Martin Seebacher Joins Viva

Viva International Group has appointedMartin Seebacheras director of sales andmarketingfor Viva’s Canadian market. In his newly appointed role, Seebacher will be responsible for overseeing all sales andmarketinginitiatives within the Canadian market and will be reporting to Jan Cory, senior vice president of North American sales at Viva.

“We are excited to have Martin join the Viva North American team,” said Cory. “Martin’s keen understanding of the market will help us better serve our Canadian customers in the future.”

Seebacher joins Viva from OakleyCanada, where he most recently served as sales manager for the company’s optical channel. In his ten years at Oakley, he has held previous roles in the sales and product divisions, where he consistently grew sales and developed successfulmarketingstrategies. Seebacher brings with him extensive experience with managing strong brands, as well as the Canadian retail landscape from his previous involvement with Oakley, adidas, Salomon and TaylorMade.

Brian McBride with DirectLab Network

DirectLab Network announces the appointment of Brian McBride as director of sales, LensNet Club and general manager of the network’sOntariohub inSt. Catharines. This move is part of a dynamic growth plan to position LensNet Club and DirectLab Network as a premier internet (B to B) supplier of quality ophthalmic lenses only to eyecare professionals.

In joining DirectLab Network, Brian furthers a 25 year career that includes both retail and wholesale optical experience. His retail career included various management positions within LensCraftersCanada, culminating as lens buyer. In 1995 he joined EssilorCanadawhere he was responsible for the development of Internet sales through Rx Club and Stock Club.

“Brian’s track record in the Internet based lens industry is second-to-none. His depth of experience in building and managing relationships with clients will be invaluable, especially his ability to assist offices in development of best practices as it relates to retail sales,” says DirectLab Network’s Vice President of Sales, Ted Hahn.

Alliance Ronor and De Rigo

Italian company De Rigo Vision formalized its partnership with Ronor International, giving Ronor the right to distribute its complete portfolio of optical and sunwear brands to Canadian eyecare professionals.

The new subsidiary is named Ronor Occhiali, after its Italian roots, and is now offering the Police, Ermenegildo Zegna, Givenchy and Chopard brands inCanada. De Rigo’s remaining brands will be added in the upcoming months.

Created in 1978, De Rigo Vision can be found in more than 80 countries and continues to grow each year. In addition to its geographical expansion, the company has also augmented its product line with high-end collections, recently signing a license agreement with the famousParishaute couture label, Lanvin.

This partnership represents a meaningful step for Ronor International, allowing the company to continue to develop in the North American fashion eyewear market. The company distributes the well-known German brand Humphrey’s as well as their own private labels, Nordic and King Size for men – Canadian favourites for more than 30 years.

Says De Rigo Vision CEO Michele Aracri: “We are excited to unite De Rigo’s stability and prestige with Ronor’s experienced team – who have proven themselves in Canada and internationally. The entire De Rigo Group stands behind Ronor Occhiali in this new venture.”

Robert Charbonneau, owner and president of Ronor International, is equally pleased: “We are very proud to be recognized by a house as renowned as De Rigo SpA, especially after recently celebrating 30 years in the industry.”

Mido Awaits You

The international trade show Mido is preparing to welcome operators and buyers from around the world to Fieramilano Rho-Pero on March 2, 3 and 4, 2013. This “can’t miss” showcase interprets new trends, dictates the standards of international fashion and presents new technical and technological developments in the sector.

Mido is one of the few exhibitions that can boast significant levels of trading. What must be seen? Inaugurated in 2007, the Design Lab area is now the recognized center of attention for visitors who are focused on leading-edge design and products. The area is exclusively for exhibitors whose eyewear demonstrates high levels of design, a mix of technology and creativity.

Inaugurated in 2011, the Mido Fashion District is an exclusive space hosting the top players in the world of eyewear and the production companies that are inspired by fashion.

The Lens Pavilion is entirely devoted to major lens manufacturers fromItalyand abroad, where they present the most cutting-edge new products for improving vision as well as conferences and in-depth seminars on eye health, vision care and emerging technologies.

At the last show, the Otticlub was created specifically for Italian opticians and EasyMido provided free transport for all Italian operators wishing to visit the exhibition. This year, services are being organized that will make things even easier. A service-oriented mind-set makes Mido a must-see event everyone in the industry won’t want to miss.

They Will Need Them

Ronor unveils the I need You ready readers. Designed by opticians for eyecare professionals, these glasses meet the high European CE standards. I need You readers (PD standardized at 31-31) are mounted with aspheric acrylic lenses and come with anti-scratch coating.

Each of the eight models comes with a beautiful matching case and a one year warranty against manufacturer’s defects. The compact display, coupled with the appealing look of the I need You ready readers, allows ECPs to simply fill the needs of a growing category of consumers.