Reports Says Sunglasses Are the New Jewelry

“Aspirational shoppers” fueling sales growth.

“Middle-class shoppers are increasingly turning to sunglasses to upgrade their style for less,” according to a CBNC report, “snatching up multiple pairs at higher prices to fill a space in their armoires that handbags and jewelry have long dominated.”
Revenue from women’s sunglasses rose 9 percent in 2013, outpacing the 4 percent increase posted by women’s apparel, says the report. “A big driving force in sunglasses comes from so-called aspirational shoppers, who despite coveting designer goods, don’t have the income to be a true luxury consumer.
Whereas a Gucci handbag typically sells for more than $1,000, many of the brand’s sunglasses go for about $300—a discount, relatively speaking.”

Read more and see images at CNBC