If you’re still searching for eclipse glasses they’re out there, but they may be hard to find. Store after store in the metro is sold out. Organizations distributing them for free now only have empty boxes.
One place where you can still find the glasses is Brookside Toy and Science in Brookside. Store owner Jim Ward told 41 Action News customers have been lining up around the block, and he’s struggling to keep up with the demand.
On Wednesday, Ward said he sold at least 10,000 glasses. He also sold out Thursday. He assumes he’ll sell out Friday and has ordered another shipment of 10,000 glasses.
“I've sent carriers out to different states to bring them back to me so I can have them, and every time I make a decision on how many we get I miscalculate it,” Ward said while standing outside his Brookside store.
Surprised by the demand he said, “Initially when I started out I thought 300 a day was enough, then went to 500, then I went to 1,000, then to 2,000, then to 5,000. Now I'm getting 10,000 a day.”
Ward is currently selling his glasses at $3.99 a pair but said the distributor keeps raising the price.
To ensure customers’ safety, Ward is taking steps to make sure the glasses he’s selling will protect buyers’ eyes on Monday.
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“One thing that I've done is I've taken samples, one from every batch that I got, and I've held them back and tested them before I put them out and I make sure they are good,” Ward said.
Experts say one way to ensure the glasses are safe is to look for the label: ISO 12312-2 on the inside of the glasses.
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Fake, damaged or uncertified glasses could cause vision damage.
While the financial boost from selling the glasses may be temporary, Ward appreciates the business even though it means getting to his store a bit earlier.
“I just want to say I really appreciate everybody coming by and waiting in line to get them and coming to me to get them. I am thrilled to have your business and luckily for a small business we get these little runs every now and then and it keeps us alive.”
Monday’s eclipse is expected to be the most-viewed eclipse ever.
