THE MAGAZINE FOR EYECARE PROFESSIONALS

August 2015 | Digital Magazine

IN FOCUS: CANADIAN BUSINESS

PROFILES OF EXCELLENCE

IssueNO:2

FASHIONABLE FAVOURITES

WHO'S WHO IN CANADA

OGI: ALWAYS IN STYLE

4 Eye Focus | August 2015

Founded more than 50 years ago, WestGroupe is one of the longest serving eyewear companies in Canada. Divided into three divisions Western, Wescan and WestGroupe USA, the company has reached in-ternational status with a reputation for unique designs and selection.

"We are proud of our Canadianidentity and the fact that we have been able to thrive in an industry with so many large international competitors and that our customersshare in the pride of our Canadianand international success," said Michael Suliteanu, President of WestGroupe.

Offering several brand options including value brands such as Superflex, Bertelli and Izumi along side designer brands such as Spy and Perry Ellis, WestGroupe has always offered an eyewear solution for any wearer.

"From the inception of our company 54 years ago, WestGroupe has always focused on producing and distributing products that resonate with Canadians. Being Canadian gives us insight into our domestic market, both from a retailer and consumer perspective, that foreigncompanies selling into Canada might not appreciate,” added Beverly Suliteanu, Vice President of Product Development.

In an industry where buyouts and acquisitions have seen many ‘independent’ operations disappear, WestGroupe has held strong and built the brand including adding several international premium brands such as KLIIK Denmark, FYSH UK and EVATIK.

"We have always created products that we felt would resonate withthe Canadian consumer,” she said. “Even when we started selling our brands in the U.S. and Europe, our styling always focused on satisfying the Canadian marketplace as we found what sold well in Canada translated well internationally.”

>> www.westgroupe.com

WH0'S WHOIN CANADA

_By Sarah McGoldrick_

I N F L U E N C I N G THE CANADIAN MARKET

CANADA IS HOME TO SOME OF THE MOST INNOVATIVE AND STYLISH

EYEWEAR COMPANIES IN THE WORLD. WE LOOK AT SOME OF THE INDUSTRY

LEADERS AND TRENDSETTERS WHO OFFER THEIR THOUGHTS ON DOING

BUSINESS IN THE CANADIAN EYEWEAR MARKET.

WESTGROUPE

WestGroupe carries the sizzle beyond summer with fall and winter “go-to” eyewear looks that marry form and function. Whether for kids going back to school or professionals transitioning from vacation to work, this season WestGroupe continues its tradition of helping consumers adapt to change.

KLiiK denmark is a millennial perennial, offering a contemporary collection that’s perfectly suited to the hashtag nation. Image-conscious customers in the know appreciate the scandinavian aesthetic of clean, streamlined design that helps them make their own personal statement with a novel palette including such expressive hues as Magenta Tortoise and Aubergine Tan.

The KLiiK visual identity is reflected in stainless full rim styles, as well as classic brand treatments featuring rectangular-shaped acetates. For a fanciful option, consider model K-540, with sleek colors including Black Tribal, Tortoise Tribal, Purple Tribal and Grape Tribal.

Superflex offers durable yet fashionable eyewear that’s accessible to every member of the family. This season, going back to school doesn’t have to mean leaving style at home. Superflex Kids focuses attention on making the younger set feel comfortable in their own skin, with eyewear that’s at once fun and on trend for indoor and outdoor activities. Now, kids of any age can be the star of their own show with options like girls model SFK-144, showcasing vibrant color combinations of Purple Orange Red, Red Orange Purple and Black Pink Lime.

Once again, EVATIK is synonymous with dashing chic and edgy masculinity – an essential part of every man’s day-to-day dapper l ifestyle. EVATIK eyewear captures the essence of cool, combining lightweight materials and bold architecture. For the ultimate in sophistication, see model E-9109 in acetate, available in a rich palate of Black, Tortoise and Havana Black.

Confident women who sport a dare to be different att itude turn to FYSH UK , whose designs run the gamut from ultral ight to more robust eyewear crafted from acetate, stainless steel and combinations of the two. For an easy transit ion from work wear to an evening on the town, see model F-3537 a classic metal frame with colorful temples, in a selection of Black, Brown, Purple and Teal .

Keep ing i t coo l fo r fa l l /w in te r 2015

Trending now:• A modified retro look in earth tones, in a nod to the Mad Men era • Classic, timeless shapes re-invigorated with dense shades of blue and green such as teal and aqua, in solids and gradientsra• Minimalistic, clean lines, capturing the elegance and refinement of today’s discerning customer

Fo r mo re i n fo rmat ion on the f r ames contac t 1-855-455-0042 or visit www.westgroupe.com.

west g roupe .com / / / #F4YF

WestGroupe carries the sizzle beyond summer with fall and winter “go-to” eyewear looks that marry form and function. Whether for kids going back to school or professionals transitioning from vacation to work, this season WestGroupe continues its tradition of helping consumers adapt to change.

KLiiK denmark is a millennial perennial, offering a contemporary collection that’s perfectly suited to the hashtag nation. Image-conscious customers in the know appreciate the scandinavian aesthetic of clean, streamlined design that helps them make their own personal statement with a novel palette including such expressive hues as Magenta Tortoise and Aubergine Tan.

The KLiiK visual identity is reflected in stainless full rim styles, as well as classic brand treatments featuring rectangular-shaped acetates. For a fanciful option, consider model K-540, with sleek colors including Black Tribal, Tortoise Tribal, Purple Tribal and Grape Tribal.

Superflex offers durable yet fashionable eyewear that’s accessible to every member of the family. This season, going back to school doesn’t have to mean leaving style at home. Superflex Kids focuses attention on making the younger set feel comfortable in their own skin, with eyewear that’s at once fun and on trend for indoor and outdoor activities. Now, kids of any age can be the star of their own show with options like girls model SFK-144, showcasing vibrant color combinations of Purple Orange Red, Red Orange Purple and Black Pink Lime.

Once again, EVATIK is synonymous with dashing chic and edgy masculinity – an essential part of every man’s day-to-day dapper l ifestyle. EVATIK eyewear captures the essence of cool, combining lightweight materials and bold architecture. For the ultimate in sophistication, see model E-9109 in acetate, available in a rich palate of Black, Tortoise and Havana Black.

Confident women who sport a dare to be different att itude turn to FYSH UK , whose designs run the gamut from ultral ight to more robust eyewear crafted from acetate, stainless steel and combinations of the two. For an easy transit ion from work wear to an evening on the town, see model F-3537 a classic metal frame with colorful temples, in a selection of Black, Brown, Purple and Teal .

Keep ing i t coo l fo r fa l l /w in te r 2015

Trending now:• A modified retro look in earth tones, in a nod to the Mad Men era • Classic, timeless shapes re-invigorated with dense shades of blue and green such as teal and aqua, in solids and gradientsra• Minimalistic, clean lines, capturing the elegance and refinement of today’s discerning customer

Fo r mo re i n fo rmat ion on the f r ames contac t 1-855-455-0042 or visit www.westgroupe.com.

west g roupe .com / / / #F4YF

WESTGROUPE SHARES TIPS FOR KEEPING IT COOL FOR FALL WINTER 2015

SFK 144-2

KLIIK 540-735

FYSH 3537-642

FYSH 3537-644

EVATIK 9109-716