Western Europe

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries. In 2023, global inflation is expected to ease from its peak in 2022, but remaining significantly above-trend. Geopolitical risks and uncertainty in the energy market are…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries. Global inflation is reaching a peak, although geopolitical risks and uncertainty in the energy market remain key risks. The impact varies between countries, with…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries in Q4 2023 and 2024. Global inflation is moderating, although divergence remains among the key economies. Higher volatility in the energy markets and disruption of…

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has triggered the most severe global recession in nearly a century. Businesses are operating in a world of anxieties and uncertainties, not knowing what will be the new normal or when output and consumer spending…

Despite administrative complexities, sales of spectacles in France are set to maintain steady growth in both volume and current value terms throughout 2023, although this is likely to vary across different regions and types of opticians –…

The eyewear industry has experienced significant challenges in recent years due to the global pandemic and economic uncertainty. Spectacles, which comprise a significant portion of the industry in Germany, have not been immune to these challenges.…

Sales of spectacles are set to see only moderate growth in current value terms in 2023, with growth being curbed by the low purchasing power of many Italians. Due to the impact of high inflation on the cost of living many people are being forced to…

In a cross-category trend, the ongoing socioeconomic uncertainty is limiting potential sales in spectacles. Furthermore, global inflationary pressures have led to skyrocketing inflation which is resulting in higher unit prices. Added to which, supply…

Spectacles experienced a decline in 2020 as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19 and home seclusion. However, the landscape saw positive growth in 2021, with pent-up demand and reduced spending on services resulting in many updating their spectacles.…

Spectacles posted growth in 2023, following a fluctuating performance. Growth somewhat benefited from COVID-19, with home seclusion boosting wear initially. However, sales suffered from purchases being postponed during store closures and customers…

Spectacles is a significant category in the Netherlands as over 50% of Dutch adults wear spectacles due to digital lifestyles and extensive screen exposure, and an ageing population. Manufacturers are addressing vision problems resulting from…

Spectacles will be continuing to record positive current value and volume growth in 2023 as the UK continues to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, with the full reopening of optical goods stores and increased demand from consumers who have returned…

The landscape for spectacles is set to see positive retail value growth in 2023. This is not only driven by the growing demand for spectacle frames and spectacle lenses by consumers as their working and social lives return to normal following the…

In contrast to the highly impressive performance in 2022, sunglasses in France is set to see less impressive though still-solid volume and current value sales growth throughout 2023. The anticipated heatwave – typically a boon for sunglasses sales,…

Demand for sunglasses declined in 2022, which can be attributed to a variety of factors including low consumer confidence and a reluctance to make fashion purchases during times of crisis and high inflation – despite the return of holiday trips to…

After a very positive 2022 during which saw sunglasses recorded double-digit growth in value and volume terms, 2023 is set to be a more complex year for the category. The dynamic growth seen in 2022 was linked to the category’s ongoing recovery after…

Sunglasses is the winner in eyewear in Spain in 2023, seeing higher value sales than either spectacles or contact lenses. This is attributed to the reopening of society following the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside the resumption of…

Sunglasses declined in 2020, when COVID-19 led to less socialising, home seclusion and a lack of travelling. However, sales increased significantly in 2021 due to pent-up demand, the shift from services to goods, and the return of international…

Demand for sunglasses has continued to recover from the impact of COVID-19 in 2023, seeing positive growth following a decline in 2022. Normalisation in travel patterns to sunny climates is a main drive of sales, while travel was impacted by…

Sunglasses performed well in 2022, with growth driven by the opening of foodservice, the return of holidays and the general good weather in The Netherlands in the year. With over 2.233 hours of sunshine in 2022, the country experienced a record year,…