In what is virtually an opti-arena blink of an eye, so to speak, it all changes. And in this case, the subject is a completely new and fresh (in every sense of the word) attitude when it comes to defining and dispensing luxury eyewear. This is NOT the first-ever Luxury Eyewear MarketPulse in 20/20. The topic was ditched a few years ago when the optical market was experiencing a near acid-reflux reaction to the standard definitions of luxury based on escalated pricing for both the dispenser AND the consumer, and a limited assortment of so-called luxury brands entrenched in the world of precious metals, overtly jewel-encrusted specs and a near copycat attitude built on the factor that a certain glitzed, dazzle-domain ruled this sliver of the market.

THAT is no longer the case. In these modern times, there is a new and fresh attitude about luxury built on far more realistic pricing, a dedication to eyewear heritage branding (something we like to refer to at 20/20 as “Our Eyewear”) and a realm of high-priced (but NOT exorbitant) wholesale and retail goods based more on style, quality, (inherent) service, exclusivity and appeal that is NOT just jewel, gold and silver-infested.

As can be ascertained from the metrics and responses delivered in this fresh, new 20/20 MarketPulse from Jobson Optical Research, this is a new world of luxury eyewear. It is a brave new world offering lucrative alternatives to enlightened dispensers, joyfully-defined product to a whole new class (with the emphasis on CLASSY) of optical retailers and a range of eyewear and sunwear that has consumers being heartfully and soulfully satiated by glasses they both need and want in defining their personalities and suitably addressing their optical ambitions of perfect and personalEYEzed vision.


—James J. Spina and Jennifer Zupnick


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Source: 2013 Luxury Eyewear MarketPulse Survey

Source: 2013 Luxury Eyewear MarketPulse Survey

Source: 2013 Luxury Eyewear MarketPulse Survey

Source: 2013 Luxury Eyewear MarketPulse Survey

Source: 2013 Luxury Eyewear MarketPulse Survey

Source: 2013 Luxury Eyewear MarketPulse Survey

Source: 2013 Luxury Eyewear MarketPulse Survey


METHODOLOGY

20/20’s Luxury Eyewear MarketPulse Survey 2013 was conducted in September 2013 by Jobson Optical Research’s in-house staff. This sample was derived from the proprietary Jobson Optical Research database. Only the responses of independent optical retailers who dispense luxury eyewear (frames costing $120 or more at wholesale price) were qualified to take this survey. 204 qualified ECPs participated, and all participants were offered a chance to win a $200 Amazon.com gift card as an incentive. For more information please visit jobsonresearch.com.

—Jennifer Zupnick
Senior Research Analyst
Jobson Optical Research