Plainville, MA – January 23rd, 2017 – Hilco Vision – the creator of smart optical solutions since 1956 – announces today the acquisition of Croakies® Inc., the Wyoming-based originator of eyewear retainers and associated outdoor lifestyle accessories.
“Hilco Vision strives to lead the industry in the optical accessories category through product innovation and brand authenticity. Croakies is synonymous with eyewear retention and has built an incredibly loyal customer base through its focus on comfort, design, and functionality over the past 40 years,” explains Ross Brownlee, Chief Executive Officer of Hilco Vision. “We are very enthusiastic to build on this tradition of innovation and invest in the continued global growth of the Croakies brand.”
“Croakies has its origins on the slopes of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and has at its core the desire to meet the needs of the everyday adventurer;” states John Krisik, President of Croakies Inc. “We were attracted to Hilco Vision due to their focus on quality, innovation, service, and sustainable development, all things important to Croakies’ bright future.”
Hilco Vision is committed to ensuring Croakies maintains its strong footprint within the mountains of the American West, through the company’s Bozeman-based manufacturing facility. Croakies’ lifelong President and owner, John Krisik will be retiring at the end of the month.
For more information on Hilco Vision and their full collection of products and brands, please visit hilcovision.com. For a complete overview of Croakies’ latest product collection and to stay up to date on key brand activities, please visit croakies.com.
About Hilco Vision
Hilco Vision is an industry leading global eyewear/eye care company delivering comprehensive solutions to customers, built on a platform of innovation and operational excellence. It has direct subsidiaries in the USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Australia, China, and the Netherlands. The company’s product portfolio is concentrated on 5 primary product categories: Professional tools, Vision Protection, Consumer accessories, Lenscare and Eye care.
About Croakies
Often imitated but never duplicated, the original Croakies were invented in 1977 by a local ski patrolman from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming. Today, Croakies is still proudly headquartered in the mountains of the American West, with most of its production in Bozeman, Montana. With Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks as a backyard, the brand’s inspiration remains unchanged: to create best-in-class retention products that inspire everyday adventure and provide comfort, style, durability, and functionality to active people of all ages. For more information about Croakies and its latest product line, please visit croakies.com or follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter using @croakies.
