The National Average for Gross Revenue at ECP Locations Increased for the Week of September 30–October 6, Jobson’s Latest Practice Performance Tracker Shows

NEW YORK—The national average for gross revenue at ECP locations increased last week, September 30–October 6, when compared with the previous week, at a rate of 1 index point. That places gross revenue at a level 16 index points above where it was at this point in time (Week 40) when compared with last year (2023), 19 points above the same period in 2022, 26 points above 2021, 19 points above 2020 and 30 points above 2019, according to Jobson’s most recent Practice Performance Tracker.

VSP Vision Enters Into Definitive Agreement to Acquire Eyemart Express

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.—VSP Vision announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire national optical retailer Eyemart Express from FFL Partners and Leonard Green & Partners. The company noted that the acquisition of Farmers Branch, Texas-based Eyemart Express, with its nearly 250 stores in 42 states, will mark another significant network investment by VSP Vision to serve its more than 85 million members. In June of this year, Eyemart Express was ranked as the No. 12 eyewear retailer in the U.S. as part of Vision Monday's 2024 Top 50 U.S. Optical Retailers report, with reported annual sales in 2023 of $366.2 million, up from $345 million in 2022.

Vision Monday Launches Survey to Gauge the Effects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton on the Industry

NEWARK, N.J.—Due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene in the U.S., and the impending wind damage and flooding of Hurricane Milton, Vision Monday has launched a survey to gauge the effects of the hurricanes on the optical industry. Click here to let us know how your business has been affected by these two historic hurricanes. If your company or organization is providing disaster relief to the optical community, we want to hear from you too. Stay tuned to VMAIL for results of the survey.

Europa Eyewear Announces CEO Scott Shapiro to Transition to New Board Position

CHICAGO—Europa Eyewear CEO Scott Shapiro is transitioning his position on the company’s board of directors to executive director of industry relations, the company has announced. Shapiro's transition will be gradual, and along with president Jerry Wolowicz and the leadership team, he will continue to guide the company’s trajectory and collaborate with the board to identify a new CEO. He will continue to represent Europa at industry events and with key organizations, including The Vision Council, where he currently serves as board chair. This move will allow Shapiro to refocus his efforts from overseeing daily operations to guiding the strategic direction of the company while actively promoting Europa to key stakeholders within the optical industry, the company noted. He will also play a pivotal role in reinforcing the core values that have defined Europa’s identity.

Silmo 2024 Reports More Than 32,000 Attendees, Offers Series of Resources for Continued Use Post-Show

PARIS—The 2024 edition of Silmo Paris wrapped up here on September 23 with a total of 32,125 professionals in attendance, show organizers said in an announcement. This is a 2.6 percent increase from 2023. Fifty-two percent of these attendees were international, the other 48 percent were French. This year’s attendees were able to visit more than 900 companies at Silmo Paris, and the show spread over 75,000 square meters in Halls 6 and 7 at Paris Nord Villepinte.