(PRESS RELEASE) MINNEAPOLIS — The Optical Foundry announces the addition of Article One to its already diverse portfolio of independent eyewear brands which include: l.a.Eyeworks, Fiction, OGI, OGI Kids, Seraphin, Seraphin Shimmer, Red Rose and SCOJO New York.
Launched in 2016, Article One is an independent eyewear brand founded by Wes Stoody. Article One produces purpose-driven products with complete brand transparency, spotlighting the hands that craft its frames. They are proponents of supporting independent optical practices, giving back to its community and innovating with thoughtful designs. The care put into each frame results in quality you can feel.
“I am extremely excited for Article One to be joining The Optical Foundry,” said Stoody. “I have looked up to the team at OGI Eyewear and l.a.Eyeworks for a long time and cannot wait to continue building Article One with such talented people. The Optical Foundry is the perfect home for Article One as we share a similar ethos centered on independence and craftsmanship and believe in providing the best service possible to our independent optical partners.”
“We couldn’t have asked for a better new member of the Optical Foundry, said Rob Rich, CEO of The Optical Foundry. “Wes has done a great job of building the Article One brand with its unique voice in the market and we are looking forward to working with him as he continues to be the creative force behind Article One. We are excited about Article One enhancing our position and our reputation in the optical community as a great asset for the independent three O’s. Our mission at The Optical Foundry is to be a valued partner with a portfolio of brands that cater to the independents. We only succeed when they succeed.”
The Optical Foundry formed in 2019 with a specific goal: create a platform to house a diverse portfolio of independent optical brands that could be relied upon as a trusted partner for the independent three O’s (Opticians, Optometrists, and Ophthalmologists). The concept would allow this group to adequately fill the dispensaries with a broad portfolio of products that meet many needs.