Costa sunglasses are designed for those who live to be on the water. Whether fishing, boating, or enjoying any other water-based activity, Costa has a pair of sunglasses that will help you see what’s going on around you.
Before purchasing Costa glasses you may wonder, where Costa sunglasses are actually made.
Costa makes all of its sunglasses in numerous countries including US. Generally, they make all Costa Lenses in the United States. Costa Sunglasses are assembled in France, Japan, Italy, China, Taiwan, and Mauritius.
Though Costa makes its Stylish glasses in many countries, all repair operations are done across the United States.
Consequently, the major production and repair section of Costa sunglasses is located in the United States.
Who started Costa sunglasses?
Ray Ferguson started Costa sunglasses.
In 1983, Ray Ferguson founded Costa Sunglasses in Daytona Beach with high standards. Being the official gear of Stars & Stripes, Costa Sunglasses gained enormous popularity within three years.
Initially, Costa Sunglasses sponsored the 1987 video game, California Games. Consequently, this brand became more popular among teenagers.
At the beginning of Costa Sunglasses, it was tough for Ferguson to lead the sunglass market. He followed numerous marketing strategies to bring Costa’s peak position.
Today, Costa has become one of the most innovative and widely used Sunglasses in the market. Credit goes to its innovative technology which perfectly works to protect your eyes.
Each year, Costa makes more than $100 million selling its stylish glasses.
Related Read: Where Are Zenni Glasses Made
Are Costa sunglasses made in China?
After manufacturing Costa polarized lenses in the United States, the manufacturer assembles these stylish sunglasses in China. Costa manufactures frames in four major countries including China.
These four major countries are:
- China
- Japan
- Taiwan
- Mauritius
Costa frames have hydrolytic rubber on the temples.
But, the unique Costa polarized lenses are manufactured in the United States. Appling unique techniques, Costa produces UV-protected polarized lenses.
Costa assembles its sunglasses in many countries. From China, they supply all Costa sunglasses in Asian countries. Hence, they manufacture Costa frames in China and attach these frames with polarized lenses here in China.
Are Costa sunglasses made in Italy?
According to the manufacturer of Costa sunglasses, they assemble Costa polarized lenses with frames in Italy. The Costa manufacturer doesn’t manufacture its lenses or frames in Italy.
Costa is an American manufacturer of polarized sunglasses. Luxottica manufactures all Costa eyewear.
The manufacturing unit of Costa Sunglasses has confirmed that all of its polarized lenses are made in the United States. After manufacturing, they assemble their frames with lenses in the below countries:
- France
- Japan
- Taiwan
- China
- Mauritius
- Italy
In China, Costa manufactures its frames. But, in Italy, they neither manufacture its frames nor polarized lenses.
The below sunglasses brands make their frames in Italy:
- Persol
- Roberto Cavalli
- Prada
- Dolce & Gabbana
Though Costa is now owned by an Italian company, they don’t manufacture its lenses or frames in Italy.
Are Costa sunglasses made by Oakley?
Oakley is the sister company of Costa Sunglasses. Both Oakley and Costa are owned by the Italian company, Luxottica.
In the spring of 2020, Luxottica purchased Costa Sunglasses. This Italian eyewear corporation also owns Ray-Ban, LensCrafters, and Oakley.
Today, the Luxottica Group makes both Oakley and Costa sunglasses. Both Oakley and Costa were American brands. After Luxottica’s acquisition, these brands no longer remained American ones.
However, Luxottica group makes both Oakley and Costa sunglasses. But it doesn’t mean that Oakley makes Costa sunglasses.
Did Oakley buy out Costa?
No, Oakley didn’t buy out Costa. Rather, Luxottica Group bought both Costa and Oakley sunglasses. Oakley is just the sister company of Costa Sunglasses.
In June 2007, Luxottica purchased the American sunglass brand Oakley. Thirteen years later, they bought another American sunglass brand, Costa.
Luxottica currently makes more than 9 billion Euros from its subsidiaries. Have a look at the subsidiaries of Luxottica:
- Ray-Ban
- Persol
- Oakley
- Costa
- Pearle Vision
- Onesight
- LensCrafters
Both Costa and Oakley are now subsidiaries of Luxottica. Oakley doesn’t have ownership of Costa Sunglasses.
Who owns Costa Sunglasses now?
Luxottica Group owns Costa Sunglasses now. In spring 2020, they purchased this American sunglass brand.
Before Luxottica’s acquisition, a French company called Essilor owned Costa. Later, Luxottica bought Costa for $270 million.
Essilor sold Costa to Luxottica to strengthen Luxottica’s profile from product innovation to manufacturing to supply chain and so on.
Analyzing the sunglasses market, you will find most Sunglasses brands are owned by Luxottica. This Italian giant is leading the sunglass market around the world.
Is Costa sunglasses going out of business?
Yes, Costa is no longer manufactured by its traditional craftsmen. Rather, the Italian giant company, Luxottica makes all Costa glasses. Luxottica is now running the Cost Sunglasses business.
Costa has manufactured its lenses for four decades. Before Luxottica, a French company purchased Costa for a handsome amount.
The French company manufactured Costa Sunglasses for six years. In 2020, Luxottica bought Costa from Essilor.
Costa itself has gone out of business. Today, Italian giant, Luxottica, operates the Costa Sunglasses business.
Wrap Up
Costa is a renowned brand for its innovative polarized lenses and durable frames. They ensure quality sunglasses by gathering suitable materials from suitable countries.
Sources
- https://www.luxottica.com/en/eyewear-brands/costa — Costa to Luxottica.
- https://jingsourcing.com/p/b16-sunglasses-manufacturers-italy/ — Sunglasses manufacturers in Italy.
