Subsequently SRF Ltd and then joined hands with Essilor International set up the marketing JV in India in 1998 and cast JV with Essilor and Sola along with SRF. The JV structure was quite unique at that time and the ownership changed over the period later, but the solid foundation was thus laid. Hoya and Zeiss also set their footprints in India around the same time.

Plastic lenses today form more than 85% of the spectacle lenses market in India with coatings and other offerings, different indices, and creating value in the marketplace. The journey has been very cherishing thanks to the support of the opticians in the country and while many new entrants have come in and companies like Lenskart have set their international footprint with the acquisition of Own Days besides their own in India and globally, the one to watch would be the profitability in the retail in India. With rentals going through the roof in Metros and Tier 1&2 cities, the challenges are there for all to see. 

The retail optical stores in India today face a situation wherein in terms of the of stores to the population ratio is like anywhere in Europe and the US and hence accessibility is no more an issue as it was felt a decade back and there is a mushrooming of newer entrants where the market is overheated already. It is totally a different matter if we get into smaller towns and villages and a one-fit solution would not work in a country as diverse as India. Pure Online business as a standalone business and its profitability is a question mark as large players are also having physical stores to close the loop of customer purchase and enhance the average selling price. Single vision and mass Sunglass businesses would certainly be the ones to watch as how the purchase behavior molds with the youth of the country.

 The new draft policy that is likely to be announced soon by the Govt of India promises to level the e-commerce playing field. As of now, India allows 100% foreign direct investment in the marketplace model of e-commerce wherein companies act as a technology platform connecting buyers and sellers. It is to be noted that no FDI is permitted for the inventory-based model where platforms are selling directly to the consumers, but they cannot allow third-party vendors.

With refractive errors on the increase, the addressable segment remains to be served by the business and newer opportunities waiting to be grabbed by the coming generation of the optician community. This of course would mean newer ways of doing business, adapting, and embracing technology, the act of innovating being referred to as Jugaad – a practical solution the Indian way. If I may add, independent retailers must stand together while maintaining their independent identity and capitalize on the opportunities ahead.

Mr. Ramachandran Parthasarathy

The first event took place in Dubai at the Millennium Plaza Downtown Heights on Sheikh Zayed Road from March 18th to 20th, 2023. This stunning venue provided the perfect backdrop to showcase Pramukh Opticals’ impressive collection, featuring a wide range of global brands such as Zilli, Hublot, Moncler, Henry Jullien, Maxmara, Sportsmax, BMW, Adidas, Harley Davidson, Gant, CR7, Azzaro, Guy Laroche, Out of, Elvis, and Spartan. With over 110 influential individuals from the industry in attendance, the exhibition was a resounding success, enabling networking and fostering connections within the optical world of India.

Following the Dubai event, Pramukh Opticals hosted a second gathering at the picturesque Pramukh Farmhouse in Abhva Village, Surat, from March 23rd to 25th, 2023. This enchanting setting offered customers a delightful experience as they explored the captivating eyewear collections. The third event took place at the Rajpath Club in Ahmedabad from March 27th to 29th, 2023. By selecting Ahmedabad as the venue, Pramukh Opticals aimed to ensure convenience for opticians traveling from various parts of India. Customers from Kolkata, Punjab, Delhi, Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala were among the esteemed attendees who eagerly embraced and appreciated the new eyewear offerings.

Pamina, representing the Thelios group, graced the events and engaged in conversations with key accounts from the Indian Optical Market. Through one-on-one meetings, she shared valuable insights about the Indian market while introducing the Thelios brands and outlining the future plans of the group. Her presence and contributions left a lasting impression on the attendees, garnering admiration for Pramukh Opticals’ exceptional event.

Additionally, Marco from the Marcolin group participated in the event, showcasing the new MIDO collection across all Marcolin brands. Through individual meetings, Marco acquainted key accounts with the diverse brand portfolio of Marcolin, providing them with insights into the future direction of the company.

The presence of notable leaders from optical chains like Bonton, GKB, Gangar, Dayal Optical, Helvetica, R Kumar, V.A. Mayekar, Weldon, and many others further enhanced the grandeur of these events. Their attendance exemplified the positive and enthusiastic response from the optical industry, appreciating Pramukh Opticals’ well-organized events that combined entertainment with a focus on the progressive evolution of the eyewear sector through innovative designs offered by leading brands for upcoming seasons.

The acquisition builds on similar moves by Kering to establish dominance in the eyewear sector, including the takeover of Manufacture Kering Eyewear in 2017 – previously Manufacture Cartier Lunettes – and its stake in Trent Industria Occhiali that it snapped up in 2019.

UNT has already been a longstanding business partner of Manufacture Kering Eyewear for the provision of its components.

At the end of the day, the focus for every optical retail shop has to be to create an unforgettable customer experience. Only then, customers will keep coming back again and again. Moreover, businesses need to build a brand to improve their clientele. This way, they can win over the competition to drive sales. Brand loyalty is the central aspect of improving optical sales.

We are in an extremely competitive environment today. Given this background, here are a few quick and simple tips that  opticians are encouraged to incorporate and experience the difference that it makes in the footfalls to their store.

Store display

How a customer sees you is very important – it is the key factor that will help them decide whether or not to make the purchase.Cutting to the chase – A shop’s display is what matters the most. How one has managed to arrange the products in order to present them to the customers is the key.

Buying an eyewear is exactly like buying any other product. It is shopping. And when a person is out for shopping they are looking at something that attracts them the most. So invest on ensuring a pleasing first impression. You arrange and present the products in a manner that intrigues your customer to look at them, try them, and ultimately they may end up buying them!

Your offerings

Offer a unique selection of eyewear, contacts, and other optical products that are of high quality and not easily available in other stores. This can help attract customers who are looking for something different and better. Stay on your toes to constantly upgrade your offerings! 

A holistic experience

Don’t stop at just offering products that differentiate you from your competitors. Make it a holistic experience. Have a conversation with the customer, make them feel important, understand their needs and help them make the right choice for their eyewear. Ensure that all customers receive friendly and professional service from your staff. This can help establish a positive reputation and encourage repeat visits.

Utilise digital marketing 

Utilise various digital marketing channels such as social media, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO) to reach a larger audience and promote your store. It is a small investment but pays off really well!

Collaborate and grow

Collaborate with local eye doctors and optometrists, showcase your services to them. This way they can refer customers to your store. You can also offer them incentives for doing, so to increase the chances of getting referrals.

Discounts

Offer special promotions and discounts to attract new customers and reward loyal ones. This helps build customer loyalty.

Events and workshops

Host events and workshops at your store to attract customers and engage with them. This can be a great opportunity to showcase your products and educate customers about the importance of eye health.

Invest local advertising

Utilise local advertising such as flyers, posters, and newspaper ads to reach potential customers in your area.

Build a relationship 

Don’t think your job ends when a customer makes a purchase. Remember you are in this for the long run. Offer after-sales services such as cleaning, repairs, and adjustments to help retain customers and encourage repeat visits.

By implementing these strategies, an optical store can increase foot traffic and improve its chances of attracting new customers and growing its business.

It’s a positive market!

The optical business in India is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. With the increasing prevalence of eye disorders, the demand for eyewear products such as spectacles, contact lenses, and sunglasses is on the rise.

According to a report by Research and Markets, the Indian eyewear market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 10% between 2020 and 2025. The growth is driven by factors such as increasing disposable income, changing lifestyle, and awareness about eye care.

The growth of the optical business is not limited to the urban areas, as there is also a growing demand for eyewear products in rural areas. To tap into this market, many optical retailers are expanding their presence in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

Moreover, the advent of e-commerce has also contributed significantly to the growth of the optical business in India. Many eyewear retailers have established their online presence, allowing customers to browse and purchase products from the comfort of their homes.

The Indian government has also taken steps to promote the optical business. For instance, the government’s ‘National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment’ aims to provide affordable and quality eye care services to all.

So the future of the optical business in India looks promising! And walking the extra mile with these simple tips could end up being the game changer for your business. Then, why not give it a shot!

At Marcolin, reporting directly to the CEO & General Manager Fabrizio Curci, Alessio Puleo took on direct responsibility for the Group Brand Management and Trade Marketing & Training areas, as well as Marketing Analysis activities.

In his new role, Alessio will lead the development and expansion of the Marketing department, with the aim of accelerating the growth of the brand portfolio worldwide, in accordance with the Group’s guidelines and strategies.

Having worked for Marcolin since 2021, Alessio has a significant experience in the eyewear industry where, for over 20
years, he had roles with increasing responsibility.

This agreement is for the worldwide, exclusive design, development, production, and distribution of ophthalmic and sunglass collections under the Columbia brand. Marchon and Columbia first engaged as licensing partners in 2016, and this renewal reaffirms the strong alliance between the two companies. Over the years, Columbia eyewear has grown as part of its parent brand’s continued success, and it’s been increasingly involved in Columbia’s special projects, such as the extended sizing collections that are designed with larger lenses, a wider nose bridge and longer temples.

“We are very proud to continue our longstanding and successful partnership with Columbia,” said Gabriele Bonapersona, Chief Brand Officer at Marchon Eyewear, Inc. “Columbia is a key brand in our lifestyle brand portfolio with a focus on outdoor active and extended sizing for men.”

Columbia eyewear is sold in the US in select sun and optical retailers online at www.eyeconic.com.

De Rigo’s consolidated expertise in the field of design combines with the elegant and sophisticated style of Twinset Milano, to breathe life into a feminine and romantic collection that re-interprets the brand’s stylistic codes with versatile frames sporting refined detailing.

The first collection designed by the two companies as part of their newly-formed partnership will be available from March 2023, by way of the De Rigo distribution network and Twinset Milano boutiques.

Michele Aracri, Managing Director of De Rigo Vision, commented: “We’re delighted with this agreement and are sure that – by working together – we will reach significant and challenging objectives on a global scale. For De Rigo, this partnership represents an additional step in the group’s development plan, strengthening and widening our product offering in the women’s segment”.

“The launch of the TWINSET Milano EYEWEAR line is an important step, fruit of the collaboration between two companies that share the same values: kindness and respect. The result is a feminine and elegant product, a union that is set to evolve and that will enable both to achieve new goals”, explained Alessandro Varisco, CEO of Twinset.

The relationship, started in 2013 following the Viva International acquisition by Marcolin, envisages a further six-year extension until December 31st, 2027. Besides the manufacturing of Harley-Davidson eyewear for men and women, the two companies will enter a new global product segment, with performance sunglasses and protective eyewear designed for motorcycle riders. This new category of sunglasses will include foam linings & removable gaskets and will meet other applicable ANSI safety features such as high velocity and high mass impact. Marcolin will take their expertise in luxury & fashion eyewear and combine this with the rigorous testing needed to meet the proper protective eyewear standards to create eyewear designed for riders.

All Harley-Davidson branded eyewear by Marcolin will continue to include key iconic elements such as subtle logo integration, motorcycle inspired detailing, and designs influenced by H-D

The acquisition will enable Meta to produce prescription augmented reality (AR) glasses using lenses produced with Luxexcel’s proprietary 3D printing technology. Also in 2021, Luxexcel partnered with WaveOptics that provides the displays for Snap’s Spectacles. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

In a statement, Meta noted that it is “delighted that the Luxexcel team has joined Meta,” adding that the acquisition “extends the partnership between the two companies.”

Yash Optics & Lens is headquartered in Mumbai and has carved its position over the last two decades as a partner in progress for opticians in India.

Mr. Serge Zins, Vice President Asia Pacific, reacted to this announcement stating that this demonstrates Hoya’s commitment to India by bringing in Pentax’s value proposition comprising of brand, simplicity, cost-effective, and consistent quality, which targets the emerging youth population of India as a fast fashion Lens brand. Pentax is available globally, supports the ECPs with communication with consumers and recommends the best fit for the
consumers.

Yash Optics & Lens stands at the forefront of manufacturing hi-tech and digital vision healthcare solutions. From quality single vision to progressives, Yash offers a wide range of products in their stable with time-tested customer satisfaction.

Mr. Tarun Doshi said that at the core of Yash Optics & Lens is its mission to offer all Indians with the latest and best in Vision health care solutions and their endeavour to provide superior quality products and service. Pentax fits into this space in Yash’s offerings seamlessly.

Mr. Rajeev Kottiyal, Business Head responsible for the Pentax brand in India under Hoya India Pvt. Ltd, said there is a gap in the mid-segment of the market and Pentax as a brand fit in very well for ECPs to offer a value proposition as an international brand.

Mr. Sanjay Tiwari, Managing Director of Hoya India Pvt. Ltd, welcomed Yash Optics & Lens to the family of Hoya India and believes this association will go a long way for the Pentax brand and broader options available for ECPs from the Hoya group keeping in mind the commitment of Hoya Vision Care to the Indian market.

Yash Optics & Lens are prime sponsors in the Optica Mumbai Fair expo in Mumbai from Jan 21-23, 2023. The entire portfolio of products would be displayed at the fair.