Worked as a manager at an Oakley store for four years between 2007-2011. Ask me anything!

[ntcole14]

Aloha. You must have one hell of a collection.

It’s hard not to build one with 70% off eyewear! I’ve gifted a lot of my collection over the years though so it’s thinner than you’d think.

 

[ntcole14]

Welcome!
They all look so engaged and happy in that pic.

We were honestly. Hands down the best job I’ve ever had in my life and it was truly a privilege to work for them.

 

[SharkSugender]

Fortunately, I left right as Luxottica took over. So I worked there for 4 years prior to the acquisition.

I didn’t keep up too much with Oakley when I left as I had just graduated college and started my career in accounting. But when I revisited a store maybe 4-5 years after I left (so around 2016ish) I was blown away by how much everything changed. Felt like a completely different company. They really ruined so many of the things that made Oakley special and I’m not afraid to say it. Any true Oakley OG’s know exactly what I’m talking about. I could write a book about it but ain’t nobody got time for that!

Does it include hookers and coke? If it doesn't then you don't need to write a book

 

[ntcole14]

Welcome, glad to have real Oakley expert on

I just stumbled on this forum a couple days ago and I’m glad I found it!

 

[ntcole14]

Does it include hookers and coke? If it doesn't then you don't need to write a book

I wish haha. The reps who got to work with celebrities and athletes probably own all of those stories.

 

[SharkSugender]

Z

I wish haha. The reps who got to work with celebrities and athletes probably own all of those stories.

Maaaan If Oakley was still the same Oakley (90s) i would definitely apply for a part time job. Just to get that employee discount and access to limited stuff

 

[dragonvoi]

So you got to work with a lot of xmetals in your store eh? I was fortunate enough to still be able to buy them back when they were available in store.

 

[TNGoldbeard]

It’s hard not to build one with 70% off eyewear! I’ve gifted a lot of my collection over the years though so it’s thinner than you’d think.

Hmm, got a Moss and Gold Eye Jacket lingering? lol

 

[TNGoldbeard]

Fortunately, I left right as Luxottica took over. So I worked there for 4 years prior to the acquisition.

I didn’t keep up too much with Oakley when I left as I had just graduated college and started my career in accounting. But when I revisited a store maybe 4-5 years after I left (so around 2016ish) I was blown away by how much everything changed. Felt like a completely different company. They really ruined so many of the things that made Oakley special and I’m not afraid to say it. Any true Oakley OG’s know exactly what I’m talking about. I could write a book about it but ain’t nobody got time for that!

The saddest part about this is that it is the norm in every industry now.

Conglomerates and bean counters take over, maximize profit and short term gains, totally ruin the heart of the company in the process, and then leave it to die as a shell of it's former self.

 

[TNGoldbeard]

Having said all that, I don't think Oakley is a total loss, at least not yet. I really like the Mainlinks and Plazmas, and they still have some wild **** that no one else does (which is their thing) like the Katos and Encoders etc.

Rose colored prizm glasses and what-not.