The pandemic ushered in a crushing blow to the luxury goods market, with a retraction in sales of a full 20% in 2020, according to Bain. No surprise, however, given consumers’ locked-down, sweatpants-wearing state of being.

But, the interesting trend in 2021 is the incredibly fast recovery of the high-end arena.

In 2021, luxury goods analysts are predicting a near-full return to the pre-pandemic luxury market volume of 2019. So it seems, U.S. consumers are embracing “re-emergence” with zeal, as we hear about everything from reunion dressing to “revenge buying” shopping sprees.

What does this mean for the high-end eyewear arena? In EB’s recent Covid-19 + ECPs Focus Group Study, nearly 60% of eyecare professionals say they do not plan to change their pre-pandemic price point buying focus for frame purchases. And, 2019 was a time when many practices and optical shops were pointing a focus on higher-end eyewear as a profit center. Additionally, a whopping 94% of ECPs say they do plan to continue frame purchases in the coming months.

In this issue, we deliver a wealth of content to help you re-emerge with a high-end eyewear plan in place.

Turn to page 40 for our A Little Bit of Luxury fashion feature defining five key high-end eyewear trends with a gorgeous lineup of standout looks including wildly oversized shapes, big-and-bold details, and cutting-edge hues.

Head to page 48 for our EB Lookbook Spring/Summer 2021 runway-meets-specs trend report that unpacks six of the most important off-the-catwalk fashion trends of the season—and ties them into on-trend looks in eyewear.

And, don’t miss our revealing Thought Leadership interview on page 30 with New Look Vision Group president + CEO Antoine Amiel, who divulges the 400-store Canadian optical chain’s vision for a U.S. expansion in the high-end arena.

There is much more, too, in our pages to follow, including our Vision Expo East Guide on page 50, optical guru Sheena Taff’s ode to premium progressives on page 54, and our important Focus Group Survey results on Staff Training in practices today, on page 23.

We hope you enjoy the issue, and get a little bit of luxury flowing back into your business—and your life.

TRENDING VIDEO ➤ TOUR THE ISSUE WITH EB’S EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 

Curious what’s in store in this issue of EB? Join Editor Erinn Morgan by clicking play in EB’s digital edition for quick highlights + insider info.

Erinn Morgan,
Editor-in-Chief + Editorial Director