PALM HARBOR, Fla.—Inspecs USA, the American unit of global design company Inspecs Group, and San Diego-based Classique Eyewear have reached an exclusive distribution agreement for Inspecs’ O’Neill and Superdry optical and sunwear collections. The agreement covers distribution to independent ECPs throughout the U.S., according to an announcement this week. “Our new strategic collaboration with Inspecs USA to develop and grow the distribution to the ECP market of O’Neill and Superdry, two contemporary and trending active lifestyle brands, adds new opportunity to our current business model,” Classique Eyewear chief executive officer Craig Glasser said in the announcement. “It allows us to take our respective businesses to the next level by leveraging these popular brands to increase our current level of distribution and achieve a higher market penetration.”

Inspecs USA president Vance Wright said the firm is “excited to partner with Classique Eyewear” in this distribution agreement. “Classique brings an expertise in eyewear distribution to the U.S. ECP market, while Inspecs brings over 30 years of product innovation and manufacturing experience. We firmly believe we have found a long-term partner that shares our values and will help us grow our brand presence across the country.”

O'Neill was founded in California in 1952 by surfer and wet suit creator Jack O'Neill and is now regarded as one of the world's leading active lifestyle brands, the announcement noted. The brand is worn by both men and women across a wide-range of U.S ethnic groups, and its broad market appeal makes it an attractive offer for ECP’s and optical retailers.

The optical collection features the use of unique and proprietary materials including Bio-Acetate, a biodegradable material sustainably manufactured from plant-based cellulose. O’Neill sunglasses incorporate natural TAC (Triacetate Cellulose) ultralite lens technology formulated for superior visual and polarization clarity, according to the announcement.

Superdry has more than 500 branded retail locations in 46 countries, and “aims to create ‘future classic’ garments inspired by fusing vintage Americana and high impact Japanese graphic imagery with a contemporary British twist,” according to the announcement.