EDITOR’S LETTER

A New Year

Welcome to 2015. What do we know so far? In fashion, the Pantone Color of the Year is marsala. In business, the International Monetary Fund says the U.S. and the UK will lead the world in job growth. Forbes, however, predicts a roller coaster ride, “in which the U.S. economy might very well begin experiencing a cyclical slowdown.”

TRENDING EXPERTISE

This issue is jam-packed with terrific trend information.

• MARKET REPORT. In this first issue of EB for the year, we feature our own annual market trends report. It’s full of facts, figures, and hands-on information—all pointing to some very positive product and business trends. Market editor Erinn Morgan presents Ten Trends of 2015, based on EB’s own research, as well as interviews with some key industry players.

• BRANDING FOCUS. On the frame side, the January issue features the first of a multi-part brands outlook series. In it, executive editor Amy Spiezio speaks with leading frame executives from around the world. They share insights you don’t want to miss.

• SUNWEAR. We also focus on the all-important Rx sunwear category this month, with strategies for building business in both frames and lenses.

• THE FUTURE. To see what else is trending, check out the video link on this page. It features consultant Steven Van Belleghem’s view of what the new consumer looks like as we approach the year 2020. You can read more at stevenvanbelleghem.com.

VIDEO ON DEMAND

You see it every day. Consumers are changing. To help make sense of evolving trends, view this fact-filled video, “The 2020 Consumer is Coming.” Here’s how to access it:

1
Download the free Actable interactive print app from the app store (available for both IOS and Android devices)

2
Launch the app and scan this entire page

3
Your video will begin

Many thanks to Steven Van Belleghem for sharing his video on getting ready for the consumer of the future.

Stephanie K. De Long
Editorial Director

P.S. Next month will include our Vision Expo East planning section. To register and sign up for the great CE courses now, however, go visionexpoeast.com.