Spotlight on Luxury Eyewear: Navigating its Complex Operating Environment

Key Findings

Changes in licence models in luxury eyewear

New licence and business models are evolving that will continue to disrupt luxury eyewear. The industry is going through a period of strategic transition, with many leading luxury companies bringing more of their business in-house. This is impacting luxury fashion houses, licensees and retailers alike.

M&A continue to create further disruption in eyewear

After a period of heightened M&A activity, luxury eyewear companies continue to bet on acquisitions to expand their product or brand portfolios and tap into other market segments, as well as diversify their operations and widen both their distribution and demographic reach.

Consumers are driving corporate strategies

The popularity of streetwear and the return of consumers’ affinity for logos is helping to lift sales of luxury eyewear. Prescription frames and sunglasses alike enable consumers to both wear designer logos and serve a practical purpose at a more favourable price point.

Experiential luxury

Creating experiences that surround the brand through the customer journey acts as a tool against declining loyalty. Luxury eyewear brands and retailers are embracing their fun and creative side, looking to optimise the services they provide to consumers, and are moving further towards full-blown immersive experiences.

Luxury eyewear is following sustainable models

Consumer attitudes are shifting in the right direction, with many luxury consumers now seeking to have a positive impact on the environment. Luxury brands are deploying technology to instigate behavioural change and reward sustainable actions.