Melon Sunglasses 2024 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Sunglasses S/S 2024 Retail Buyer‘s Guide
Brand: Melon
Interviewee: Head of Sales

How was the sunglasses market overall in 2023?
Lots happening again it seems! It looks like anything goes – there are fans of performance sports styles even in everyday lifestyle, juxtaposed by active users wearing flat acetate fashion pieces even on snow. So its all about doing your thing!

What new trends have you seen for sunglasses in board sports for 2024?
The old sidecups seems popular right now, not sure it will survive very long, but nice to see a new look. Photochromic lenses are certainly popular for us right now, whether it in Europe or in our island stores in Bali where they are flying out for those looking for an all day set of sunglasses to keep those pesky mosquitos out of the eyes on the post sunset drive home.

What segment of your offering is selling best in 2024 so far?
IRON MAIDEN! Up the Irons! We started a collab with the guys August 23, and even though it was late Summer, the sell through has been insane, and we could almost not keep up. So 2024 sees some design additions and new shapes in that line – cannot wait!
Also as mentioned above, the photochromic lenses are pumping!

Have you introduced any frame shapes and colours in your 2024 offer?
They are coming. We have 1 new performance shape dropping in May, one shape update and 2-3 new models dropping start of Summer. Being a more adhoc brand they are still cooking in the oven, but keep those eyes peeled – they are coming.

Which lens technologies from your 2024 offer are most in demand?
Photochromic lenses are doing great – so keep posted for some new colour chrome photochromic models coming soon too. This year will also see us release some hidden “breath” logo designs on lenses especially on special collab products – a bit of fun without hindering performance.

Have you introduced any new lens colours and tints in your 2024 offering?
All is new from us this Summer. We moved to a new manufacturing partner and are using some of the best lenses we have ever seen. So a freshen up of the line with some wonderful tech.

Any noteworthy sustainable practices in your production and shipping processes this year?
All of our sunglasses are now manufactured using only 100% recycled factory materials which not only mean they are recycled but we guarantee a high level of performance in the material too, unlike regular recycled material.

What are your marketing stories?
Of course IRON MAIDEN is a big one for us – it hits the nail on the head as a pan generational, and iconically visual band which everyone loves. We are having so much fun with Eddie, we hope the shops can have some of that fun too! So get your hands on some Eddies sunglasses, some instore POS and get that denim jacket on this Summer! Otherwise, a lot in the segment of MTB of course which is our Summer go to. So pushing out of the new performance model come May.

How are you supporting retailers to sell this category?
POS of course – Iron Maiden POS is on hand, desktop displays are a given and any shop wanting to do something bigger just has to ask. Given our strength in D2C and the NOS and custom nature of our business, it also means we can reduce risk for retailers – if some colours don’t work – just send them back, lets push what does – we can take it back and place back into D2C – no biggie.

Key Products:

LAYBACK – Iron Maiden Grey:
A classic shape with classic and subtle Iron Maiden band branding on a dark and stormy matte grey frame with black splatter effect. Made from recycled TR90 superflext frames, Polarised lenses for the perfect vision.

Layback Iron Maiden

ARCADE – Eddies Black:
For the ultimate Iron Maiden fan, with Eddies collage inner arm design and some subtle logo placement. Made from recycled TR90 superflext frames, Polarised lenses for the perfect vision.

Arcade Iron Maiden

KINGPIN – Iron Maiden Brimstone:
Iron Maiden for the sports freak. Our ulimtate performance model blending fit, lightweight and comfort. Now in a dark colourway with red splatter effect and subtle logo branding. Made from recycled TR90 superflext frames with Zeiss performance lenses.

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