Oakley Sunglasses

[Rick Walmsley]

Hi all

Would like your advice on the best place to purchase Oakley sunglasses.

Staying at HIFS for first part of the holiday.

Thanks

Rick

 

[Olaf]

Are they that much cheaper here? I purchased a pair for DH at Christmas time and spent about $200. That was at our local outlet mall.

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

I'm a bit of an addict when it comes to Oakley sungalsses (four pairs already plus skiing goggles, and I'm tempted by some of their new range). Unfortunately Oakley do not let any of their retailers discount from the Recommended Price, so there is little point in shopping around. I've found they are slightly cheaper n the US, but not by a huge amount. There is an Oakley shop in Islands of Adenture, and if you have an annual pass you are entitled to 10% discount - I think this is the only place I've seen any price reductions on Oakleys other than end of line discounting.

Regards

Rob

 

[jjcollins]

Ever thought of Bloc Eyewear -- i use my Hawkeye pair every day on the boat ( a bargin at £25 ) http://www.bloceyewear.com/

jj.......

 

[Goofyish]

I'm with JJ here - don't see the point in paying hundreds of $$$ for a pair of sunglasses! Especially when they probably end up covered in sun block, sand, aftersun cream, mucky water ride water and then sat on in the car!

My last pair cost £10 from Boots in 1997 and are still holding out. I will be investing a new pair before our August trip though.

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

JJ and Tim are being sensible - there's no need to pay the silly money that Oakley charge. I'm not one to worry about my sense of fashion, but for some reason I have a real weakness when it comes to Oakley shades. I just can't help myself! It's annoying that there doesn't seem to be any competition between Oakley retailers, but c'est la vie...

Regards

Rob

 

[Olaf]

Tim, you have a point. I just about took DH's head off when he left a brand new $100 pair sitting on top of an ATM. Of course they were gone when we went back a few minutes later. Men.

 

[tim june and sam]

No, no, guys - Oakley's rule (and last for ages - got some pairs over 10 years old!).

I've bought at least half a dozen pairs in US for me, DW and DS - generally same in $'s as UK£'s, i.e. save a third. And that's even though discounts are generally not available............

Found fantastic range at an appointed Oakley Premier Dealer (sorry forgot name) at Premium Outlets in Fall 2001 and he did discount to cover local Sales Tax when I purchased two pairs.

Don't rely on Sunglass Hut 'cos Oakley had a public fall out with them in 2001 when SH got took over by a competitor who then didn't give Oakley any shelf space.

 

[CarolynU]

I used to scoff at Simon my DS buying Oakleys when he was still at school, and then one night in the garden when I was actually wearing my sunnies, and squinting like mad he let me try his on. From that moment on I was hooked, as is all the family. The discount in the States is not that great to be honest, but it is where I have the time to shop for them. You may pick up a bargain in some of the airport shops particularly end of ranges etc, and I'm not proud I'll wear mine until they become so scratched I can no longer see clearly. Carolyn

 

[CarolynU]

Just remembered there is a very good shop which sells nothing but Oakley stuff in The Florida Mall. Carolyn

 

[we*luv*orlando!!]

Just back from Florida and DH and myself have brand new Oakleys which we got at Disney MGM Studios. they were the same price as at the malls and Disney were selling them in all the parks. I was a bit sceptical but when i tried some on and looked out into the sun I was impressed, the colour the lens gives you is brilliant better than cheaper versions I have to say. we paid $100 and $65 which comes in at £113 I think.

 

[neilybealy]

i love my oakley a-wires

bought them in the uk mail order so slightly cheaper than retail price but oakley do fix the price

when i was in the florida mall last year i left the "sock" back in the villa and had smudged the lens so when i was in the oakley store i asked if they sold the "socks" and the very nice chappie just pulled one out of a box and gave it to me for free

shops in the uk will charge you £6 for that (if at all)

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

While Oakleys are expensive, they do offer better customer service than the cheaper brands. I sat on my Zeros last year, causing a small split between lens and arm. I sent them back to Oakley UK (even though I bought them in Boston) and they replaced them free of charge (they even refunded my postage). That's what I call great service!

Regards

Rob

 

[Minniespal]

I got a lovely pair of Oakley sunglasses from e-bay. Brand new and I think they cost me £40.00!!

 

[JohnW]

I am another Oakley addict and agree that their customer service is reallly good. On my favourite pair, black eye jackets (purchased in 1995) I broke the arm in 1997 and I sent them away and got the arms replaced. I then scratched one of the lenses really badly in 2001 so I sent them off again and had both lenses replaced for about £30. They are still going strong and are still my favourites!!!!!

 

[squitty]

DH and I are Oakley addicts too...
I did splash the lenses while I was in WDW and that has left a mark on them, like a rainbow efect, if you know what I mean!!Maybe I will send them away.

 

[JohnnySharp]

Well I have 5 pairs of Oakley's - bit over the top.
Favourite pairs Straight Jackets in Blue or Orange flame.

Best stockists, there is a store at both Universal Parks, the one at Universal Studios being the best.

Quiet Flight Surfshop near Citywalk also stock all things Oakley.

Also a brilliant store at The Florida Mall, highly recommend the shorts from there too!

 

[#1MMFan]

I have a few pairs of Oakleys. The ones I held off and bought in Canada cost at least the same as they were priced in the UK. I think you will potentially get a slightly better range of sunglasses in N. America compared to UK so that would be my reason to hold off until there. Also, they trust you to look and try them without running off with them as opposed to our equivalent shops in the UK who hang around all the time.

John

 

[tim june and sam]

I'm genuinely surprised that most posters don't find the US prices attractive for Oakleys.

Here's an example - my favourite design is the M-Frame (cyclist you see). Cost in either "Pro" or usual design in UK is £119, no discounts. Current US price $145 which equates to £94 or so at exchange rate of 1.55:1 - saves you 21% on a product you can't get discounted....!!

Also, IMHO, M-Frame is one of the worst £:$ ratios in the Oakley range, have found many designs in their range far better on the £:$ basis.