Summary: Although kids’ sunglasses are often viewed as little more than a fashion accessory, they truly are a necessity for protecting young eyes. Your customers’ kids need high-quality sunglasses this summer – and every season thereafter.
Summer is approaching fast. Parents across the country have their checklists ready: sunscreen, hats, beach towels, and reusable water bottles just waiting to be filled. Yet there is one item that gets relegated to the accessory bin far too often: sunglasses. Truth be told, sunglasses are as much a necessity for kids as they are for adults.
The fashion industry looks to children’s sunglasses as a cute aesthetic accessory. They tend to push sunglasses from the angle of getting that fun photo op on the beach. But the biological reality of growing eyes and the impact of the sun on them is far more serious. That’s why we invest time and effort in maintaining a good inventory of kids’ wholesale sunglasses.
As a retailer, it is important for you to understand the ‘why’ behind sunglasses for kids. Understanding how to protect their eyes is the key to moving your kid-focused inventory. By educating your customers on the health benefits that come with quality eyewear, you can change the mindset so that kids’ sunglasses are not just an impulse buy for a good photo op. They become a must-have item parents actually think about purchasing.
Young Eyes Are More Vulnerable
We generally accept the fact that children’s bodies need additional protection while they are still growing. That’s why parents tend to opt for safety helmets. They want more vulnerable heads protected just in case there’s an accident on a bike or skateboard. Why are the eyes any different? They aren’t.
Half of the total lifetime UV exposure our eyes sustain occurs before age 18. This isn’t just because children spend more time outdoors, although they actually do. It is also because of biology. The structure of a child’s eye makes it more susceptible:
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Crystalline Lens – One of the jobs of the lens is to filter out UV radiation. While the lens of the adult eye is perfectly capable of doing so, that’s not the case for infants and young children. Their much clearer lenses allow a lot more UV radiation to reach the back of the eye.
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The Pupils – The pupils are the gateway through which light and radiation enter the eye. Generally speaking, children have larger pupils than adults. So without adequate protection, their pupils are absorbing more solar radiation every hour they are outdoors.
Protecting young eyes while they are still young reduces the risk of damage later on. Things like macular degeneration and cataracts are still possible, but their chances are reduced when young eyes are protected against UV radiation and direct sunlight.
It’s Not All Super Serious
While our focus with kids’ wholesale sunglasses revolves around the need for eye protection, not all your marketing has to be super serious. You can talk about lifestyle considerations. You can even have a little fun. Whatever it takes to get kids’ wholesale sunglasses into the hands of their parents is on the table.
From a lifestyle angle, think about positioning kids’ sunglasses as a tool worthy of year-round consideration. This will help drive sales throughout the year. Consider these two examples:
1. A Squint-Free Summer
Summer activities are all about getting out there and enjoying the sun. From boating to sports and lazy days at the beach, bright sunshine also means glare. So market with this in mind.
Glare causes photo stress, leading to headaches and fatigue. The last thing parents need are worn out kids complaining that their heads hurt. You can offer to protect that summer lifestyle with a nice selection of wholesale sunglasses for kids.
2. The Shoulder Seasons
Spring and fall are sometimes referred to as ‘shoulder seasons’ thanks to lower sun angles that expose the shoulders to more sunlight than the head. The lower angles can mean more blinding sun when kids are walking to and from school or taking part in extracurricular activities.
You can market shoulder season by promoting aviator style or sports sunglasses made just for kids. They offer a great look while simultaneously providing the protection kids need.
Durability Still Matters
While you are pitching fun and seasonal lifestyles, remember that parents are also concerned about quality. Durability still matters, even though the sunglasses they purchase for kids will never be worn on their own faces. Think of it this way: a parent browsing a rack of kids’ sunglasses in your shop is looking for eye protection, durability, and style.
The durability aspect is important because parents expect a new pair of kids’ sunglasses to last a while. If a pair breaks the first day a child has them, the parent considers the investment a waste. Style is important because kids will not willingly wear sunglasses they think are ugly or uncool.
Give your customers sunglasses that can withstand a kid’s rough nature. Our kids’ collection has durability built in thanks to polycarbonate lenses and flexible frames. Consider brands like X-Loop and Khan to nail the cool factor.
One last thing to consider is comfort. A pair of uncomfortable sunglasses will not get worn. So look for models offering soft-touch finishes, rubberized ear grips, and lightweight frames. Also consider stocking a variety of frame sizes to ensure a perfect fit for every kid.
Curate Your Collection to Trends
Sunglasses are trendy in general. But with kids’ wholesale sunglasses, you are looking at a slightly different animal. No parent expects a pair of kids’ sunglasses to make it for 5 years. Even if a pair survives, a child grows so fast that they need a new pair every year or so. With that in mind, keep an eye on the latest trends and maintain your stock accordingly.
The kid’s category is one of the most reliable for high-volume sales. Kids lose things. They break things. So once parents are on board with the idea that sunglasses are a necessity, they make sure their kids always have a pair to wear. Make it your job to be their supplier. We’ll cover your back with a strong inventory of kids’ wholesale sunglasses.
FAQs
At what age should a child start wearing sunglasses?
The general rule is 6 months of age. It can be hard to find sunglasses small enough to fit a baby of that age, so make sure you are stocked accordingly.
Do kids need polarized sunglasses?
Polarization has nothing to do with UV protection. But it is still a good idea for highly active kids who might be prone to accidents because of sun glare.
Do kids need UV400 protection?
A UV400 rating is the gold standard because it dictates that a pair of sunglasses blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Why would a parent not want that level of protection?
Should I recommend polycarbonate lenses to parents?
Yes. Polycarbonate is the standard for children’s lenses because it is virtually shatterproof. It’s also more impact-resistant than other lens materials.
Should I recommend darker lenses?
If the goal is strictly UV protection, lens darkness is a non-factor. But if parents are concerned about direct sunlight and its ability to cause fatigue and headaches, darker lenses are appropriate.
