Barz Optics up for sale
by Kevin Barr 27 Feb 2024 05:30 UTC
Barz Optics © Barz Optics
After establishing Barz Optics 28 years ago, Kevin Barr has decided to sell the company. Health issues over the last two years have taken their toll so it's time to smell the flowers.
Kevin has been in the action sport industry for just over 50 years. Initially owing surf, sailboard and snow stores and later as the Queensland representative for companies like Oneill, Hot Buttered, Oakley, Arnette, Creatures of Leisure, Rheopaipo bodyboards and Freestyle watches.
In 1996 Barz Optics was established when Barr developed a sunglass / goggle for surfers and sailors to wear to inhibit the growth of Pterygium (a cataract type growth) where the eye is trying to protect itself from the elements such as UV, glare, spray and wind.
The product was released at the Action Sport Show in Long Beach California later that year. Initially we were approached by Arnette, Bolle, Tommy Hilfiger, H2Optics, Smith and Yamamoto Kogaku to licence the product for them to distribute under their brand. Arnette in particular tried to stall our release onto the market by dragging out at contract for six months and then cancelling so that we missed out first US summer.
In the late 90's Barz diversified by adding price point polarised sunglasses into their range.
From then Barz have sort niche areas in the sunglass market firstly with floating frames and then later with a range of exotic lenses including - polarised photochromic, polarised infused with melanin, polarised with small readers in their base and our award winning Polarised photochromic with readers fitted into a floating frame. Awarded the Australian Marine Industries 'Most Innovative Marine Export'. and also nominated for a prestigious DAME Award at METS Marine Industry trade Show.
Barz Over the last ten years have exported product to 32 countries and have also produced OEM product for major international companies.
1/3 of sales are export, 1/3 are wholesale to retailers and 1/3 are at retail through our showroom, on the web or at various events like Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
Barz sell products into the Marine, sail, surf, jet ski, sailboard, kite, fishing, optical and general sunglass markets.
For further information please contact Kevin on 0400 769559. See barzoptics.com for more information about the brand.