Silicon Valley is a hotbed of internet businesses, many of which began in someone’s basement or garage. Edina is also home to successful online entrepreneurs. EJ’s Sunglasses started in 1995 in a spare room of Janet and Gordon Johnson’s Edina home. Their son Erik launched this internet retail company before most people understood what the internet was. He says, “My brother, Craig and I bought some books about programming and literally started this business in our parents’ basement.”
EJ’s Sunglasses later added a retail location in Edina where shoppers can easily browse a wide range of quality sunglasses. Top-selling brands include Oakley, Maui Jim, Ray Ban and Costa Del Mar. Erik says new colors of aviators and Wayfarers are popular this summer.
For Father’s Day, consider getting Dad some stylish shades with built-in reading lenses to keep him from perching his old sunglasses over the top of his cheaters. These and other polarized varieties also work well for fishermen.
EJ’s Sunglasses also stocks accessories like backpacks, ball caps, T-shirts and ski goggles by the same famous makers. “We hope to continue to grow our online business,” Erik says. “We’re a family business that grew out of our Edina home.”
4504 Valley View Road; 952.927.4090.
