US Eyewear Industry to Grow Annually at 2.57%

“The US eyewear industry has been forecast to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57% through to 2016, driven by the high prevalence of eyesight disorders, and the trend of using contact lenses for aesthetic and cosmetic purposes,” according to Yahoo! Finance UK/Ireland. “After suffering three consistent years of value sales declines, the eyewear market in the US began to emerge from the depths of the economic recession in 2011 and 2012. While the economy remains weaker than it was before the recession, GDP growth, a declining unemployment rate, and rising levels of consumer confidence led consumers to once again invest in vision correction products.” Read more.

Warby Parker’s Brick & Mortar Store

“Cult eyewear favorite Warby Parker's new SoHo flagship store is truly a sight for sore eyes,” notes AM New York. “The brand, known for its quirky, vintage-inspired eyewear and its philanthropic side -- for every pair of glasses sold, the company donates a new pair to those who can't afford glasses on their own -- has experimented with Big Apple pop-ups in the past and sells some frames out if its quaint Lafayette Street showroom, but this is its first retail outpost. The chic boutique's design was inspired by the New York Public Library, with reading lamps, lounge chairs and books spread throughout the store -- paying homage to the founders' passion for literature. Eyewear is displayed along sleek white shelves, which also house colorful stacks of classic novels. Some books in the shop are also for sale.” Read more.

Eyefinity Officially Opening Its eStores

Eyefinity will unveil eStores by Eyeconic at the 2012 International Vision Expo East. eStores by Eyeconic, which will be free to VSP practices with an eWebExtra website, promises to offer practices a way to create an online optical store, connected to their eWebExtra site and customized to their practice. An online extension of the private practice’s brick and mortar dispensary, an eStore allows both VSP and non-VSP members to shop online 24/7 for contact lenses, prescription eyewear, and sunwear that can be delivered right to the patient’s front door.  The e-store has been in beta testing for about a year. Read more.