It just takes a few trips to international shows to realize that it’s both a Big World and a Small World, at the same time.

Marge Axelrad
Editorial Director

Frame and sunglass trends or brands and designer names  mean different (or the same!) things in Osaka, Paris, Chicago or Shanghai.

But underneath it all, there is one universal truth: you’ve got to develop, create, manufacture, ship and distribute the stuff--to customers around the world or around the corner.

The state of international frame production and timely delivery is a big issue. If you’re a retailer or ECP who’s wondering why that best-selling style has been back-ordered longer than usual, or wants to know how and when to commit to that new frame line, it’s an issue to be aware of. If you’re a supplier.....well, you already are aware.

Why is the issue of frame supply and sourcing more acute now more than other times? There are a few theories.

One is that a lot of the world’s frame and sunwear producers (big and small) have made gradual shifts in where they produce goods. While Italy and France still produce a quantity of premium designer goods, the world has shifted and is moving more towards Asia. This has been happening for a few years, but demand is peaking. There’s ‘competition’ for production time. Even as major Chinese factories expand their facilities and Chinese production is more sophisticated than ever, framemaking is shifting into new regions, so skilled labor (and parts and machines and materials) are in high demand. That means that production standards and operating efficiency can be challenged. It means that factories that used to quote 90- and 120-day lead times are now talking about 6- or 12-month lead times-- that’s just to get the first styles through.

Another concern is price. Plastics have been a growing trend and frame plastics are susceptible to petroleum prices. I think we all know what that means. As China grows, its wage rates are rising. Does this mean price increases for suppliers who make products there? Probably. Will they be able to absorb all of these? Maybe.

Some people are rethinking and moving some style production back to Europe. Others are taking pains to be sure that their commitments are honored.

In general, it’s a signal that eyewear is a small world after all.