New Balance has signed a three-year licensing agreement with Denver-based Mountain Shades Inc. for sunglasses.
As a result of the partnership, Mountain Shades will be responsible for developing the company's new line of running-specific sunglasses, New Balance Sun, in the U.S. market through 2013. Mountain Shades brings over 25 years of experience in the sunglass industry to the partnership, with both the Optic Nerve and M-Shades brands in their portfolio.
“Mountain Shades is a leader in the sport specialty sunglass category,” says John Cullen, general manager of global licensing and business development for New Balance. “Their expertise in designing and delivering high quality, value-driven eyewear for active individuals is the perfect fit for New Balance Sun.”
Mountain Shades' initial launch of sunglasses for New Balance will be comprised of five sport styles, including one dedicated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. New Balance will donate 5% of the suggested retail price to Komen for the Cure. Mountain Shades will continue to expand the collection over the duration of the contract.
“We are honored and excited to partner with New Balance to help them bring an innovative line of sunglasses to market that represents the quality they are renowned for,” says Mountain Shades, Inc. president, Bill Cotton.
The collection, available in spring 2011, will range in price from $69 to $89 and will be available online at www.shopnewbalance.com as well as specialty running and outdoor retailers and New Balance concept stores nationwide.
