ROANOKE TIMES 

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, May 27, 1990                   TAG: 9005250102
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: E3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: NEW YORK                                LENGTH: Short

ANOTHER BRIGHT YEAR FOR SUNGLASSES

Some 225 million pairs of fashion sunglasses were sold at retail last year for $1.7 billion, according to the Sunglass Association of America.

The group says sales topped $1 billion for the sixth straight year and increased from 189 million pairs worth $1.42 billion in 1988.

The latest figures, according to the organization's statistical committee, include for the first time about 10 million pairs of imported children's sunglasses.

The association, based in Norwalk, Conn., says sunglasses retailing for $30 or more accounted for nearly half the dollar sale. Introduction of rubber-frame sunglasses boosted sales in the low-priced category. - Associated Press 


 by CNB