Kids frames

[Ryan]

Just curious on what are you all's favorite kids frames. I am looking to add to my kids collections and am curious what are some good sellers in all price ranges. Thanks!!:)

[Jedi]

If I saw more kids I would bring in the Lafont kids collection. I think it's the best kids collection out there.

[Diane]

I think as each person discusses the kids frames that they would bring in, it would also be great to mention why a particular collection is suggested. Is it because the kids like it? If so, what makes it appeal to the kids? What do kids like, and why? Is it because the parents like it? If so, what makes it appeal to the parents? Is it because of the materials? Is it because of the warranty? Is it because of the marketing? Is it because of price points? I think you get my drift...

Marketing is an interesting subject for me. I always wonder why a particular product is recommended in a dispensary...and do we really know why???

Diane

[Eddie G's]

For kid's I like the GRANT frames because they are unique and they come in many colours. The parents like the shapes and the kids love the colours!

The other line that does well is the ROOTS KIDS line!
I think that's a Canadian thing thou?
It definitely sells because of the name!

Just curious, does anyone sell the ROOTS line outside of Canada???

[Jedi]

As far a the Lafont kids line, I feel that it has colors and shapes that appeal to kids. Having to wear glasses when your a kids is hard enough (socially), Lafont kids are "cool". Quality of product is the same you would find as Lafonts adult line.

[drk]

First, segment the kids market:
Ages 0-3: rarely need glasses, but go with Clearvision's Fisher-Price here. Fisher-Price has amazing durability and quality. These are baby frames. I special order these.

Ages 5-8 (K through 2): These are the young, colorful, cutesy frames. Go with Fisher-Price again. Very small sub-collection needed, as the prevalence is still low. Unisex, but different colors dictate gender. Please the parent, here. Parents will go with fun colors here.

Ages 8-12 (3rd through 6th grade): This is where it get's harder. Maturity rates on kids are variable. Girls will be girls, boys will be boys. Polo Prep has adult-like styling with fun colors. Newer styles are sturdy. Kid's Flexon. Nike has 2-3 good styles. Please the kid, here, not the parent. Kid's on the younger end of this category want color, but parent's generally don't. Nine West has a cute girls line, but the quality... Maybe the Lafont fits here.

Ages 12-18: not officially kids. (Tell that to their parents) "Tweenagers and teenagers". Difficult! Don't want to choose off the baby kids board! Want something cool and adult. Treat like adults. Maybe have a teenager section. Suprisingly conservative, in my experience, since suffer from severe peer pressure. (Oh, the agony of adolescence!) May want something that blends in, until they get to college and start "discovering themselves". Use lesser-priced adult frames here, from core collections, but still good as possible quality. More quality-conscious parents may spring for a Flexon/Nike or Modo.

Dr. K's do's and don'ts:

Do not go with any product that's standard nickel-silver, as it will bend and break. (LAB FRAME KIDS PACKAGE! Looney tunes, etc.)

Do not go with any inexpensive spring hinge, as you will be forever replacing temples. (LAB FRAME KIDS PACKAGE! Looney tunes, etc.)

Do go with memory metals. I've had success with Aspex's Easytwist, although the finish comes off rather quickly. Flexon kids are now made less expensively in China (but of course), but they have expanded the styles and sizes so that they are rather attractive to kids 8-12. X-games have been spotty in past, but have great market appeal to older boys and even tweeners, and have "been redesigned", or so I'm told.

Unfortunately, do not go with adidas. They are cool and quality of metal is good, but the nosepad arms break too easily. Silhouette should do something.

Do remember that age-groupings like above have to be applied with caution as kids can vary by up to 2 years ahead or behind the norm.


Hey, this is rather blase', but I look for durability first, style second. Ultimately, the busy parent will thank you. Cute glasses aren't so cute when they break!

[Johns]

Drk:

"Cute glasses aren't cute when they break."

I'm stealing that line to use in my office. That's a good one.


Our Kids:

Nike (Enough sizes to fit almost any childs)
Prava Dream Kids (Extremely durable/awesome colors shapes)
Bellagio's got some great styles the kid's beg their parents for!
Lafont is another "gotta have"

[drk]

Johns:
Prava? Bellagio? It sounds like the wine list at Olive Garden:cheers:

Where do you get these frame lines? Seriously, I'd like to see them.

[Johns]

Drk:

Bellagio is a line that is manufactured out of Japan, but is not real high priced. Some of their styles are similar to Mikli, but not as edgy. The smaller styles are great for high end kids.

Prava is a line that I've been carrying for over 15 years. They are our of NY, and manufactured in Korea. They were bought out about 5 years ago, and the new owners are really working had at getting trendy style out - so far it's worked.

I'm not at work, but if you want their #s, e-mail me and I'll get them for you.