Business news : Oakley to Make MLB-Themed Apparel and Accessories

Oakley, Inc., an official MLB Authentic Collection eyewear licensee, has signed a license agreement with Major League Baseball Properties to manufacture and market Oakley performance and lifestyle apparel and accessories. This marks the first apparel and accessories agreement between Oakley and MLB Properties.

The initial offering features the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and New York Yankees themed t-shirts, polo shirts, sweatshirts, headwear, wallets, backpacks and duffel bags, mobile phone and tablet cases, lanyards and more. The apparel and accessories are co-branded and feature designs that fit the Oakley aesthetic.

“We are proud to open a new chapter in our rich history with Major League Baseball Properties,” said Oakley Chief Merchandising Officer, Raphael Peck. “Uncompromising standards must be met to be granted the status of MLB products, and we are honored to be recognized for unrivaled innovation in both performance and style.”

“Oakley is the leader in the eyewear category and extraordinarily popular with players and fans alike,” said Howard Smith, Senior Vice President, Licensing, Major League Baseball. “We are excited to grow from eyewear to apparel and accessories. Our new agreement with Oakley highlights our commitment to offer our fans eyewear and apparel that is on the cutting edge of technology.”

On the east coast, customers can purchase products at the Yankees Team Stores and the Oakley shop location near section 135 within Yankee Stadium. On the west coast, the products will be sold directly to customers through the Oakley store in Angels Stadium.

The Oakley store in Angels Stadium is the company’s first stand-alone shop under the new agreement and will be open for all home games. This 1,000-square-foot boutique includes a custom eyewear bar where visitors can build sunglasses from more than 28 frames and 20 lens tints. Caps, tees and hoodies are accented with graphics that celebrate America’s favorite pastime and salute the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim with unique Oakley art, as are polos that feature the company’s proprietary performance fabrics including O Hydrolix™ that offers best-in-class moisture management.

Professional and amateur athletes depend on Oakley eyewear for the best impact protection and visual clarity that science can provide. On the current Angels’ roster, players who rely on Oakley eyewear include infielder Howie Kendrick and outfielder Mark Trumbo.  For the Yankees, Ichiro Suzuki and Vernon Wells put their trust in the benefits of Oakley optical innovation. Athletes and fans can enjoy the same level of performance and protection, and can even have the logo of their favorite team laser etched at the corner of the lens through select stores and the Oakley Custom website.

Source Oakley through SportsOneSource