Ombraz, the manufacturer of armless sunglasses, announced that it has partnered with Jeff Weathersbee and Paul Jordan from The Summit Group to expand its retail footprint in the Southeast. Independent reps Joey Benaron and Eric Adams will spearhead retail expansion in the Southwest.
The company plans to expand its representation in other U.S. regions; internationally, it aims to expand its business in Japan while exploring distribution opportunities in Canada.
“Our focus this year has been on building relationships with independent specialty shops that align with our mission of sustainability and quality,” said Nikolai Paloni, co-founder at Ombraz. “These retail partners have been instrumental in connecting Ombraz with people who value gear that solves problems and is built to last. As we expand, we remain committed to staying true to our roots by prioritizing trendsetting specialty retailers.”
Ombraz’s retail footprint includes independent surf and bike shops, outdoor retailers, and direct-to-consumers.
In October 2024, Ombraz hired Samantha Putošová as supply chain and operations manager. She brings over seven years of experience in scaling operations for startups, including farm-to-table spice company Curio Spice and her plastic-free cosmetics business, Bee Balm Company. Her expertise spans wholesale account management, sustainability initiatives and operational efficiency.
In her new role, Putošová will focus on optimizing supply chain processes, improving demand planning and supporting strategic product development to continue Ombraz’s retail growth.
Image courtesy Ombraz
