The latest news and analysis on omnichannel retail and distribution changes.
Slight profitability decline for Specsavers in 2021/22 as investments resumed
According to the Specavers group’s official financial filings to the U.K. commerce register, the optical retail giant has seen its operating profits increase marginally to £449 million (€520 m) in the fiscal year ended Feb. 28, 2022, from £445 million (€513 m) in the previous year. However, as total revenue ...
Morel puts focus on direct distribution, brand heritage and CSR
In an interview with Eyewear Intelligence, Amélie Morel, communication director of Morel Lunettes, explained how the family-owned company has taken advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic to accelerate the transformation of its international business, and has reinforced its focus on the brand’s heritage as well as its CSR commitments.
Fielmann opens subsidiary in France, appoints general manager
Fielmann’s agenda in France seems to be accelerating as the German-based retail group established a subsidiary in the country this summer. The company, whose strategic Vision 2025 plan announced in 2019 calls for the entry of one new country per year, has said that it was keeping an eye on ...
French supermarket chain invests in Sym Optic
Sym Optic, the French supplier of remote refraction exams and optical products, has raised €5 million in new funds from several investors including Les Mousquetaires group, one of the leading retail groups in France, Macif, an insurance company, and three private equity funds. The company said that the new cash ...
MPG prepares for integration of former GrandVision stores
A few months after the Michael Pachleitner Group (MPG) took over 177 stores from GrandVision following the acquisition of the Dutch retail group by EssilorLuxottica, we spoke with Marcel Norbart, the seasoned retail manager that MPG appointed as its Chief of Optical Retail, about the most recent developments.
Nathalie Blanc partners with L’Amy America for the U.S. market
French eyewear brand Nathalie Blanc is entering the U.S. market through a multi-year partnership with Ultimate Vision, the luxury division of L’Amy America. Ultimate Vision will distribute Nathalie Blanc’s collections in the country, but the French company said it would directly manage its marketing operations for the U.S. market, notably ...
Fielmann announces cost reductions and strategic adjustments
Thanks to its increased digitization and internationalization and in spite of the COVID-19 crisis impact, Fielmann could achieve its 5 percent average annual sales’ increase target figure in recent years. The objective is part of its Vision 2025 plan which was announced in 2019.
Apollo Optik celebrates 50 years
On the occasion of its 50th anniversary, Germany’s Apollo Optik (which, together with its parent company GrandVision, has been part of the EssilorLuxottica Group since 2021) has published some figures from various business areas.