EDITOR’S LETTER

Can You Predict Your Future?

if the future—and planning for it for your business—seems daunting, you’ve come to the right magazine. Propelled by the great unknowns of the year ahead of us, for this issue we put a laser focus on connecting with experts that could help us unearth the biggest consumer trends, the brightest optical market directions, and the real-deal economic predictions for 2017.

The quick and dirty? There is much to be positive about, and many business opportunities to seize.

Dig into our roundup of 2017 business predictions for each of the key optical retail product categories—frames, spectacle lenses, and contact lenses—all starting on page 56. We check in with a category expert in each product arena, and they deliver their biggest 2017 predictions and best business tips.

Pull up a chair and turn to page 50 for an excellent read on the 5 BIG consumer trends that will drive retail business in 2017—including specific tips for how ECPs can employ and capitalize upon each trend in their own four walls. On page 62, we hear from highly respected economist Brian Beaulieu, who breaks down what to expect in 2017 (spoiler: it’s lookin’ good) PLUS shares his prediction for just when to expect the next slowdown (and possible recession).

We also embrace the season with a glittering, gorgeous tour of some seriously stunning specs that will spice up your eyewear assortment and help drive new sales…all starting on page 46.

We hope you enjoy the issue.

We share this vintage eye-catching cover from 1995 to cap off our 30-year anniversary celebration in 2016. Thank you for supporting EB through three amazing decades!

Wishing you a truly healthy, happy, and prosperous holiday season,

Erinn Morgan
Editor-in-Chief + Editorial Director
Eyecare Business