PADUA, Italy—Safilo Group has signed an agreement for the acquisition of a minority stake in Spaarkly, a digitally native company that specializes in developing innovative e-commerce solutions using augmented reality technologies. Safilo’s collaboration with Spaarkly began in December 2022, when Safilo launched Polaroid’s “Instant Try-on” experience, which allows users to virtually and instantly try on the new Polaroid collection by scanning a QR code. Since then, Safilo has been using Spaarkly’s ARshades, a complete suite of software and services for virtual eyewear try-on to enhance Polaroid and Carrera’s e-commerce websites.

Angelo Trocchia, Safilo Group CEO, said, “We are proud to strengthen our partnership with Sparkly, an innovative start-up specialized in augmented reality and the development of solutions for e-commerce. This partnership aims to leverage Spaarkly’s capabilities, bringing to the market increasingly advanced AR solutions and other disruptive, cutting edge products.

"In line with our digital transformation strategy we want to keep looking for ‘sparkling’ solutions, which can enhance and support the development of our DTC and BTB channels, offering final consumers and clients alike new shopping experiences and selling opportunities,” Trocchia said.