New Sunglasses Retailer Select Shades Launching in Inman Park

The retailer is opening in the Inman Quarter development next to MF Sushi and across from Hampton & Hudson.

Marriott-corporate guy turned entrepreneur Jonathan Brimer has teamed-up with Jason S. Pittenger, a professional in the retail space who grew a regional sunglass store into a chain of 26, to launch their own concept, Select Shades.

The retailer is making Inman Quarter home to its first location, situated between MF Sushi and The Men’s Parlor at I.Q.

“If you have not yet visited this development, it’s a happening neighborhood center near the Beltline across from the enormously popular Barcelona restaurant and home to hot spots like Beetlecat, Amer, Made Again, and Bartaco,” Brimer wrote in a Facebook post Wednesday.

Select Shades hopes to offer a guest experience not typically found in competing eyewear retail stores like offering beer, wine and champagne to customers as they enter the store, as well as introducing brands to the market.

Take Shwood for example, a brand that uses reclaimed farm wood material in producing their shades.

Brimer and Pittenger have pledged to donate one pair of glasses for every pair purchased, partnering with organizations like Hope Alliance, which provides sunglasses to places like Guatemala.

Lookout for five new locations in the next five years in Millennial-centric neighborhoods that would appreciate the not-so-typical brands at Select Shades, according to Brimer.

Now that’s heart and style.