Luxury eyewear isn’t just for the rich and famous. In fact, close to 80 percent of independent optical retailers sell frames that cost $120 or more at wholesale, which we consider “luxury.” While women continue to dominate the category of luxury eyewear consumers, their male counterparts’ interest has steadily increased over the past three years, according to the 2015 Luxury Eyewear MarketPulse Survey conducted by Jobson Optical Research. We recorded the responses of approximately 200 to 300 independent optical retailers who dispense luxury eyewear and were qualified to take this survey. When it comes to luxury eyewear, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all mentality. Sure, the pieces are uniquely well-made bearing outstanding craftsmanship, but eyewear designs can range from elaborate ornate details to beautiful, delicate simplicity. While the description of whether the term luxury refers to high quality, exclusivity or high price is still a topic of debate, it’s clear that luxury is in high demand.

—Jillian Urcelay

METHODOLOGY
This sample was derived from the proprietary Jobson Optical Research database and conducted by Jobson Optical Research’s in-house research staff in September 2013, October 2014 and September 2015. Only independent optical retailers who dispense luxury eyewear (frames costing $120 or more at wholesale price) qualified to take this survey. In 2013, 204 qualified ECPs participated, 244 participated in 2014 and 310 participated in 2015. All participants were offered a chance to win a $200 Amazon.com gift card as an incentive.

—Jennifer Waller, Senior Research Analyst