KFC's Shady Rays Sunglasses Show Fast Food Promos Don't Have to be Cheap-Looking

We as a society have come a long way from junky fast food toys. Now fast food collaborations are all about celebrity endorsements, streetwear-inspired apparel that would stand up against the biggest brands in the world (if it's not already made by them), and high-quality products that just happen to incorporate a fast food logo.

KFC, which has already done things like a fried chicken bouquet kit and finger sporks, is eschewing some of the goofiness of its recent promos for a partnership with Louisville-based sunglasses company Shady Rays.

We got the Colonel covered. Exclusive @kfc x Shady Rays collab only available at https://t.co/MrwbN5bDRX 😎🍗 #ShadyRays #LiveHard #sunglasses #shades #eyewear #kfc pic.twitter.com/MZXLpCXbYZ

— Shady Rays (@shadyrays) July 7, 2023

As part of a collection for National Fried Chicken Day, the KFC sunglasses are a co-branded version of the company's Classic Black Timber Infrared sunglasses, which come in a KFC-branded microfiber pouch. The sunglasses are polarized, meaning they're a step above the simple plastic giveaway sunglasses that some companies might gravitate toward.

They're currently on sale for $54 on the KFC site as part of the summer collection, which also includes a bucket hat, sliders, can cooler, tumbler, and beach towel.

KFC launches a new merch shop. KFC’s new merch shop features apparel, accessories and a collaboration with Kentucky-based sunglass brand Shady Rays. https://t.co/eKssH5yc4t pic.twitter.com/WZqh7VC7V7

— Restaurant News (@NRNonline) July 7, 2023

Since the Shady Rays sunglasses are the only co-branded product, they kind of steal the show here, and should inform distributors that even when a client specializes in affordable or accessible products, that doesn't mean that their promos need to only be bargain-bin quality, too.

A high quality pair of polarized sunglasses can be an end-user's new go-to accessory every day. It creates a positive perception of the company whose logo is on it, and could influence others. "Wow, these sunglasses are nice. They're from KFC? Really?"

Really.

On top of that, as part of Shady Rays' business model, end-users who break or lose their sunglasses can file a replacement request and get a new pair for free, meaning the promotional visibility lives on longer.

Finger sporks are fun and attention-grabbing, too, but sometimes a promotion just needs to be impressive in a classic way.