Blenders Eyewear is owned by the global eyewear giant, Safilo Group. This Italian company bought Blenders in 2021, which is the key fact you need to know about who owns Blenders Eyewear today.
You might see their fun sunglasses everywhere. They are a big name in affordable, stylish shades. But the company behind them has changed hands.
I looked into the full story for you. It’s a classic tale of a small brand getting big. Then a bigger fish comes along to buy it.
This guide will walk you through the whole ownership timeline. You’ll learn about the founders, the buyout, and what it means for your sunglasses.
Who Owns Blenders Eyewear? The Simple Answer
Let’s get straight to the point. Who owns Blenders Eyewear right now? It’s Safilo Group.
Safilo is a huge company from Italy. They make and sell eyewear all over the world. They own many other brands you might know.
This buyout happened in the summer of 2021. It was a big deal in the eyewear world. The price was not shared with the public.
So when you ask who owns Blenders Eyewear, the answer is Safilo. They are the parent company calling the shots now.
But the story starts much earlier. It starts with two friends in California. They had a simple idea for cool, cheap sunglasses.
The Founders: Chase Fisher and Blake Jensen
Before we talk about who owns Blenders Eyewear now, let’s meet the creators. Chase Fisher and Blake Jensen started the company.
They were just regular guys in San Diego. They loved the beach and surfing culture. They wanted sunglasses that fit that life.
The key was keeping prices low. They sold directly to people online. This cut out the middleman stores.
They launched the brand back in 2012. It was just the two of them at first. They ran everything from a small apartment.
The brand grew fast through social media. They used fun videos and cool designs. People loved their fresh take on shades.
For almost a decade, the founders owned Blenders Eyewear. They built it from nothing into a major player.
Why Did Safilo Group Buy Blenders?
So why did Safilo want to know who owns Blenders Eyewear? They wanted to buy it. Big companies always look for growing brands.
Safilo saw a brand with a young, loyal crowd. Blenders was great at talking to people online. They sold tons of sunglasses every year.
Buying Blenders let Safilo reach new people. It added a fun, direct-to-customer brand to their list. Their other brands are often more traditional.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission tracks these big business deals. Large purchases like this are part of their records.
For Safilo, it was a smart move. They got a brand with great energy. They also got a strong online sales machine.
This is common in business. A small company does well. A big company buys it to grow faster. It’s the cycle of who owns Blenders Eyewear.
What is Safilo Group?
Now you know who owns Blenders Eyewear. But what is Safilo Group really? Let’s break it down.
Safilo is one of the world’s top eyewear companies. They are based in Padua, Italy. They have been around since 1934.
They don’t just own brands. They also make glasses for other famous names. This is called licensing.
They have a huge network of factories. They sell products in over 130 countries. That’s a massive global reach.
According to their official corporate website, they focus on quality and style. They blend Italian craft with modern business.
So Blenders is now part of a giant family. It sits next to other well-known eyewear labels. This gives it more resources and reach.
Does the Original Team Still Run Blenders?
A big question after a buyout is about control. Who owns Blenders Eyewear on paper is Safilo. But who runs it day-to-day?
Often, the founders stay for a while. They help with the change to the new owners. They know the brand best.
Chase Fisher, the co-founder, stayed on as a leader. He helps guide the brand’s vision. He works with the new Safilo team.
This is good for people who love Blenders. The soul of the brand can stay alive. The fun designs and vibe can continue.
But big decisions now go through Safilo. Things like big budgets or new market plans. The parent company has the final say.
So it’s a mix. The original spirit is there. But the wallet and some rules come from Italy now.
Other Brands Owned by Safilo Group
Knowing who owns Blenders Eyewear means seeing its new family. Safilo owns and makes glasses for many brands.
They own the famous Carrera brand. You know, those cool ski and sport sunglasses. They also own Polaroid eyewear.
They have license deals with big fashion houses. This means they make glasses for those brands. They handle design and production.
Some licensed brands include Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, and Kate Spade. They also have a deal with David Beckham.
You can see the full portfolio on the Safilo brand page. It’s a long list of famous names.
Blenders fits in as their fun, direct-to-you brand. It’s different from their luxury fashion licenses. That’s why the buy made sense.
How the Buyout Changed Blenders Eyewear
So what changed after we learned who owns Blenders Eyewear? Did the sunglasses get worse? Did prices go up?
From what I can see, not much changed for the customer. The styles are still fun and bold. The prices are still good.
You might see them in more stores now. Safilo has a huge distribution network. This gets Blenders in front of more eyes.
The quality might even get better. Safilo has decades of making great glasses. They can share that know-how.
But the heart of the brand seems intact. Their social media is still cool and young. Their website still feels like the old Blenders.
Sometimes a buyout can ruin a brand. This one seems to have gone well so far. The new owners are letting it be itself.
Why Ownership Matters to You as a Customer
You might wonder why you should care who owns Blenders Eyewear. You just want cool shades, right?
Ownership can affect product quality. A big company might cut corners to save money. Or they might improve things with better tech.
It can affect customer service. A small company might give personal help. A big one might have slower, scripted replies.
It can affect where you buy them. Blenders was online-only before. Now you might find them in department stores too.
The Federal Trade Commission watches for bad business practices. They make sure buyouts don’t hurt people like you.
Knowing who owns the brand helps you understand its values. Is it a giant corporation? Or is it a small team? This can guide your choice.
The Future of Blenders Under Safilo
What’s next now that we know who owns Blenders Eyewear? Where does the brand go from here?
Safilo will likely help Blenders grow globally. They can enter markets in Europe and Asia easier. They have the connections.
We might see new product lines. Maybe prescription glasses or more sports gear. Safilo has experience in these areas.
The brand could stick to its roots too. Staying a fun, affordable choice for young people. That’s what made it a target for buyout.
Only time will tell the full story. Big company ownership can be good or bad. It depends on how they handle the brand.
For now, Blenders seems to be doing well. They are still making waves in the sunglass world. The new owners haven’t messed it up.
Common Myths About Blenders Ownership
Let’s clear up some wrong ideas about who owns Blenders Eyewear. I’ve heard a few myths online.
Some think the founders still own it all. That’s not true since 2021. Safilo holds the ownership papers now.
Others think a big store like Target or Walmart owns them. Nope. It’s an Italian eyewear specialist company.
Another myth is that quality dropped after the sale. I haven’t seen proof of that. My recent pairs feel just as good.
People also worry prices will shoot up. They’ve stayed in the same range so far. Safilo might keep them low to attract more buyers.
It’s good to know the real facts. Don’t let rumors guide your choice. The truth about who owns Blenders Eyewear is simple.
How to Spot Official Blenders Products
Now that a big company owns Blenders, watch out for fakes. More popularity means more copycats.
Always buy from their official website or trusted stores. If a deal seems too good, it might be fake.
Check the packaging and logos. Real Blenders have clean printing and good quality cases. Fakes often look cheap.
Look for the Safilo connection on official info. The company details might mention Safilo Group S.p.A. now.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office lists their trademarks. This helps confirm real products.
Knowing who owns Blenders Eyewear helps you trust the real deal. You know a major company stands behind the product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Blenders Eyewear currently?
Safilo Group owns Blenders Eyewear. They are an Italian eyewear company. They bought the brand in 2021.
Did the founders of Blenders sell the company?
Yes, Chase Fisher and Blake Jensen sold the company. They sold it to Safilo Group. The sale happened in the middle of 2021.
Who owned Blenders Eyewear before Safilo?
The founders owned Blenders Eyewear before Safilo. Chase Fisher and Blake Jensen started it in 2012. They ran it as a private company for nine years.
Does Safilo own any other sunglasses brands?
Yes, Safilo owns and makes many brands. They own Carrera and Polaroid eyewear. They also make glasses for Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, and others.
Has Blenders Eyewear quality changed since the sale?
From user reviews, quality seems the same. The styles and prices are similar. The new owners have kept the brand’s core feel intact so far.
Where can I buy real Blenders sunglasses?
Buy from their official website or authorized retailers. Major online stores and some department stores carry them. Avoid unknown sellers with prices that seem too low.
Conclusion
So, who owns Blenders Eyewear? The clear answer is Safilo Group. This ends the search for the current owner.
The brand started with two friends in California. They built a fun, direct-to