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Hot List: October 2008

1 Clipping for Cash

An online study conducted by Prospectiv, based in Wakefield, Mass., found that:

■ 72 percent of consumers are using more coupons than they used six months ago.

■ Three-quarters of those people said they're clipping because of the economy.

■ 81 percent of the 1,386 consumers surveyed use coupons for groceries.

4 FAST FACTS

87%
of consumers surveyed said they would be more likely to shop at a retailer who offered coupons —Source: Online study by Prospectiv, Wakefield, Mass.

83%
The increase in usage of Internet coupons, from 2005 to 2007. —Source: Scarborough Research

A&A OPTICAL Gains Partner

A&A Optical Company announced that Brandon Moore, national sales manager for A&A Optical, has entered into a partnership agreement with Robert Liener, president/CEO of A&A Optical Company, as a minority owner.

This new agreement lays the foundation for creating a stronger, more unified company, according to company representatives. Moore will continue to serve as one of two national sales managers, and will take on additional responsibilities involving marketing and customer service. Robert Liener will continue to serve as president and CEO of A&A Optical Company.

OLA Sets Annual Meeting Program

The Optical Laboratories Association has announced its annual meeting program. Keynote speakers include Nancy Friedman, the "Telephone Doctor," and Steve Moore, senior economics writer for the Wall Street Journal, who will address customer service and election results and what they mean for business.

The program will also include Sales University, sales training customized for optical labs and suppliers; an increase in education for production personnel; and classes on lab efficiencies, surfacing basics, bevels and edging challenges, and drilled rimless quality inspection analysis.

The OLA 2008 Annual Meeting will be held November 6 through 8 at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn. Visit www.ola-labs.org to learn more or to register, or call 800-477-5652.

Essilor Appoints Sagnieres as COO

The board of directors of Essilor International has appointed Hubert Sagnieres as chief operating officer. He will serve with Xavier Fontanet, CEO, and Philippe Alfroid, COO.

A graduate of Ecole Centrale in Lille and holder of an MBA from Insead, Sagnieres joined Essilor in 1989 as president of international marketing. He was appointed president of Essilor Canada in 1991 and president of Essilor Laboratories of America in 1997.

President of the North American and Europe regions since 2006, Sagnieres will continue to hold his current position in addition to his new responsibilities. He was also elected to the Essilor board of directors at the shareholders' meeting in May 2006 and serves on the board of Transitions Optical, Inc.

ON THE TOWN

The "Persol Style Award" was presented to Kathryn Bigelow at the 65th International Film Festival. The award is given to a director who stands out for the qualities that mark the brand's style. Shown here (corresponding images shown top to bottom): Fabio d'Angelantonio, Kathryn Bigelow, Giulia D'Agnolo Vallan, and Marco Muller, artistic director of the Venice Film Festival.

Revision Eyewear hosted an open house to unveil its new manufacturing facilities. Vermont Governor Jim Douglas, Major General Michael Dubie, Brigadier General Steven Cray, and Revision CEO, Jonathan Blanshay spoke at the event. According to company representatives, the $6 million investment will allow Revision to design, produce, and bring to market the highest quality ballistic eyewear, as well as deliver products faster.

Safilo's Eden Wexler appeared on "The Wendy Williams Show," a daily, one-hour entertainment talk show starring New York DJ, syndicated radio host, TV personality, and best-selling author, Wendy Williams. Wexler participated in a segment discussing sunglasses.

Essilor and Six Flags Over Texas held the second annual "Think About Your Eyes Week" Public Awareness Initiative in August. Families visiting Six Flags could learn more about taking care of their eyes and meet friendly eyeball characters at the park.

ILORI recently sponsored the "Gothic: Dark Glamour" event. Designers and socialites such as Derek Lam, Gilles Mendel, Thom Brown, Patrick McDonald, Hamish Bowles, Rosemary Ponzo, Yoehlee, Lynn Yaeger, Andre J, and Dennis Basso enjoyed the celebration, which included an ILORI pop-up boutique featuring the "Dark Angels" collection,.

HOLDEN named Davis Vision president

Pennsylvania-based HVHC Inc., a Highmark company, announced that Steve Holden has been named president of Davis Vision, Inc., by the Davis Vision board of directors. Holden succeeds Joseph Carlomusto, who retired from the position after more than two decades of service.

Holden is past president and a founding board member of the National Association of Vision Care Plans and is former president of Cole Managed Vision before its sale to Luxottica. He is a 32-year veteran of the health care industry, and has also had experience in OD education, disease management, medical devices, home healthcare, and healthcare systems and services.

STAR Gazers

1. Multitalented British actor Jason Statham, who was in "Snatch" in 2000 and "The Italian Job" (playing Handsome Rob) in 2003, was on the British National Diving team and finished 12th in the world championships in 1992. He can be seen in the upcoming movie "Transporter 3" which opens next month. He looks dashing in ROLF Goldline gradient by MYKITA. 2. Eva Longoria Parker, who has a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from Texas A&M University, graced the big screen this past summer in "Over Her Dead Body," in which she played a deceased woman trying to sabotage her former boyfriend's new relationship. The "desperate housewife" was recently spotted in L.A. wearing Badgley Mischka Active Eyewear style "Alfie" by Sama Eyewear. 3. Reality TV's Khloe Kardashian, of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians," runs an upscale women's clothing store, named "Dash," with her sisters, Kim and Kourtney. She modeled Valentino style 5562s by Safilo at the MTV Movie Awards Style Lounge. 4. Actor James Marsdenis on a roll in Hollywood, having starred in several recent films, including "Superman Returns," "Enchanted," and most recently, with "Grey's Anatomy" star Katherine Heigl in the romantic comedy "27 Dresses." Here, Marsden looks trés cool in Karl Lagerfeld aviators style KL610S by Marchon.

ESSILOR FOUNDATION

Focuses on Attaining Better Lives and Better Sight

The Essilor Vision Foundation, launched this year in January, is already making positive changes for local kids in Dallas. "We did a pilot test with a school just north of us," says Audrey Reed, executive director of the Foundation, "and did vision screenings with 103 third graders. It turned out that 43 of them really needed to be seen by an eye doctor."

Beyond determining vision correction needs, the Vision Foundation's goal is also to identify those kids whose parents can't afford vision care. "We try to work with those people to arrange doctor visits and eyewear for their children," says Reed. "Our teams work side-by side with school administrators."

According to the Foundation, studies show that one in four children in the United States has a vision problem of which their parents aren't aware. That means the Foundation's efforts are much needed. This fall, these initiatives will expand their reach.

The Essilor Foundation screens schoolchildren for vision problems, and also educates parents about the importance of annual eye exams

Through its Adopt-A-School program and an educational DVD titled "Eyes of a Child," the Foundation will focus on educating parents in the U.S. about the importance of children's eye health and the need for annual eye exams. Teams of volunteers will work closely with school nurses and other organizations, such as the local Lions Clubs, VSP, Safilo USA, and Prevent Blindness, to help provide eyeglasses to kids who need them the most.

The Adopt-A-School program will launch with six pilot teams across the country and will be expanded as resources allow. "They will actually go into the school, work side by side with the nurse, and help screen the kids," says Reed. "They will also help identify those kids whose parents can't afford vision care."

While the Essilor Vision Foundation is looking to provide better vision for children, this unique charity's mission is to "…achieve better lives through better sight by creating and supporting activities that advance good vision and its benefits and offering special help to those who need it most." The Foundation will eventually expand its scope to other people, like senior citizens.

Since its inception earlier this year, the Foundation has attracted a number of donors and optical companies that wish to join the cause with donations of products and services. "I believe we all have the wherewithal to do something to make a difference," says Reed. "It's a movement—giving back to community." —Erinn Morgan

Optic Blue EXPANDS

Optic Blue, an independent wholesale lab based in Lubbock, Texas, is acquiring 8,000 square feet of additional space, tripling the lab's size. "This additional space will allow us to expand our inventory and customer service areas, and acquire additional technologies to increase laboratory volume and efficiency," says Jason Blue, Optic Blue's president.

Optic Blue was founded in 2006 by Jason Blue, who was formerly with Benedict Optical as well as Hoya Vision Care.

Beginning as a finishing lab with a staff of five, surfacing equipment was added in 2007, which expanded operations into full service production. Currently the lab processes 150 to 225 jobs daily with a staff of 14.

WEB WORLD

OProFit Optix has launched a new website, www.ProFitOptix.com. The site features the company's latest products; visitors can learn about key product features and specifications, and access centration charts/fitting guides, as well as register online and create their own ProFit Optix account. The secure site allows customers to access order forms, archival and patient order history, invoices, and statements.

iCoat Company recently announced the launch of its new website, www.icoatcompany.com. The site includes information about iCoat's products and services as well as educational material. Visitors can gain quick access to collateral and sales support materials, information on promotions and discounts, the latest news and event information, and links to other optical websites.

Optical Laboratories Association (OLA) has opened online access to many OLA services through a new website feature called OLA ONLINE. The feature includes a store, meeting registration, and invoice payments. The online store is available to both members and nonmembers, with discount pricing and ‘bill-me-later’ service available to members. In addition, online meeting registration is available to members and exhibitors.

PERSPECTIVE: One-on-One with Mike Daley

In this exclusive interview, Mike Daley, the just-retired president of Essilor Lenses, shares some of his thoughts about the industry.

Q Back in 1972, did you think you'd still be in optical 35 years later?

A The industry, yes. The company, no. I went to Ferris State for two years to get my license and then went on to get my degree. I went into teaching and loved it, but I wanted to get into business.

Q What are you doing now that you're "retired?"

A I'm consulting for Essilor. I want to stay involved in the industry, so I will continue to represent Essilor in The Vision Council. I'm also taking a role with Prevent Blindness America.

Q What are the biggest challenges in optical?

A Consumers don't understand eyeglasses. They think they're overpriced; they don't see the value. The challenge: How can the industry get a clear message to consumers about the importance of eye health and good eyewear?

Q What's the answer?

A Everybody is doing things—associations, manufacturers, managed care, everyone. We need a consolidated voice and message from all these resources. Getting eye exams. Taking care of your eyes. Common messaging would be a win-win—for consumers and the industry.

Q Would you recommend optical to young people?

A Ten years ago, no. Now, I'd encourage it. People are going to need glasses, and the coming technologies are going to change how the industry works. There's something for everyone—high tech, medical, and fashion.

What's great is that where older people see challenges and problems, young people see opportunity. But, you can't just put them there. You have to listen.

CHAIN LINK

Sterling basks in the media limelight and plans future growth

Earning a place on this year's Wall Street Journal list of 25 franchise high-performers came as no surprise to Sam Herskowitz, president of the franchise division of Emerging Vision, the publicly traded parent company of Sterling Optical.

"Our company has been on a steady road to success over the last seven years or so," he confirms. "Our sales growth has been about 5 percent a year, while the industry has been flat."

The 160-store Sterling was the only optical franchise to appear on the list.

How has Sterling Optical managed to rise to the top in a down economy and a market rife with competition? First off, this nearly 100-year-old company has put the focus on growth. Eleven franchised stores were opened in 2007 and approximately 20 more locations are slated for 2008. Sterling currently has locations in about 15 states.

"We have a franchise development group that focuses on the chain in the markets we are in and in several target markets we'd like to move into," he says, adding that plans include opening 10 new locations per year moving forward.

Herskowitz also points to Sterling's marketing efforts as a reason for growth. "Our current focus is on eyecare for the whole family. We focus on warranties and all things that speak to the relationship with the customer. We don't focus on the product we sell because everybody has that."

Additionally, Sterling has built a strong web presence with online eye screenings, an appointment scheduler, and the ability to browse product. Herskowitz notes that all this, too, will soon be expanded upon.