Byker sunglasses business' summer success means jobs on the horizon

A rapidly expanding online sunglasses store – the latest business to re-locate to thriving Byker-based business hub Hoults Yard – expects to double its turnover in the next 12 months and will invest in new recruits to meet growing global demand for its products.

Red Hot Sunglasses, based in Newcastle and established in 2010 by North East fashion guru Phil Blackett, is an exclusive online fashion boutique selling a wide selection of luxury, high-fashion designer sunglasses for men and women.

The company has enjoyed a surge in business during 2013 and hopes to double its current turnover of £3 million to £6 million within the next year as it bids to become the number one independent supplier of high fashion sunglasses.

Managing director, Phil Blackett, said: “2014 looks set to be a great year for Red Hot Sunglasses. Having already expanded into Australia, next year we will focus our attention on the American and Japanese markets as well as expanding our operations throughout Europe.”

“The idea behind Red Hot Sunglasses developed from an identified market need for a 100% trend driven, fashion focused designer sunglasses website for fashion-conscious consumers.

“Our buying team combines over 28 years of experience within the fashion industry, with specialised experience in the design, development and supply of sunglasses.”

The company has recently welcomed a whole range of new high fashion brands to its arsenal – which already includes the likes of Ray-Ban, Gucci and D & G – and currently employs 14 members of staff at its Hoults Yard headquarters in Newcastle’s Byker district.

The firm now hopes to recruit a further 10 full-time staff in 2014 as well as eight part-time as it looks become a major global player in the online trade of designer sunglasses by being the first UK-based retailer to introduce an online optician to its growing list of services.

“Our philosophy is to provide the optimum customer purchasing experience,“added Blackett. “We aim for the highest standards of consumer comfort and satisfaction and want to provide a stress free online shopping experience for our visitors.”

“My team and staff are all fashion educated; we are not internet geeks or bland opticians and we guarantee that all sunglasses at Red Hot are 100% in trend. Now that we’ve got the space and security to expand at our new home we’re ready for an exciting and prosperous New Year.”

In order to maintain an advantage over its competitors Red Hot Sunglasses now provides free worldwide delivery on all orders and free next day delivery on all UK orders placed before 3pm Monday to Thursday.