Globally, 2021 brought many challenges, some unprecedented in recent decades. We won’t rattle off the struggles of this past year—you were there. We all were. For all the struggles people faced, 2021 was, in many ways, a year like any other, filled with both highs and lows.
As 2021 comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the good in an otherwise challenging year.At GUNNAR, we’ve celebrated some incredible successes during the past 12 months and we couldn’t have done it without your support.
New Innovations
Since pioneering the gaming and computer glasses category in 2006, we remain committed to delivering new, innovative products and solutions that support visual performance and protection. In October, responding to customer’ feedback, we established the GUNNAR X-Series — a line of elite gaming glasses designed for audio headset compatibility. Each pair of glasses comes equipped with a free, interchangeable temple strap for optimal comfort while wearing an over-ear headset.
Protection for All Eyes
Another notable milestone came in March when we launched our GUNNAR Youth category, a lineup of protective glasses designed for today’s kids and teens who log countless hours on digital screens. Our youth line provides superior performance and protection with elements of our patented lens technology, especially designed for the developing eyes of kids and teens (age 4 to 12+).
Since March, we’ve continued to expand the youth category with many new frame styles, including ESL Blade Lite, Rush and FPS Mini.
To help educate parents about the harmful effects of blue light on developing eyes, we’ve also released a wide range of content, including an educational trailer with Dr. Miki Lyn Zilnicki, O.D., F.C.O.V.D., which can be watched here.
GUNNAR for Good
In June, we announced our philanthropic partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the launch of our “St. Jude Collection” gaming and computer glasses. The limited edition collection features GUNNAR’s popular Cruz frame style for kids and teens, and the top-selling Vertex for adults, both in St. Jude signature brand colors, white and red.
Fifty percent of the retail price of each pair of glasses sold directly benefited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which conducts groundbreaking research and provides advanced treatments for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Gamers Wear GUNNARS
Throughout 2021, we expanded our diverse team of ambassadors who work to equip the world with our performance gaming and computer glasses that protect people’s eyes in the digital age. Check out our phenomenal team of game-loving ambassadors here!
New Partnerships
This past year, we established incredible new partnerships with top gaming brands and teams. In March, we announced our exclusive partnership with New England-based organization, Oxygen Esports (“OXG”). Through this partnership, GUNNAR became the exclusive eyewear provider of Oxygen Esports, arming their players with eye protection that enhances their performance.
In October, collegiate esports tournament organizer, CSL Esports, announced a series of partnerships for the gaming tournament, NACE Starleague. As one of those five partners, we take pride in playing a role in elevating this competitive gaming tournament series and enhancing the experience of collegiate esports athletes.
Looking Forward
2021 has been a year of immense growth and achievements for us and we look forward to further expanding our offerings, securing new partnerships, and giving back to the greater community in the coming year.
It’s only with your support, feedback, and inspiration that we’ve been able to accomplish all of the achievements we’ve shared in this review. As always, thank you for your ongoing support, trust, and love.
Wishing everyone a safe, healthy, happy New Year!