Budget eyewear chain headed for NZ

Former Shortland St star Miriama Smith at the launch of Chanel eyewear at OPSM's Downtown store in 2007. Photo/ Bradley Ambrose

A new budget eyewear chain is headed for New Zealand.

International eyewear company Luxottica, owner of the OPSM and Sunglass Hut chains, has announced it plans to add a value brand to its stable of outlets.

It operates the Budget Eyewear stores in Australia and says it is likely it will bring that chain across the Tasman.

However it is also in talks with a local partner and a more uniquely New Zealand product may be created.

It aims to open about 40 budget stores over the next three to five years.

It follows the entry of budget eyewear competitor Specsavers into New Zealand late last year.