Loubsol Sunglasses 2024 Preview
Retail Buyers Guide: Sunglasses S/S 2024 Retail Buyer‘s Guide
Brand: Loubsol
Interviewee: Marketing
How was the sunglasses market overall in 2023?
We had pretty bad weather in our corner of Europe during spring and the beginning of summer so it didn’t start great for sunglasses market, but (at least for us) it quickly caught up after that. We are grateful to be less and less weather dependant as our sunglasses are more and more purchased after proper reflexion and research rather than on the spot as an afterthought. That helps smoothing out sales a lot.
What new trends have you seen for sunglasses in board sports for 2024?
More and more early 00s sport shapes, and full speed shapes still going strong.
What segment of your offering is selling best in 2024 so far?
Our full speed frames, as people love them both to wear during sports and as a fashion statement in the street.
Have you introduced any frame shapes and colours in your 2024 offer?
We introduced 2 kids speed shapes, because we realized a lot of our Plasma sunglasses were purchased for teenagers and we wanted to offer cool speed frames with an actual good fit for them and some extra toughness because, you know, kids break stuff. We also have a new versatile sport/lifestyle model called Onyx, which is a small version of a classic Loubsol frame (Daccan). In terms of colorways, we brought in more paint splatters, and more soft colours like lilac and sage.
Which lens technologies from your 2024 offer are most in demand?
Always our Apex Photochromic technology. We were the first ones to play with photochromic lenses on sport sunglasses back in the 70s, and that’s one aspect of the brand heritage we managed to keep alive permanently since. People are really associating our brand with this tech and that’s where we will always be expected. Also we love it.
Have you introduced any new lens colours and tints in your 2024 offering?
We introduced a lot of light blue mirrors for lenses, often as a part of our “Icefall”. In terms of tints, we have a new Roll with a nice green tint, it’s a colour we haven’t explored a lot in the past but it’s very nice to wear.
Any noteworthy sustainable practices in your production and shipping processes this year?
No major changes on this side this year, we managed to have zero plane shipments this season so far and hopefully we’ll manage to anticipate things enough to keep it this way.
What are your marketing stories?
The 2 kids speed models, we called them Revolt S (8 to 14yo) and Revolt XS (4 to 8yo).
How are you supporting retailers to sell this category?
These won’t need support, they are already selling like hot cakes.
Key Products:
Scalpel Air:
Our original Scalpels ended up on so many podiums the year we launched them that we decided to also make a minimalist version with no transversal frame. The result is lighter, even more comfortable sunglasses, with insane aerodynamics.
scalpel air party starter
Onyx:
Our new Onyx are based on the same rounded styling than our Daccan 2.0 model, with a smaller fit dedicated to women and teenagers. Just like the Daccan, they feature our super sticky Kraken Pads and a TR90 Ultraflex frame to be more robust and lightweight than ever.
onyx lilas
Revolt S:
We just got fed up with kids pulling tantrums in front of the Loubsol booth so their parents would get them Plasmas or Katanas which were too big for them. The Revolt S is our solution, with all the best from our Speed line but a fit dedicated to the 8 to 14 years old, and a soft and flexible frame for a maximum of comfort and strength.
revolt s icefall
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