By Deirdre Carroll: Senior Editor

 
SYOSSET, N.Y.—Eyewear Designs Ltd. has launched the initial Hello Kitty Eyewear collection under their distribution deal with Sanrio Co. just in time for the back-to-school season.

 
 
“The Hello Kitty brand is extremely popular and has an incredibly loyal fan base,” said Andrea Gluck, co-president of Eyewear Designs. “We believe that the collection will appeal to girls who appreciate Hello Kitty while ensuring their parents that they are purchasing quality eyewear from a brand they can trust.”

The popular Hello Kitty character first appeared in Japan in 1974 and made its debut in the U.S. in 1976.

The Hello Kitty brand now sees annual revenue surpassing $1 billion. Hello Kitty kids products range from purses, stickers and pen sets to toasters, televisions, apparel and computer equipment and accessories. The brand is aimed at pre‐adolescent girls, however, Hello Kitty is extremely popular with people of all ages.

The initial eyewear collection features six styles, three metals and three plastics, which are available in three colors each. Each frame features the adorable Hello Kitty branding and logo treatments that have made the brand so popular with girls.

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dcarroll@jobson.com