SMITHFIELD, R.I.— FGX International has entered a distribution partnership with Eby-Brown, one of the largest distributors to convenience stores in the U.S., servicing more than 13,500 locations. This partnership expands FGX’s presence within the convenience channel of distribution.

“They have provided us with great market insight and an extremely strong brand that will allow us to deliver the right solutions to our customers,” said Steve Burbridge, executive vice president of sales at FGX. “This is an important area of growth for our company. Convenience stores efficiently cater to time starved consumers and Eby-Brown is a crucial partner to ensure FGX’s impressive portfolio of brands is easily accessible to consumers.”

According to the National Association for Convenience and Fuel Retailing, convenience stores serve nearly 160 million people each day and 58 billion customers each year. FGX began distribution to convenience stores two years ago and continues its commitment to growing within this category, the company said.

“We are extremely pleased to be partnering with FGX on a new program for eyewear, which will serve as one of the key elements of our overall general merchandise assortment,” added John Roach, vice president of merchandising at Eby-Brown. “They have provided us with great market insight and an extremely strong brand that will allow us to deliver the right solutions to our customers.”

Eby-Brown has seven distribution centers, and will begin distributing Foster Grant and selected licensed brands, such as NASCAR, in May 2014.