s largest eyewear group, Luxottica, which has since operated Bright Eyes alongside Sunglass Hut, OPSM, Budget Eyewear, Laubman & Pank, and Just Specs.
Edwards and Harbert have negotiated an agreement with Luxottica to buy back the Bright Eyes franchised business, which now comprises 50 retail stores across Australia.
Under the agreement, Luxottica will continue to supply top end sunglasses fashion brands to Bright Eyes, including the likes of Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Coach and Versace.
Edwards said it was an exciting opportunity to once again own and run the Bright Eyes franchise business.
“Bright Eyes is a great business with a bright future and there has not been a day that we have not regretted selling it,” he said.
“Geoff and I are very passionate about the business. We have been a winning combination before and have joined forces to do it again.
“We will be working closely with the Bright Eyes Franchise Partners to drive the business forward, strengthen the brand and maximise its market presence and growth potential.”
