FGXI Brands Among Most Searched on AOL

 

Smithfield, RI (May 8, 2009):  FGX International (NASDAQ: FGXI), a leading eyewear designer and marketer, announced two of its reading glasses brands landed high on an AOL Hot Searches list for designer eyeglasses.  Foster Grant, ranked #3, and Magnivision, ranked #8, are favorites among AOL users searching for eyewear.

The search was featured on the AOL homepage, which ranked as the 11th largest site on the Internet within the US according to web metrics site, Quantcast.com. Magnivision and Foster Grant are the only brands in the over-the-counter reading glasses market actively advertising, and together combine to account for over 60% of market share in the popular-priced segment.  

“We were thrilled to see two of our brands on the top of an AOL search list,” said Richard Kornhauser, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer of FGX International. “Our high rankings are a testament not only to Foster Grant’s and Magnivision’s reputation as stylish and reliable brands, but to the renewed focus we have placed on advertising the brands and educating the consumers about the efficacy of our prescription-quality reading glasses.”

“As we all grow older, our eyes begin to lose their elasticity,” said Dr. Ernest Sutcliffe, Ophthalmologist. “Aging consumers are faced with weakening eyesight and the question of how to tackle that issue.  Regular eye check-ups are necessary to determine personal eye health, but for many, simple over-the-counter reading glasses may be the solution.  Both Foster Grant and Magnivision are reliable, safe, and more affordable alternatives to more expensive, prescription reading glasses.”

Foster Grant and Magnivision offer hundreds of fashionable styles, all at affordable prices.  Both brands retail their reading glasses at under $30, a price point consumers seek out more than ever in today’s economic downturn.  “People are beginning to realize they can get the same quality at under $30 that they would get by spending $150 on prescription reading glasses,” said FGX International CEO Alec Taylor.  “Our advertising is delivering this message to millions of consumers, and this report tells us they are listening, and seeking us out more than ever.”

In February 2009, Hollywood legend, Raquel Welch began starring in a national television advertising campaign for the Foster Grant Reading Glasses collection.  Welch’s history with the company dates back to the 1960’s when she was the face behind the Foster Grant Sunglasses in the iconic, “Who’s That Behind Those Foster Grants?” ads. 

Magnivision launched a national television campaign in February 2009, delivering a message that consumers can trust their vision to Magnivision reading glasses.  Dr. Sutcliffe appears in the ads, reinforcing the brand’s positioning of providing prescription quality reading glasses, without a prescription.

 

About FGX International

FGX International is a leading designer and marketer of non-prescription reading glasses and sunglasses with a portfolio of established, well-recognized brands including Foster Grant, Magnivision, Anarchy, Angel, Gargoyles, Solar Shields and PolarEyes.  FGXI also holds licenses from Ironman, Levi Strauss Signature, Field & Stream, Body Glove and C9 by Champion. Based in Smithfield, Rhode Island, FGXI has approximately 500 full-time employees.  Additional offices are located in New York, San Luis Obispo, Toronto, Stoke-on-Trent, England, Mexico City, Bentonville, AR and Shenzhen, China.

For additional information contact:

Sal Siano

Phone: (401) 719-2160

E-mail: ssiano@fgxi.com