LVMH Acquires Luxury Eyewear Brand Barton Perreira Amid Luxury Sector Slowdown
LVMH's eyewear division, Thelios, targets the rapidly growing designer sunglasses market and entry-level consumers with acquisition of Irvine-based Barton Perreira, marking its second significant purchase in two months.
- LVMH's eyewear division Thelios acquires luxury eyewear brand Barton Perreira for an undisclosed sum, marking its second significant purchase in two months after the acquisition of French Alpine brand Vuarnet.
- Despite the global slowdown in the luxury business, LVMH is focusing on the rapidly growing eyewear market as an accessible luxury item appealing to wider audiences and younger consumers.
- Barton Perreira, known for its high-end sunglasses and frames, which are manufactured in Japan, commands a cult-like following among Hollywood stars and collectors of luxury eyewear.
- LVMH plans to expand Barton Perreira's reach beyond its established US market to Europe and Asia, leveraging its extensive global retail network.
- The acquisition of Barton Perreira aligns with LVMH's long-term ambitions to expand its presence in the luxury eyewear industry, which is expected to grow from $161.61 billion in 2023 to $246.47 billion by 2030.