WATKINSVILLE, Ga. (January 2, 2013) – 2013 is a big year for Tifosi. Back on April 8, 2003, the very first sunglass order was shipped from Tifosi headquarters in Watkinsville, GA to Liberty Bicycles in Asheville, NC. Still based in Watkinsville, Tifosi has since grown into a global sport optics company; designing, manufacturing, and distributing to over 5000 retailers in more than 38 countries.
Tifosi Optics, Inc. was formed after co-founders Joe and Elizabeth Earley identified a need for a high quality, value-oriented eyewear brand in the cycling industry. Originally looking for an additional line to sell, Joe, an independent sales rep, noticed that existing sports eyewear brands fell into two categories: limited features and a low price, or fully-loaded features and technology with a high price tag. Opportunity! Joe saw a need in the market for a sunglass brand that would suit the needs of both small and large retailers from a turns & margin standpoint, and would also provide value to consumers looking for high-quality sports optics.
By April 2003, Tifosi had grown from concept to company with the Earleys, one full-time account manager and a small outside sales force. On April 8, 2003, the first order was shipped from Tifosi’s headquarters in Watkinsville, Ga. Within 10 years, the Tifosi product offering has expanded from 21 styles to over 200. The Tifosi golf collection features technologically advanced features such as lenses to help track a ball in flight and to read the greens. Comfort features include hydrophilic rubber nose pieces and temples that remain slip-resistant even under sweaty conditions. Tifosi eyewear is available in a wide variety of styles, including interchangeable lens models, Fototec light-adjusting lenses, single lens styles, and polarized models.
From the beginning, Tifosi’s growth plan is centered around three main components: continue to produce proprietary designs with quality optics, maintain a high level of customer service through a dedicated inside account management team and become the first choice for retailers looking for an eyewear brand with fast turns and aggressive margins.
To celebrate the anniversary, lucky customers attending the PGA Merchandise Show will receive a limited edition 10 Year Anniversary pair of Tifosi Duro sunglasses*, in corporate colors, Silver and Blue.
Tifosi backs its products with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defect. Tifosi sunglasses are sold at over 5,000 retail and e-tail locations in over 38 countries. Visit www.tifosioptics.com for more information.
*while supplies last. One pair per retail location.
Contact:
Erin Dahlquist, Director of Marketing
(706) 995-8007
erin@tifosioptics.com
