WH0'S WHO
IN CANADA
INFLUENCING
THE CANADIAN MARKET
CANADA IS HOME TO SOME OF THE MOST INNOVATIVE AND STYLISH
EYEWEAR COMPANIES IN THE WORLD. WE LOOK AT SOME OF THE INDUSTRY
LEADERS AND TRENDSETTERS WHO OFFER THEIR THOUGHTS ON DOING
BUSINESS IN THE CANADIAN EYEWEAR MARKET.
_By Sarah McGoldrick_
WESTGROUPE
Founded more than 50 years ago,
WestGroupe is one of the longest
serving eyewear companies in
Canada. Divided into three divisions
Western, Wescan and WestGroupe
USA, the company has reached international status with a reputation
for unique designs and selection.
"We are proud of our Canadian
identity and the fact that we have
been able to thrive in an industry
with so many large international
competitors and that our customers
share in the pride of our Canadian
and international success," said
Michael Suliteanu, President of
WestGroupe.
4 Eye Focus | August 2015
Offering several brand options
including value brands such as
Superflex, Bertelli and Izumi along
side designer brands such as Spy
and Perry Ellis, WestGroupe has
always offered an eyewear solution
for any wearer.
"From the inception of our company
54 years ago, WestGroupe has
always focused on producing and
distributing products that resonate
with Canadians. Being Canadian
gives us insight into our domestic
market, both from a retailer and
consumer perspective, that foreign
companies selling into Canada might
not appreciate,” added Beverly
Suliteanu, Vice President of
Product Development.
In an industry where buyouts
and acquisitions have seen many
‘independent’ operations disappear,
WestGroupe has held strong and
built the brand including adding
several international premium
brands such as KLIIK Denmark,
FYSH UK and EVATIK.
"We have always created products
that we felt would resonate with
the Canadian consumer,” she said.
“Even when we started selling our
brands in the U.S. and Europe, our
styling always focused on satisfying
the Canadian marketplace as we
found what sold well in Canada
translated well internationally.”
>> www.westgroupe.com