- The growing Slovenian eyewear brand, Sossa Eyewear, aims to expand across the European Union in the coming years.
- The eyewear market has great potential due to people’s vision problems and the need for sun protection.
- Most eyewear brands are foreign, but there are opportunities in Slovenia with different designs.
Around 2.2 billion people globally have vision problems, including about 50,000 in Slovenia. Especially during the summer months, health experts from various fields recommend using sunglasses, alongside other protective measures. This creates plenty of opportunities for the development of both sunglasses and corrective eyewear markets.
Most eyewear brands sold in Slovenia are foreign. Among Slovenian brands, Sossa Eyewear, founded in 2019, stands out and is now available in eight countries: Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Italy, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania.
As the brand’s founder and CEO, Ali Kemal Sossa, told Bloomberg Adria TV, their goal is to expand sales to all EU countries in the coming years. Selling under the “Made in Slovenia” label is not a barrier, he adds.
Despite being a small player, revenues are rising sharply. Last year, they recorded €256,000 in revenue, a 52% increase compared to 2022. Their sales are based on partnerships with opticians. In Slovenia, they collaborate with about 150 out of 250 opticians, and in other countries with 50 to 80. Although Sossa started designing glasses just before the COVID-19 pandemic, sales have been growing annually between 50 and 90%, according to him.
The Importance of Design
“When we present ourselves as being from Slovenia, customers are initially cautious and curious but still give us a chance. In 99% of cases, they are surprised and respond positively. This is why we are expanding rapidly into many countries,” says Sossa.
He attributes their success to design. Sossa draws his inspiration from nature, which offers a full spectrum of colors. “In nature, we feel relaxed, and in such beautiful countries as Slovenia, we can take colors from nature.” This, he says, gives people the chance to stand out.
In his observation, most eyewear frames on the market are black, brown, or gray, but he aims to offer people the chance to express their personality through colorful frames.
A few years ago, wooden glasses were trendy, and according to Sossa, that hasn’t changed. However, wooden frames have evolved from being heavy, uncomfortable, and fragile to more durable and comfortable. Wooden frames are particularly popular in Austria and Germany.
Additionally, metal frames remain popular, and those made from acetate are increasingly in demand. “These materials allow us to create more colors. They’re also more durable, strong, and suitable for allergy sufferers,” Sossa explains.
The full interview can be seen in the attached video.
