Usa: frame market weakens in 2003

Americans consumers/patients continue to look for value-priced products: this was reflected in Vision Council of America members' frame shipments.

Following a strong 9.1 percent growth in 2002, shipments advanced by a moderate 1.6 percent based on units, the slowest pace in four years. Based on value, shipments declined for the first time since 2000, by 1.9 percent.

The shift in customer preference from brand to non-brand became more apparent in 2003. The market share between brand and non-brand frames nearly approached parity by year-end. With a strong and still-growing share of 49.1 percent, the non-brand products are expected to lead the market in 2004. In fact, within the metal frames market, non-brand frame shipments have surpassed the brand frames, recording a share of 50.2 percent, up from the previous year's 46.2 percent.

Metal frames remained the bulk of the market with a share of 81.9 percent. Yet, plastic frames are slowly, but consistently, gaining ground, increasing by an average of 1.0 share point each year since 1999.