Columbia Sportswear sunglasses have been available in Europe so far only through optical retail stores and a few Columbia mono-brand shops. Polaroid Eyewear, a division of the international StyleMark group, has developed a specific line of Columbia Sportswear sunglasses for European department stores, sunglass stores, sporting goods stores and specialty outdoor stores for the coming winter season. The collection is divided into two segments: a premium collection retailing for up to €60 a pair, with sunglasses offered in a special case with an integrated carabiner that will allow customers to attach them to their backpacks; and a more affordable line of non-polarized sunglasses starting at €30 a pair. The line is being marketed under a unique sub-licensing deal with L’Amy, which has held the Columbia eyewear license for the past seven years. The 200-year-old French L’Amy group will continue to handle sales to opticians in Europe (more in EyeWear Intelligence).
