National Vision Holdings, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

DULUTH, Ga.—National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE), one of the largest optical retail companies in the U.S., reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 30, 2024. Net revenue increased 4.2 percent to $542.5 million compared with the first quarter of 2023 and was primarily driven by growth from new store sales, higher revenue from the company’s AC Lens business, and the effect of unearned revenue compared with the prior-year period. Net revenue includes a 0.5 percent impact from the timing of unearned revenue in the current-year period compared with the prior-year period, according to an announcement from the company.

The National Average for Gross Revenue at ECP Locations Decreased for the Week of April 29–May 5, Jobson’s Latest Practice Performance Tracker Shows

NEW YORK—The national average for gross revenue at ECP locations decreased last week, April 29–May 5, when compared with the previous week at a rate of -1 index point. That places gross revenue at a level 3 index points above where it was at this point in time (Week 18) when compared with last year (2023), 10 points above the same period in 2022, 14 points above 2021, 93 points above 2020 (during COVID) and 23 points above 2019, according to Jobson’s most recent Practice Performance Tracker.

Safilo Group Reports Positive Start to Year in Europe, Subdued Sports and Eyewear Contemporary Segments in North America

PADUA—The board of directors of Safilo Group S.p.A. yesterday reviewed and approved Q1 2024 economic and financial key performance indicators, according to an announcement from the company. Angelo Trocchia, Safilo’s chief executive officer, said, “In a business environment which is still complex and uncertain, it was again a positive start to the year for our European business, supported by the brilliant growth of Carrera, which has made its debut in our main markets with a  brand new women's collection that is gathering excellent feedback, and David Beckham, which continued to register strong progress in the global premium segment. In North America, sales were affected by a subdued winter season for the sports business and a wholesale eyewear market that remained weak in the contemporary segment, while the direct-to-consumer channel of both Blenders and Smith continued to grow nicely.

Andrew Karp, Jobson's Longtime Lenses and Technology Editor, to Retire

NEWARK, N.J.—Jobson Optical Group announces the retirement of Andrew Karp, the group’s lenses and technology editor, effective June 28. Throughout his 37 years with Jobson, Karp has raised awareness of technology’s impact on eyewear and eyecare by spotlighting the creative contributions of scientists, engineers and others involved in research and development whom he has called “artists of the lens.” Karp joined Jobson in 1987, during Vision Monday’s first year of publication, initially serving as a general assignment reporter for VM and as a feature writer for 20/20 magazine, drawing on his background in journalism and advertising.

Do You Know an Influential Woman in Optical? Nominate Her by May 23 for Vision Monday's Special Report

NEW YORK—Vision Monday will once again be highlighting the Most Influential Women in Optical in our July-August issue, marking the 22nd year of our signature Special Report saluting women in the eyewear/eyecare industry. We are currently seeking nominations via an electronic survey form but time is starting to run out—the deadline for submitting nominations is May 23.