A woman as President
Amélie Morel has been President of Morel for a few months. Formerly the Director of Communications at Morel (her family’s company present in the sector for more than 130 years), she was unanimously elected by members of the association’s Board of Directors to continue the enhancement work on the fair and sector initiated by her predecessor Philippe Lafont, who tragically passed away last March. Also part of this line of work is Optical Monitor, a study jointly commissioned by MIDO and Silmo and conducted by GfK with the goal of providing sector professionals a cross section of the development of the optical market and the current trends in the sector.Could you tell us about your first months at the helm of Silmo?I am familiar with Silmo because Morel has always exhibited there, so the “initial training” stage was simpler and settling in was not a problem. The main stages were observing the running of the fair from the organiser’s point of view and not just from the exhibitor’s perspective, and integrating into the organisational mechanism was easy thanks to an exceptional team.Philippe Lafont’s presidency marked a turning point by helping to strengthen the collaboration between MIDO and Silmo. Will you continue to consolidate this position?The French and the Italians share common ground by having very similar cultures, and they are closely tied to their respective industry chain in the optical-eyewear sector. We are undoubtedly complementary on the global market and we are interested in strengthening our ties, whilst also maintaining our unique characteristics.At Silmo you presented, along with MIDO, the OMO – Optical Monitor study conducted by GfK. Could you comment on this investigation’s findings?This joint study between our two fairs is an excellent tool for understanding the markets, and I am delighted to share it. I would like to highlight a key point from this latest presentation: the mobile phone, and how it is increasing the pace of the changes that businesses have to face. This tool becomes an important element, if not the most important one, in the context of customer relations, as well as in customisation and shopping. This factor is already changing the market landscape and although the optical sector has not yet been influenced by it, these developments must not be ignored and should instead be anticipated with the introduction of new experiences for customers. GfK stressed the importance of understanding customer awareness and anticipating consumer trends in order to transform the retail sector.With impetus from former Presidents, Silmo has developed promotional tools and platforms to support professionals in this field. Will you continue to head in this direction?Of course. The fair is the true event which brings together all professionals in Paris, but Silmo is also a global platform, that I would say is virtual, and allows for contacts to be kept throughout the year, as well as allowing to protect and promote the interests of the sector. I am positive, just like my predecessors, that we must continue to be a committed partner. Could you give us a panorama of the French market?The French market is under pressure. Analysis of the GfK institute’s study reveals a slight slowdown in eyewear sales because of the implementation of the new legislation on refunds. The businesses producing eyewear and lenses which export in large volumes are less affected, but paying attention and responding adequately to this new situation is required. I want to stress that the French market still holds onto its position as number one in Europe, and that therefore requires vigilance and flexibility in order to offer French customers the best products at the best price.
