Maui Jim
 | |
| Privately held company[1] | |
| Industry | Fashion, manufacturing |
| Founded | Lahaina Hawaii, U.S. (1980)[2] |
| Headquarters | Peoria, Illinois, U.S. |
Key people | Jim Richards - Founder |
| Products | Sunglasses, Eyewear, Apparel |
| Website |
www |
Maui Jim is an American-based manufacturer of sunglasses based in Peoria, Illinois and marketed worldwide.[3] A majority of their lines are marketed with an oceanic and Hawaiian theme-stemming from their foundation and location in Hawaii. In addition to their non-prescription sports sunglasses, Maui Jim currently produces prescription lenses for their designs,[4] including bifocal lenses.
Maui Jim was originally launched on the hotel pool decks of Maui, Hawaii. The brand was introduced in the mainland states in 1988 via distributorship by owner Bill Capps, based in Northern California.
Maui Jim originally had its main distribution center in Lahaina, Hawaii, but moved to Peoria after buying RLI Vision, the original vision insurance and vision care products unit of RLI Corp, in December 1996. The transaction was structured such that RLI Corp became a major shareholder in Maui Jim, which has continued to the present.
In 1999 Forbes Magazine listed Maui Jim in their '100 Things Worth Every Penny' article.[5]
References
- ↑ "Maui Jim, Inc". Data.com Connect Company Directory. Retrieved 2014-03-04.
- ↑ "About Us". Maui Jim. Retrieved 2014-03-04.
Maui Jim got its start in 1980 as a small company selling sunglasses on the beach in Lahaina, Hawaii
- ↑ "Company Overview of RLI Vision Corp.". Bloomberg Businessweek. Retrieved 2014-03-04.
- ↑ Jargon, Julie (2005-12-05). "Do baby boomers equal bright future?". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved 2014-03-04.
Non-prescription Maui Jim sunglasses retail for between $150 and $350, while prescription versions can cost as much as $700.
- ↑ "100 Things Worth Every Penny". Forbes. 1999-10-30.