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Hot List: January 2009
1 This year, I will…
Some of the most popular New Year's resolutions, according to usa.gov:
■ Lose weight
■ Manage debt
■ Save money
■ Get a better job
■ Get fit
| 2 Connecting with Gen Y |
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According to an Accenture survey, "Get Ready: Digital Lifestyle 3.0," this is how young adults ages 18 to 24 compare to baby boomers when it comes to communication and television preferences.
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3 Top Brands on Campus
Anderson Analytics' fall survey of more than 1,000 students across the U.S. revealed these as college kids' favorite brands: 1. Nike, 2. Apple. Other favorites include CNN.com, Time magazine, iPod, Facebook, and American Eagle Outfitters.
| LIVE EYEWEAR President Purchases Company |
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| Live Eyewear, Inc., recently announced that Kieran Hardy, the company's president, purchased the privately held corporation in early December. The company has been under Hardy's direction since its inception in late 2001. Live Eyewear's executive team and the company's core focus will remain unchanged under the new ownership. "We have developed a very effective and experienced executive leadership team over the years," said Hardy. "We share a common desire to deliver OveRx eyewear that features the performance and exceptional quality the public expects from their eyecare professional." Hardy says his outlook is optimistic: "I am excited for the future of the company and the opportunity to share its continued success with those that have supported the business from the beginning. Our industry reputation for world-class quality and service is something we're extremely proud of and will continue to support." |
New CEO for Optometry Giving Sight
Optometry Giving Sight has named Vic Connors, OD, as CEO of the global fundraising organization in the United States. Connors will remain as chair of the national committee in the United States and as a member of Optometry Giving Sight's global board. He is the immediate past president of the World Council of Optometry and is a past president of the AOA and the Wisconsin Optometric Association.
Connors appointment fills a position held on an interim basis by Clive Miller, global deputy CEO of Optometry Giving Sight. Miller will continue to manage the strategic marketing and development of the global organization.
The National Committee of Optometry Giving Sight in the United States also welcomed new members. In addition, professor Brien Holden, global chair of Optometry Giving Sight, is stepping down from the U.S. National Committee.
| Test Your Mettle! |
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Q. Name three types of cataracts by location, not etiology. OPTICIANRY Q. Drugs that produce pupillary constriction are classified as____? |
| Test Your Mettle ANSWERS |
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| Thanks to Essilor and the NFOS for providing this month's questions and answers. Optometry Answer: Nuclear sclerosis, posterior subcapsular, cortical, anterior polar, posterior lenticonus, posterior polar, anterior subcapsular Opticianry Answer: Miotics |
Oakley News
Oakley recently ran a competition to recruit the top 50 hardcore Oakley fans to participate in its new consumer ambassador program as Oakley Factory Co-Pilots. The contest was expected to run on the company's website, www.OakleyPilots.com, through Jan. 10, 2009. To participate, Oakley fans shared their stories online by submitting photos or video along with a completed entry form. The selected Factory Co-Pilot Team will go to Oakley's headquarters in February for an Oakley Boot Camp, where they will be trained as brand ambassadors.
In other Oakley news, Luxottica Group S.p.A. announced that effective Jan. 1, 2009, Oakley became the sole North American distributor for Luxottica house brands Arnette and Revo for all channels of trade, replacing Avant Garde Optics. Also, for North America only, Oakley will become the sole distributor for Ray-Ban in the sport retail channel. Avant Garde Optics, Luxottica's wholesale distribution arm in North America, will continue to manage, market, and distribute the Ray-Ban brand in all other trade channels.
Menicon Co. Ltd.
| Purchases Blanchard's Rose K Segment |
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| Menicon Co. Ltd. has purchased the Rose K contact lens business segment of Blanchard Contact Lens, Inc. Rose K lenses are prescribed for patients with keratoconus and irregular corneas. According to Jonathan Jacobson, general manager of global business strategy and operations for Menicon, "The existing arrangements related to manufacturing and distribution of Rose K lenses in North America have not been affected, and fitters should continue to obtain Rose K lenses from Blanchard Contact Lens." Rose K lenses continue to be available in Boston materials from Blanchard Contact Lens and Rose K distributors throughout North America. Also, Dr. Paul Rose, inventor of the Rose K lens, will continue to work as a consultant to Menicon on new keratoconus lens products. |
Faith Sunglass Fights Breast Cancer
BCBGMAXAZRIA GROUP and ClearVision Optical have raised over $75,000 in their 2008 campaign to support breast cancer research. The funds came from sales of BCBGMAXAZRIA Faith sunglasses. Of each $120 Faith sunglass sale, 25 percent was donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.
The Faith sunglass is the third campaign for the BCBGMAXAZRIA-ClearVision partnership, which has raised more than $100,000 for breast cancer research over the past two years.
Available through select optical retailers and BCBGMAXAZRIA boutiques, the program's success is attributed to the commitment of everyone involved, including their customers, as well as employees at BCBGMAXAZRIA boutiques and select optical retailers.
| SAFILO'S GOTTARDI RESIGNS |
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| Safilo has announced Claudio Gottardi's resignation from Safilo Group to pursue new professional opportunities. James Ross Brownlee is assuming responsibility for the company's American markets. Brownlee has been with the Group for 12 years, during which time he assumed increasing responsibilities in both wholesale and retail. Safilo has also appointed Dario Bassetti to the role of director of marketing and licensing. Bassetti joins Safilo from Indesit Company where he served as chief marketing officer. Bassetti has experience in the areas of marketing and business development in international groups such as Unilever, PepsiCo, and Ferrero. In addition, Nicola Zotta will assume responsibility for the Asian market. During his 10 years with Safilo Group, Zotta has gained experience in European markets such as France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium and Holland. Brownlee, Bassetti, and Zotta will report to Safilo's chief operating officer, Mario Pietribiasi. |
Eschenbach Teams with ASH Technologies
ASH Technologies, Ltd., and Eschenbach Optik of America, Inc., have announced that Eschenbach has been named the exclusive North American distributor of ASH Technologies' line of video magnification products.
Ken Bradley, president of Eschenbach Optik of America, said, "Eschenbach Optik of America brings its expertise in marketing and distribution of high-quality low vision products to the relationship and ASH Technologies brings its expertise in the design and manufacture of high-quality video magnifiers. The ASH product line, with its focus on portability, mobility, and transportability, is ideal for our professional reseller customer base."
"Eschenbach Optik of America, Inc., brings a professional capability and unique knowledge perspective on the successful delivery of low vision products and solutions," said Hugh Maguire, founder/director of ASH Technologies. "By forming this unique team uniting ASH's leading product range with Eschenbach Optik's premium national distribution and support structure, a new dynamic is brought to the growing low vision market."
| Shamir Joins AOA Council |
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| Shamir Insight, Inc., rings in the New Year as the newest participant of the American Optometric Association's (AOA) Ophthalmic Council. Shamir will join some of the industry's most influential corporations on the Ophthalmic Council, such as Luxottica, VSP, and Johnson & Johnson. "It's an honor to be invited by the AOA to sit on their Ophthalmic Council," says Raanan Naftalovich, CEO. "This will be a great opportunity for Shamir to build upon existing relationships with the individuals that represent such an instrumental organization." Shamir also became a Silver Sponsor of the AOA, supporting its ongoing efforts to set professional standards and provide research and education leadership. |
Hong Kong Rocks
The 2008 Hong Kong Optical Fair welcomed 10,000 visitors to its three-day, annual event in November. More than 500 suppliers traveled from 24 countries and regions to exhibit product at the show.
Opening ceremonies celebrated a four percent rise in exports for the first nine months of 2008 (totaling US$1.3 billion), with exports to major markets France and Germany up 25 and 19 percent respectively.
According to the Optical Manufacturers Association, that places Hong Kong as the world's third-largest exporter of eyewear, behind Italy and mainland China.
In addition to hosting the Hong Kong Optometric Conference, the Fair sponsored several competitions. Lindberg received first-place honors in booth design for its metal structure and environmentally friendly design. The Eyewear Design Competition received 130 entries in three categories, and named winners in each.
CHALLENGES & CHANCES
Several speakers addressed the economy.
■ Branding. Stanley Kee, commercial director for Asia business development with GfK Asia, said the greatest impact will be on branded eyewear, while "nonbranded and lower-end eyewear will remain stable."
■ Orders. Kevin ChingWingsing, general manager of manufacturer WingFung International, said: "Retailers will put in smaller orders. They don't want to be stuck with inventory and want more cash. We will have to do more business to compensate for the smaller orders."
■ Markets. GfK's Kee says business "is buoyant on the mainland and India, where the rapid growth of a middle class is fueling demand. These…will become the biggest eyewear markets."
■ Fashion. In Japan, says Kee, oval frames are tops; half frames are hot in Singapore. Top colors: black and silver for men, and brown, pink, and gray for women.
1. Models sport this year's Design Competition winning eyewear 2. Business was brisk on the show floor 3. Hong Kong optical leaders cut the ribbon to open the event during a formal ceremony 4. Both local and international buyers visit the exhibits 5. Finalists in the Design Competition were on display 6. Showing the blend of old and new, entertainment at the Gala featured a blend of traditional dance and modern rock |
On the Town
Mykita began celebrating its fifth anniversary with the launch of a platinum frame offering and the publication of a book, as well as a gathering at Silmo and a post-show tour of the company's facilities and celebration in Berlin with a small group of North American distributors.
The book, "5," featured a retrospective on the first five years of the Berlin-based eyewear brand, tracking the company's progress into its new headquarters and production shop, where all of the fames are made by hand. In addition, the company invited five artists to produce orginal works illustrating their impressions of the brand which were displayed at Silmo and in the publication.
The Charmant Group held its 2008 National Sales Meeting and 25th Anniversary celebration at Dreams Golf Resort and Spa in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. During the three-day celebration, sales reps had an opportunity to see the new products planned for 2009. Harry Aida, president of Charmant USA, reviewed the company's strategies for 2009.
Transitions Optical, Inc., title sponsor of this PGA TOUR, recently filmed a national television commercial at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, home of the Transitions Championship for Healthy Sight. The commercial focuses on ensuring healthy sight in changing light conditions both on and off the course.
Luxottica recently held a star-studded event celebrating the release of its Ray-Ban Clubmaster line. The event, hosted at the Bowery Ballroom, was attended by celebs including Blake Lively and Kevin Bacon, and featured performances by Ipso-Factor, Black Kids, White Williams, and a DJ set by Paul Sevigny.
Essilor Vision Foundation was named Healthcare Education Hero of the Year by the DFW Healthcare Alliance at its annual dinner in Las Colinas, Texas. The award was given for the Foundation's efforts in "improving patient participation through activities that increase patient awareness of the rights and responsibilities within the healthcare industry."
Photo caption: Mykita celebrates its fifth anniversary with a platinum frame series and recognition of the process that goes into the creation of each frame published in a book, "5" (Photos 1-5); 6. The Charmant Group hosted its annual sales meeting recently in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; 7. Transitions Optical's photo shoot for a new commercial was held at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club; 8. The Clubmaster, an iconic style, was celebrated at the recent Ray-Ban Remasters event
| License Lineup |
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| Viva International Group announced a licensing agreement with the Iconix Brand Group, Inc., to distribute eyewear for Iconix Brand Group's RAMPAGE brand. The announcement was made after Viva signed a multi-year license agreement with Iconix to produce and distribute RAMPAGE Eyewear globally. RAMPAGE Eyewear will consist of approximately 20 styles that feature a variety of handmade acetate and metal styles. Safilo Group announced the renewal of its exclusive licensing agreement with Jones Apparel Group, Inc., to design, manufacture, and market prescription eyeglass frames for women and children, as well as women's prescription sunglass frames for the optical market under the Nine West brand. The renewal, effective from January 1, 2009, will be for a three-year period with the possibility of the extension for a further three-year period if certain conditions are met, and includes distribution rights in the U.S., its territories and possessions, Canada, China, and Mexico. |
| STAR Gazers | |
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| 1. "Heroes" star James Kyson Lee just finished the hit show's third season, playing Hiro Nakamura's sidekick, Ando. He stopped by the Red White & Blue Mega Summer Oasis Gifting Retreat, hosted by singer Christina Milian, and modeled Carerra style Champion by Safilo. 2. Young Hollywood socialite Kim Kardashian looks stunning in Red Hot by Jee Vice. Kardashian, who is of Armenian, German, and Irish descent, is sister to Khloe and Kourtney and was featured in the TV series, "Keeping Up with the Kardashians." 3. Since leaving "The O.C.," young starlet Rachel Bilson has been seen in the movie "Jumper" and also worked on the upcoming film "New York, I Love You." She was recently spotted at an airport wearing Chloe style Myrtle by L'Amy. 4. Actor Ben Foster burst onto the scene in 2006's "X-Men: The Last Stand" and followed that up with "3:10 to Yuma" in 2007. More recently, the Boston native costarred with Hilary Swank and Matthew Perry in "Birds of America." Here, Foster tries on ck Calvin Klein style ck2080 by Marchon. |
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