Usa: positive trend for sunglasses

The sunglasses category is growing, according to the results of a survey carried out by the magazine, 20/20, on a sample of 150 retailers in the US optics sector.

73% of the interviewees confirmed that there is a steady increase in eyewear sales, which account for 16% of total retail sales, against 19% for sales of frames. The remaining 40% of sales is for eyeglass lenses and 20% for contact lenses.

Two basic factors have determined this growth in the sector: on the one hand, greater consumer awareness and a wider product offer, on the other hand, opticians are specializing in customer service. And it is because of the service, more than anything else, that consumers prefer to buy at independent retailers' rather than at department stores and stores specializing in sports goods.

Offer diversification has played a decisive role in the upturn in sales in the sector, together with the continued increase in fashion content, which also refers to eyewear designed specifically for sport which was, until now, considered too heavy and lacking in refinement.

80% of sunglasses bought from the sample interviewed are adults of between 14 and 44 years of age. Adults between 45 and 54 and 55 upwards represent only 16% and 14% of buyers, respectively.

Italians have been confirmed as the major promoters of wearing glasses at any age and they now regularly present their products to the American public in parallel with the New York fair, Vision Expo East, the most important for the US sector. Made in Italy products will be presented at a fashion show organized in collaboration with Anfao and Ice, March 11, 2005, at New York's prestigious Gotham Hall.

(Source: Ice)