In today’s marketplace, it’s tough out there — especially if you’re the small guy. Or woman. Or veteran. Or someone just trying to build something with integrity in a world that often rewards scale over substance.
We’ve felt this firsthand.
At Epoch Eyewear, we manufacture high-quality sunglasses. The kind of product you'd stack side by side with the industry leaders — and you’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference. In fact, many customers tell us we’re better. More durable. More practical. Priced right. And made by real people who care.
But what we don’t have is the backing of a $100 million marketing engine or the luxury of giving away thousands of units just to earn shelf space.
Instead, we hustle. We bend over backward for our retail partners.
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We offer net 30 terms.
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We have no minimums on reorders.
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We provide free retail displays.
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We give 60-day exchanges on wholesale purchases.
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And most importantly: We’re actually invested in helping you succeed.
Because we know that your success is our success. And that kind of partnership still matters.
The Reality of Being Small
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses make up 99.9% of all U.S. businesses. Yet, in the battle for shelf space and consumer attention, they’re up against Goliaths with deeper pockets and cheaper production costs — especially when those brands outsource to massive factories overseas.
We don’t cut corners. We can’t.
Our product costs are higher. We make smaller production runs. Our marketing budgets aren’t padded by venture capital. And we don’t use flashy gimmicks to buy placement. What we do offer is trust, transparency, and a relentless focus on quality.
Why Favoring Big Brands Hurts Independent Retail
Every time a retailer chooses a mass-market brand with the best "display" deal or free product spiff, it chips away at the smaller suppliers who can’t afford to play that game — even when they outperform in product quality and customer satisfaction.
When small retailers and small brands band together, we level the field. We build resilience. We create more personalized customer experiences — the kind the big box stores just can’t replicate.
The Bigger Picture: Why It Matters
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Female-owned businesses still receive less than 2% of venture capital funding in the U.S.
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Veteran-owned businesses account for nearly 6 million jobs, yet face more barriers to capital and growth than most corporate competitors.
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Supporting these businesses isn’t charity — it’s smart. It builds community. It diversifies the supply chain. And it means your customers are getting products made by people who care deeply about what they’re putting in your store.
So Here’s Our Ask:
Next time you're choosing between two sunglasses brands with similar price points, similar styles, and similar packaging…
Ask yourself:
Who is invested in my success?
Who offers me better terms?
Who’s going to pick up the phone when something goes wrong?
And maybe, just maybe, it’s time to band together and support the businesses that are built on hustle, heart, and a whole lot of grit — not just ad budgets and influencer contracts.
Let’s change the game. Together.
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Epoch Eyewear
Veteran-Owned. Female-Led. Small but mighty.
1 comment
Wouldn’t wear any other type of sunglasses but Epoch. Love every pair I own.