“Go to the eye doctor for exams and regular glasses. One of his recent hires is optician Maurice Sweatt, lured out of retirement to help Carlson increase prescription sunglass sales. I don’t think we will ever be back at 60 people,” said Carlson. “We downsized a lot and it’s been fantastic. At one point, Ocean Waves employed about 60 people, but Carlson has cut his staff to four, not counting sales reps. He has seen other changes as a result of the economy. “We can really mix and match lenses with frames and customize the sunglasses for our customers,” said Carlson.
By the end of this year, the approximately 1,600-square-foot store will feature about 140 models of Ocean Waves sunglasses. “But dealers can only carry so many styles and we can offer a better selection with our own store.”īefore opening the new store, Carlson introduced about six new styles each year. “We are not trying to compete with our dealers,” said Carlson. The economy has caused some of his sales outlets to close and he has responded by opening his own store at the Shoppes at Pier Point in Jacksonville Beach. The sales happened through reps, dealers, chain stores, special events and the Internet. Until recently, Carlson operated his polarized sunglass business from his optical lab in Mayport. “I’m living the beach life now,” said Carlson. A T-shirt, board shorts and flip-flops are normal attire for people who live at the beach and also for some of those who move their businesses to the beach, including Ocean Waves President Kevin Carlson.
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