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Eyewear with Panache

Compiled by Jill Beathard
Brett Churchley just bought longtime local business Sunglass Panache in April. The shop specializes in sunglasses, goggles and helmets.
Jeremy Wallace/Snowmass Sun |

Editor’s note: Business as Usual is a series highlighting local businesses in Snowmass Village. It is published weekly in the Snowmass Sun.

Sunglass Panache recently changed hands, but it still offers the same high-quality eyewear it has carried since 1989. Brett Churchley, the store’s new owner, is excited to take the helm.

Snowmass Sun: How did your business start?



Brett Churchley: Sunglass Panache was first opened on the Snowmass Mall by John Humphrey in 1989. I purchased the business from John in April.

Snowmass Sun: What services or goods do you sell?




Brett Churchley: We primarily specialize in sunglasses, goggles and helmets. We also carry a wide selection of GoPros and GoPro accessories. With more helmets and goggles being designed to integrate with each other, we’ve really wanted to increase the number of helmets in the store for this coming winter. To get the ultimate fit, we believe it starts with getting the right-sized helmet, then pairing the most compatible goggle to that helmet.

Snowmass Sun: What makes your business unique?

Brett Churchley: It would have to be our selection. We carry a number of different brands with a wide range of price points. You can find anything from the latest in Tom Ford sunglasses to spare goggle lenses to classic shades like Vaurnet and Carrera.

Snowmass Sun: Who is your primary clientele?

Brett Churchley: Anybody and everybody. That’s what makes this business so fun. We really get anybody from local employees of Snowmass Village to second-home owners to tourists visiting from around the world.

Snowmass Sun: What is the best thing about running a business in Snowmass?

Brett Churchley: Being able to live in Snowmass. If I’m not in the store, you can generally find me on my bike or skis exploring all of these world-class trails just out the back door. For me it just doesn’t get any better.