Spectacles in South Africa

PROSPECTS

Negative growth expected, readymade reading glasses set for the best performance

Over the forecast period, spectacles in South Africa is set to register declining sales, with all categories slated for negative value growth in constant 2018 terms. In addition, readymade reading glasses is the only category set to register positive volume growth over the forecast period.

Optical shops to remain dominant in the distribution of spectacles

Optical shops is set to remain the most important retail distribution channel for spectacles in South Africa during the forecast period. The main reason for this is that most people demand the assistance and advice of qualified eye health professionals such as opticians and optometrists when purchasing spectacles.

Saturation in urban areas while rural areas remain underserved

Although eye health and the adoption of corrective lenses is often seen as a low priority among lower-income groups, this does not necessarily mean that eye care services are not needed. Indeed, the competitiveness of the eyewear market has led to saturation in urban areas.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Essilor’s status as the leader in spectacle lenses ensures its leadership in eyewear

Essilor SA (Pty) Ltd maintained its leading position in spectacles in 2017 due to its leadership of spectacle lenses, where its brands Varilux and Crizal hold the two tops spots. At the time of writing, Essilor’s pending global merger with Luxottica was awaiting the approval of competition authorities in China, having already been approved in the US and the EU.

Luxottica continues to set the standard in spectacle frames

Luxottica’s position as the leader in spectacles helped to cement the company’s third position in spectacles in 2017. The company’s strong position is based mainly on its ownership of numerous iconic sunglasses brands, notably Oakley, Ray-Ban and Persol.

Luxottica’s Ray Ban and Oakley remain strong in South Africa

Ray-Ban and Oakley remained the two strongest brands in spectacle frames in 2017. Each of these brands offers a wide range of styles at various price points, with Ray-Ban offering iconic classic styles for men and women and Oakley focusing mainly on sports styles for men.

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