Marcolin Reports Consolidation of License Portfolio, Growing Margins in First Quarter of 2024

By Staff
Friday, May 10, 2024 12:24 AM LONGARONE and MILAN, Italy—The board of directors of Marcolin approved the economic and financial results of the group as of March 31, 2024. In the first three months of 2024, Marcolin has continued to consolidate its performances, in line with the results registered in 2023, carrying out its growth path undertaken in recent years.

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

By Staff
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 12:27 AM 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.

Nominate a Supportive Business Partner for the 20/20 Magazine and Vision Monday 2024 'Ultimate Partners' Program

By Staff
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 12:15 AM NEW YORK—The readers of Vision Monday and 20/20 Magazine are being asked once again to share nominations for their Ultimate Partners. The deadline for submissions is May 15. Now in it's fourth year, Jobson’s 2024 Ultimate Partners program allows readers to highlight their great business support partners and showcase their support. Open to all eyecare professionals, the program is looking to spotlight your most successful collaborations and celebrate the crucial support shared during both challenges and opportunities.

Marcolin and K-Way Sign Exclusive Licensing Agreement

By Staff
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 12:24 AM 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.

Safilo Signs Perpetual License Agreement for David Beckham Eyewear

By Staff
Friday, May 3, 2024 12:21 AM PADUA, Italy—Safilo Group reported yesterday that the company has signed a perpetual license agreement with Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) for David Beckham Eyewear, which substitutes the previous contract expiring at the end of 2030.

Safilo North America Names Gabriele Cusani Sodano President and Chief Commercial Officer

By Staff
Thursday, May 2, 2024 12:30 AM SECAUCUS, N.J.—Safilo North America has announced the appointment of Gabriele Cusani Sodano as president and chief commercial officer, effective April 2024. Cusani brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to succeed in this new role, which will focus on accelerating the implementation of the Group’s strategic plan in the North American market, the company stated. He joined Safilo in 2015 and has held various roles of increasing responsibility throughout his tenure, with experience that spans commercial strategy and planning, brand management, business development, sales operations and direct to consumer.

EssilorLuxottica’s Annual Shareholders Meeting Approves All Resolutions, Reappoints Board

By Staff
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 12:30 AM CHARENTON-LE-PONT, France—EssilorLuxottica held its annual shareholders meeting yesterday in Paris, the company announced, where shareholders approved all 34 resolutions submitted by the board of directors to the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meeting. These included the distribution of a €3.95 dividend per share for the financial year 2023, the compensation policy applicable to the company’s executive corporate officers and the reappointment of all previous directors to the new board of directors. “On behalf of the board of directors, we would like to extend warm thanks to our shareholders for their continued support and trust," said Francesco Milleri, chairman and CEO, and Paul du Saillant, deputy CEO at EssilorLuxottica.

Qlaris Bio Completes $24 Million Series B Financing Round to Advance QLS-111, an IOP-Lowering Drug Candidate for Glaucoma

By Staff
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 12:18 AM DEDHAM, Mass.—Qlaris Bio, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company targeting unmet needs in debilitating ophthalmic diseases, has announced the close of a $24 million Series B financing round.

Wiley X Expands Sales Team By More Than 100, Names Aaron Quigley Senior Vice President of Sales

By Staff
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 12:24 AM FRISCO, Texas—Wiley X has restructured and expanded its sales team to enhance the brand’s relationships and support across retail partners and customers.

Deadline Extended to Submit Entries for VM's Annual Top 50 U.S. Optical Retailers Report

By Staff
Monday, April 29, 2024 12:15 AM NEW YORK—Vision Monday has announced a deadline extension until Friday, May 10, to submit information to its annual Top 50 U.S. Optical Retailers Report. Slated for publication in VM's upcoming June print/digital edition this year, VM's annual survey of regional and national retailers will collect and present sales and operations data for the calendar year ending Dec. 31, 2023. "The Top 50 report and ranking will continue to examine U.S optical retail and ECP group revenues, and serves as a valuable resource to readers," said Anne Cooper, editorial director of Vision Monday and 20/20.

HUGO Eyewear Announces Partnership With Visa Cash App RB Formula 1 Team

By Staff
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 12:18 AM METZINGEN, Germany—HUGO Eyewear, designed and distributed by Safilo Group S.p.A., has announced its partnership with the Visa Cash App RB (VCARB) Formula 1 Team starting this season.

April 26 Deadline Is Approaching for Submissions to VM's 2024 Top 50 U.S. Optical Retailers Report

By Staff
Friday, April 19, 2024 12:15 AM NEW YORK—Vision Monday will be publishing its signature Annual Top 50 U.S. Optical Retailers Report in its upcoming June print/digital edition this year. VM's annual survey of regional and national retailers will collect and present sales and operations data for the calendar year ending Dec. 31, 2023. The deadline to submit information is April 26. "The Top 50 report and ranking will continue to examine U.S optical retail and ECP group revenues, and serves as a valuable resource to readers," said Anne Cooper, editorial director of Vision Monday and 20/20.

LensCrafters Launches Second Season of Its Immersive Roblox Experience

By Staff
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 12:18 AM NEW YORK—LensCrafters, part of EssilorLuxottica, has announced the launch of LensCrafters Eye Odyssey: World of Optics, the second season of its Eye Odyssey series on Roblox, a global immersive platform for communication and connection.

The Vision Council Hosts Nearly 100 Industry Executives for Lab Leadership Forum

By Staff
Monday, April 15, 2024 12:27 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Council hosted the 2024 Lab Leadership Forum on Thursday, April 11 and Friday, April 12, 2024 at the Temecula Creek Inn in Temecula, California. Nearly 100 optical industry executives gathered for the event, providing a platform for education, networking and recognition among optical laboratory professionals. The Lab Leadership Forum, tailored specifically for The Vision Council’s optical laboratory members, offered a comprehensive agenda aimed at fostering professional growth and collaboration among industry peers, according to an announcement from The Vision Council.

Are You a Top U.S. Optical Retailer? Take VM's Top 50 U.S. Optical Retailers Survey Now

By Staff
Monday, April 15, 2024 12:15 AM NEW YORK—Vision Monday will be publishing its signature Annual Top 50 U.S. Optical Retailers Report in its upcoming June print/digital edition this year. VM's annual survey will include regional and national retailers for the exclusive report.