Author Archives: Envision Magazine

Mido Innovates

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MidoThe Bestore project is one of the many new projects announced by Mido, a not-to-be missed international trade show in Milano, slated for February 28 to March 2, 2015.

The organizers have decided to offer attendees the best innovative shopping experience in an engaging atmosphere by kickingoff Bestore, an international award for the best eyewear display. Interior design, product display concept, interaction with the customer, communication andvisual merchandising are the criteriathat will be assessed. Store, conceptstore or retail outlet owners can directly apply for the competitionon the Mido website, uploadingphotos of their space and describing their strengths and qualities. An international jury of experts, notonly from the eyewear industry butalso from the marketing and visual merchandising sectors, will choose the winner who will receive the award at the Mido exhibition on Sunday, March 1.

The Bestore project stems from the increasing attention being given by the optical sector to retail marketing, which encompasses all communication and promotional strategies for stores. The goal of retail marketing strategies is to win over a larger and more diversified public and maximize the company’s brand awarness and profit. One of the most effective levers of retail marketing is to engage the customer by providing a welcoming space that can also offer a host of ideas and creative stimuli.

Now Available in Canada

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CostaCosta Sunglasses has been producing performance sunwear since the early ‘80s, after a group of fervent fisherman who spent their days exploring the globe and battling extreme elements came to realize that the sunglasses they were relying on weren’t as hardcore as their adventures.

Costa’s reputation and DNA is designed around providing the clearest vision for the outdoor enthusiast 365 days a year, regardless of the season.

Available in a number of different materials and coatings they all deliver amazing colour, contrast and clarity. Patented technology blocks blue and yellow light for better clarity and colour. Costa Canada is excited to announce that these 100 per cent polarized, and 100 per cent UV protection sport performance sunglasses are now available in Canada.

Costa’s performance product line up includes a selection of plano sun and a vast series of Rx-sun choices, offering a variety of lens, design and mirror options.

To find out more about Costa, please contact: Dion Williams at 613 314-8211 or by email at dwilliams@costadelmar.com.

A Website Dedicated to Fitson & You

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Logo_FitsonTwo years after launching its house brand, Canadian Optical Supply Company (COS) has introduced its Fitson & You line’s website http://fitsonandyou.com.

Fitson & You finds its essence in Montreal. Inspired by the animated and relaxed character of the city, COS wanted to create a collection that would allow everyone to express their personality while ensuring wearing comfort and durability for all.

Made in South Korea, Fitson & You frames are mostly designed in ultem, an ultra-light and flexible shape-memory material. “The model’s elasticity and ultra-light weight are advantages that will surely impress the most discerning wearers,” said Jonah Baumann, optician at Fitson & You.

Chic but never over the top, eye-catching and original, the eyewear styles are classic with a modern twist, perfect for capturing the individuality of each person who wears them.

Fitson & You joins the brand portfolio distributed by COS, with one difference: this time, the brand belongs to the distributor whose reputation is well-established in the Canadian market.

Partnership Between De Rigo USA and Importlux

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DeRigoThe prestigious Chopard, Givenchy and Police brands will be distributed in Canada by Importlux, thanks to an agreement between the company and De Rigo Vision USA.

A sales team specifically dedicated to these lines will ensure an exclusive service. De Rigo’s reputation is based on high-quality frames designed in Italy and Japan and distributed in about 80 countries worldwide, specifically in Europe, Asia and the U.S. Thirteen companies with 18 business divisions and over 100 independent distributors reach 50,000 customers around the world.

Luxury, quality and creativity define Chopard eyewear perfectly. The models are all made in Italy, using precious materials, and are hand-assembled by highly trained craftsmen. Materials include Swarovski crystal, gold, precious wood, unique cellulose acetates from Mazzuchelli, composite rubber and stunning finishing such as palladium, pink and bronze gold. Each Chopard frame is covered by an international guarantee of 24 months against manufacturer defects.

The fashion conscious and distinctive Givenchy eyewear line is designed 70 per cent for women and 30 per cent for men. Quality Mazzuchelli acetate and stainless steel are cleverly worked out for this collection, revealing refined details, like integrated hinges.

Police, the third line distributed by Importlux, features a refined design and a strong personality, which pays attention to current fashion trends. The brand’s style is trendy, with a distinctive urban feel.

Elegant Cat Eye Style

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SeraphinDesigned with elegance and simplicity in mind, Seraphin debuts the Aspen, an unforgettable sophisticated titanium model. With the delicate use of Japanese titanium, the Aspen embodies the long-established cat eye shape with updated intricacy. The model is offered in four rich hues of black, white, burgundy and blue.

Seraphin Eyewear counter cards, logo blocks, and large window banners are available upon request.

Centennial Optical Launches Spine Eyewear and Announces a Strategic Partnership for Revo

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SpineIntroducing a revolution in performance, Centennial Optical debuts Spine – a game-changing product line in which design, function and aesthetics are driven by the need to create a cohesive solution for consumers.

Inspired by the interaction between vertebrae, Spine transcends age-old hinge limitations. Constructed with micro-injected metal (MiM) hinges, Spine Eyewear will morph to fit any face shape or head size with the lightest touch, gripping all day long. Due to its dual springs and spun-wire cable, the temples also automatically retract when removed from the face – heightening their preservation capabilities. Designed for everyday wear, Spine is a modern collection that features classic, minimal shapes packed with elements that create comfortable, durable eyewear with flexibility in all directions. Simply put, the fit, feel and functioning of Spine Eyewear is unparalleled.

“Spine brings a new level of functional technology to eyewear that leads to remarkable fit and performance. We are proud to collaborate with the teams at Mondottica and Rem Eyewear for the worldwide distribution of this patented technology,” said Allen Nightingale, VP of Centennial Optical.

The introduction of this line is a unique global collaboration between Centennial Optical, REM Eyewear and Mondotticca, combining teams with a remarkable cache of talent, and decades of experience in every aspect of the eyewear industry. Through this seamless international partnership, Spine will be fully supported to achieve success in the Canadian, U.S., and global markets, demonstrating all parties’ dedication to serving the needs of customers everywhere.

Morevover, Revo, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sequential Brands Group, announced that it has entered into a long-term distribution agreement with Centennial Optical for distribution of its performance eyewear in Canada for both optical and non-optical markets.

“We are thrilled to be working with Centennial Optical as they bring incredible expertise and insight to the Canadian market,” stated Cliff Robinson, co-president of B. Robinson Optical of New York, which manufactures Revo sunglasses under an exclusive license agreement with Sequential. “We look forward to partnering with them to bring an iconic performance eyewear brand like Revo to optometrists, opticians and independent sport/specialty retailers across Canada.”

“Revo essentially invented performance eyewear and our intention is to build upon this great heritage to help grow the brand throughout Canada. Our company will work closely with Revo and we are very excited to have this opportunity to bring such an innovative sunglass brand to optical market and retailers,” added Centennial Optical VP Allen Nightingale.

Founded in 1985, Revo quickly became a global performance eyewear brand known as the leader in polarized lens technology, the company reports. Revo sunglasses were first created by utilizing lens technology developed by NASA as solar protection for satellites.

WestGroupe U.S.A. Welcomes a New Vice President of Sales

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WestgroupeWestGroupe announces the appointment of Dennis Davis as the new vice-president of sales for WestGroupe U.S.A. He will report to the vice president of North American sales, Mike Debono.

“I am excited to be able to share my 20-plus years of experience, knowledge, and insight in the optical industry with the WestGroupe team,” said Davis. “I’m looking forward to joining such a progressive and forward-thinking organization, and can’t wait to get started.”

Davis began his career in the optical industry in 1991, as a sales representative with Optyl/Carrera. For the last 10 years, he had held the position of vice-president of sales at Charmant Group U.S.A. He brings a great deal of knowledge and established relationships that he has built over the years with an outstanding network of people throughout the industry.

“I am confident that Dennis’s contribution to our organization and to our customers will be tremendous,” added WestGroupe President Michael Suliteanu. “He will surely help the company in continuing our servicing of the optical market globally.”

WestGroupe offers a premium selection of international brands in over 40 countries, including KLiiK denmark, FYSH UK, EVATIK and Superflex.

Metal Is Back

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OptikaOptika Eyewear is very excited about introducing the 2015 Nat and Coco collection with 15 new styles for both men and women.

The collection will feature 10 new styles for ladies that offer the comfort of super light stainless steel optical frames. “All our models focus on being both stylish and comfortable,” says Optika Eyewear VP Sales Richard Allan. “With our extensive research, we have developed a stainless steel composition that is durable and extremely light. “

As well, following the same trend in acetates, for metal frames the company has concentrated on “Colour Cut-outs”. “As you can see in the Nat and Coco NC1192 model, we have a black on grey frame, where we cut out the beneath grey colour the top of the front,” explains Allan.

Optika Eyewear has also updated their website www.optikaeyewear.com to include an online catalogue, where clients can place orders directly online.

New Buying Group in Canada

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DECPDigital ECP launches in Canada, with a mission to help independent eyecare professionals (ECPs) compete with large chains and online retailers.

“Digital ECP Inc. has been built around the needs of Canadian eyecare professionals”, says President and co-founder Grant Larsen. For years, buying groups have focused primarily on discounts and consolidated billing to help smaller businesses compete with chains and corporate optical retailers, the company reports.

According to the presidents and co-founders, Karen Ouellette and Grant Larsen, with the emergence of online retail and the ensuing changes in consumer buying habits, independent ECPs need more than better pricing to survive. Digital ECP not only delivers billing efficiency and discounts, but the latest in online technology, digital marketing expertise and turnkey promotions to help Canadian eyecare professionals grow, they say.

“Our select digital tools, extensive industry experience and hands-on business support will provide our members the ability to compete with sophisticated online marketers and attract new optical consumers,” adds Karen Ouellette.

Digital ECP’s co-founders have a combined 35 years of opticalindustry experience in Canada. The company provides discounts, billing and business services entirely through digital technology, with personalized consulting and customer service.

Classic Look

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PlanBPlan “B” Eyewear has added a bright new model to its Headlines collection. This acetate frame turns classic male style on its head, utilizing the square acetate frame we all know and love and giving it new life through an injection of bold, unusual colour.

These dynamic colour techniques catch light and create a sense of movement and depth. They are the perfect frame for the man who wants a classic look with an edge. Colour options include blue, green and brown.