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.

VSP Vision Earns Great Place to Work Certification, Selected as 2024 U.S. Best Managed Company Gold Standard Winner

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.—VSP Vision has announced that it has been certified by Great Place to Work, an award based on what current employees say about their experience working at the company. VSP Vision also announced that it has been selected as 2024 U.S. Best Managed Company gold standard winner for the fourth consecutive year. In recognition of the Great Place to Work certification, 81 percent of employees said VSP Vision is a great place to work—24 points higher than the average U.S. company.

Marcolin and K-Way Sign Exclusive Licensing Agreement

LONGARONE and MILAN, Italy—Marcolin and K-Way, a French brand currently owned by Turin-based group BasicNet, announced they have signed an exclusive licensing agreement for the design, production and worldwide distribution of K-Way brand sunglasses, optical frames, ski goggles and eyewear for kids. The partnership officially begins on January 1, 2025, and will last six years.