The UK market for sunglasses, excluding prescription and tax-free sales, is estimated to be worth £180 million in 2000. Growth has been primarily fuelled by the accelerating trend towards the adoption of sunglasses as a style or fashion accessory, stimulated by continuing growth in the number of fashion labels in the market which give a higher profile to sunglasses in general. The use of sunglasses as an accessory not only stimulates frequency of purchase, but also helps trading up to higher price levels and brands. Also growing is the awareness of sunglasses' contribution to eye health, with a wider appreciation of the potential risks of radiation, but has this last factor been maximised in manufacturer marketing? The sunglasses market is highly fragmented in terms of supply, supporting a small number of larger players plus a very large number of smaller concerns. With the consumer often prepared to spend more on the right product, what opportunities are there for smaller brands?

· With fashion and designer labels of great importance to younger buyers, is the weather still a key factor?

· Have the health benefits of wearing sunglasses been properly exploited in marketing terms?

· Can health and fashion be used in the same sentence when purchasing sunglasses?

This report examines the market for complete pairs of sunglasses (excluding prescription and tax-free products). In the face of a more active and competitive market with a growing number of brands, is the market heading towards consolidation and lateral growth? Will there be further friction at the budget end of the market as the average price continues to rise? Is the demand for sunglasses in the UK still somewhat subject to domestic weather conditions? Sunglasses surveys consumer attitudes and looks ahead to the market of the future.

Other Mintel reports of relevance include:

- Optical Goods and Eyecare, Market Intelligence, April 1999

- Opticians, Retail Intelligence, December 1999.