How New Tariffs Affect Eyewear Prices (and What It Means for Rhode Island Shoppers)

You may have heard about tariffs in the news lately—but what do they mean for the price of your glasses? At Opt Eyewear Boutique in Providence, we believe in keeping our customers informed, so here’s a clear look at what’s happening and how it affects you.

Why Are Eyewear Prices Changing?

Recently, the U.S. added new tariffs on eyewear imported from countries like Denmark, France, Germany, and Japan. These tariffs act as an extra fee—15% in this case—on top of the cost of manufacturing and shipping frames into the U.S.

The good news? While 15% may sound high, this is actually the lowest possible tariff rate for eyewear manufacturing, and independent eyewear companies are finding ways to keep price increases manageable.

How Independent Eyewear Brands Are Responding

Unlike large corporate eyewear brands, the independent, family-owned companies we work with are focused on fairness and transparency. Most are:

• Passing along only the exact dollar increase (a \$100 cost becomes \$115, not \$115 plus a higher markup).

• Splitting the increase with us—absorbing part of the cost so it doesn’t all fall on the customer.

That means instead of a \$500 frame jumping to $575, it may only be $515. These small adjustments are rolling out this fall.

What This Means for Opt Eyewear Boutique Customers

Here’s how we’re handling it at Opt Eyewear Boutique:

• Every frame currently in stock is still at the same price it was earlier this year.

• As new shipments arrive, prices will reflect only the small dollar increase caused by tariffs.

• *If you’d like to lock in today’s prices, you’re welcome to purchase frames now—even before your exam. We’ll happily store them for you until you’re ready.

  
  

This approach ensures you always get fair, transparent pricing on the highest-quality eyewear.

Why Choose Independent Eyewear at Opt Eyewear Boutique

Tariffs may be changing the landscape, but they also shine a light on why independent eyewear matters. When you choose frames from Opt Eyewear Boutique, you’re supporting:

• Skilled craftspeople, often from multi-generation family-owned factories.

• *Fair wages and ethical manufacturing.

• *Unique designs that stand apart from mass-market eyewear.

  
  

In other words, you’re investing in eyewear that’s made to last—and made with care.

Final Thoughts

Yes, tariffs are adding a small increase to eyewear prices, but at Opt Eyewear Boutique we’re committed to keeping things as fair and transparent as possible. With our vendors’ partnership, we’re ensuring any changes are minimal while maintaining the quality and craftsmanship you expect.

Stop by Opt Eyewear Boutique in Providence to explore our independent eyewear collections before prices adjust!