COASTAL CONTACTS INC NAMED AS ONE OF THE TOP 25 EXPORTERS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

VANCOUVER, Oct 5 /CNW/ - Coastal Contacts Inc., the world's largest online retailer of contact lenses and eyeglasses, was named by the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) and the Ministry of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development to receive a BC Export Award as one of the top 25 exporters in British Columbia in 2010. 

Coastal Contacts Inc, exports contact lenses and eyeglasses to more than 150 countries around the world.  Currently in their tenth year of business, Coastal Contacts has become the largest online retailer in Canada with fiscal 2009 revenues of $140 million. 

"We are honored to be named among the top exporters in the province, and we will continue to expand our reach globally, extending the positive impact it has on the economy in British Columbia." states Founder and CEO Roger Hardy.

Coastal Contacts Inc employs more than 230 employees in their Vancouver based head office, supporting all business functions internally.  In the past two years the Company has built a world class eyeglasses manufacturing facility in Vancouver, creating more than 80 new full time positions.

The BC Export Awards are co-hosted annually by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) and the Ministry of Small Business, Technology and Economic development. 

About Coastal Contacts:

Coastal Contacts Inc. is the world's leading direct-to-consumer vision products company which designs, produces and distributes a diversified offering of contact lenses and eyeglasses.  The Company's unique combination of branded and private label products represent quality, value and above all, service.  Coastal sells into more than 150 countries through proprietary web properties which reflect the culture and consumer preference of the target market.  As new markets for eyeglasses and contact lenses evolve, the Company is positioned to become the vision product consumer's retailer of choice owing to its compelling value proposition combining value and service.  A leader in many of its markets, Coastal is rapidly advancing toward its goal of becoming the "World's Optical Store".

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