Pugs Sunglasses
What happened to Pugs Sunglasses?
But between July and August of 2022, something very strange happened. The Pugs website suddenly disappeared without a trace and little is known as to what happened to the brand and its online presence. I looked on Reddit. Nobody mentions anything. Trust Pilot is an absolute no-go, and their social media presence on the issue is none existent (all I know is their Twitter Account was suspended).
To figure out what happened to Pugs Sunglasses I’m going to have to dig a little deeper and look into the business as a whole, how they operate, and what could cause such a sudden collapse in what seemed like a prosperous brand. Oh and let’s not forget that the Pugs Logo is actually of a Bulldog. Good job guys.
The History of Pugs Sunglasses
With more than 25 years of expertise, Pugs was a pioneer in the retail and distribution of convenience stores. Exceeding Expectations through Passion, Performance, and Profitability is the company’s goal statement, and these fundamental values are what it concentrates on. Pugs Gear aimed to deliver cutting-edge goods that fit, perform, and look better than customers’ expectations. The company’s motto is “Pugs Driven,” and its line of clothes and sunglasses are well-known brands in the market. Pugs appreciate its “Power Users” customers and are dedicated to going above and beyond for them.
Working at Pugs Gear
One of the defining aspects of Pugs Sunglasses, which may have led to its downfall, is its working environment. Some of the comments left on Indeed, from ex-employees, were less than kind to the company and have shone some light on the final few months at the company and what may have potentially led it to fail. Below are just some of the few comments left by those who worked for Pugs Gear.
”This company just fired a third of the Route reps. They basically forced us to work with low pay to help them maintain profits during the Covid 19 pandemic. Call me on a Thursday, and inform me that they are restructuring routes and letting us go. They knew for 2 weeks they were going to do this, and give me 12 hours notice. They have been untrustworthy from the start, they have no clue how to run a business. Do not trust them, or believe anything they say. If you plan to work here, prepare for head pains and lack of information/instructions. They are creatures of the dark, and like everyone to be kept there. May the light of love and happiness shine on them one day”. – Indeed, 2020.
The Website is Gone by Pugs Live on
The parent company of Pugs Sunglasses, Strategic Retail Partners, updated their website with a message around late 2021 that said the following:
‘’We’ve made the difficult decision to shut down the pugsgear.com site for now, but you can still purchase PUGS items at any of our participating retail partners. If you have questions about PUGS products, warranty, or guarantee information, please submit your contact information below or call our customer service line and one of our specialists will contact you right away. We appreciate your business’’. – SRP
Although this confirms what we already knew about Pugs Sunglasses, it’s still unclear as to the exact reasons that led to the shutdown of the Pugs Website. It’s most likely a multitude of factors at play. Poor business practices, a dwindling and unhappy workforce, and of course, the myriad of problems that came with the Covid-19 pandemic.
As the statement above suggests, Pugs Sunglasses can still be purchased in-store through a variety of participating retail partners. This includes the likes of 7-Eleven, Cabela’s Gander Outdoors, Dunham’s Sports, and Speedway. If you bought from the Pugs website before it shut down then you can get more information on warranties and returns here.
Pugs Sunglasses: Alternatives & Recommendations
Pugs Sunglasses may no longer be around but you’re options for budget-friendly eyewear are definitely not limited. Pugs offered a good compromise between price and quality, but its main reason for existing was to provide cheap-to-purchase sunglasses at gas stations – so if you needed a so-called ‘throwaway’ pair of sunglasses you could always rely on Pugs. Gas stations still stock a variety of different cheap sunglasses so you should never be in doubt when visiting one to purchase a cheap pair of shades. Below we also have some alternative recommendations for cheap sunglasses that are basically the same as Pugs.
DEMIKOS Sunglasses: In a popular Wayfarer style and with a good level of UV Protection. These sunglasses from DEMIKOS will never go out of style and can be purchased for the low price of just $19.99. Along with this, they also provide reflective lenses in a range of colors (orange and blue) adding a level of privacy and style to your look. These are a top pick of ours.
YWWPMDOF Sunglasses: Another recommendation of ours. We really like the style of these that are loosely based on the famed Aviator Sunglasses (just smaller). These offer great UV400 Protection and also come in a crazily large amount of different colors (I counted 44 to be exact. All this can be yours for a price of just $10.99. Great style, value, and range of options.
KALIYADI Classic Aviators: Aviators Through and Through. You really don’t need to pay the price of Ray-Bans to get a good pair of Aviators. These sunglasses from Kaliyadi offer affordability, and a timeless look and come with polarized lenses. Although in a small range of different colorways, they still come in at a modest price tag of just $19.99.
Knockaround Sunglasses: This well-established brand has been making waves in the eyewear world thanks to its philosophy of providing stylish and quality sunglasses at an affordable price. Kockaround knows how to pander to the trends of the year and offers a variety of different styles and colorways at prices starting at $32.00. Although this is slightly more expensive than others on this list, they are a step up in quality and durability. We really don’t think you’ll be disappointed with Knockaround.
David Evans
Glasses Reviewer & Expert
