Mondottica and WestGroupe Announce Partnership to Bring AllSaints Eyewear to North America

Mondottica and WestGroupe announce their partnership to introduce AllSaints Eyewear to the North American market. Under this strategic collaboration, Mondottica will leverage its expertise in design and production, while WestGroupe will utilize its extensive network and market insights to expand the reach of AllSaints Eyewear, the first eyewear licence from the British brand known for emphasizing individuality and authenticity.

AllSaints, a global fashion phenomenon, is celebrated for its directional womenswear and menswear with an independent, rock’n’roll spirit. A catalyst for cool, the stunning inaugural optical collection features 18 bold gender-neutral styles with details such as eco-conscious Acetate Renew*, bespoke branded hinges, stylish beveling, and the finest metal detailing. To reinforce the brand’s DNA, hexagon bolt-shaped studs on the temples and hinges as well as custom integrated end-pieces are adorned with the AllSaints logo plaque in the brand’s classic distressed metal finish.

“We are thrilled to partner with Mondottica and to add AllSaints to the WestGroupe brand portfolio. The brand’s DNA and its edgy, unique aesthetic will complement rather than compete with our current brands, providing our customers with a fresh, cutting-edge fashion brand.” President Michael Suliteanu added, “The addition of AllSaints Eyewear underscores our dedication to offering diverse and high-quality eyewear options to the North American market. We look forward to the success that this partnership will bring.”

Beverly Suliteanu, VP of Product Development, WestGroupe

“We are thrilled to partner with WestGroupe to bring AllSaints Eyewear to North America. With our shared commitment to quality and innovation, we are confident that this collaboration will drive growth and success.”

Tony Pessok, CEO, Mondottica

The debut of AllSaints Eyewear in Canada is set for Summer 2024, followed by the anticipated USA launch in Q1 2025.

*About Acetate Renew

Eastman Acetate Renew incorporates significant amounts of certified recycled content from eyewear production scrap and results in a significant reduction in greenhouse gases compared to the traditional manufacturing process. Having approximately 40% certified recycled content and 60% bio-based content, Acetate Renew reduces greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel usage compared to traditional acetate. Typically, 80% of the material used in sheet acetate frame production is scrap. Instead of being landfilled, the scrap will now be returned to Eastman and recycled by Eastman into new material, creating a circular production process. Unlike other sustainable alternatives, Acetate Renew is indistinguishable from classic acetate, assuring wearers of the high quality and premium styles they expect.

Click HERE for the full press release.

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May 30, 2024May 30, 2024

Nikon Optical Celebrates 35 Years in Canada – The First Laboratory Outside of Japan

In 1989, Nikon Optical decided to expand its global network by setting up its first laboratory outside of Japan in Montreal, Canada.

From photography to optical lenses, Nikon has developed an expertise in high-precision optics. It all started in 1917 when two leading optical manufacturers merged with capital investment from Koyata Iwasaki, the President of Mitsubishi, to form a fully integrated company called Nippon Kogaku K.K. It was in 1946 that the first Nikon Eyeglass lens “Pointal” was marketed to consumer and since then has been the leading innovator in the ophthalmic industry with breakthroughs in material, design, and coatings.

Today, Nikon Optical Canada employs 200 employees with laboratories across Canada and produces some 2,000 lenses every day. The Nikon Optical Design Engine calculates and optimizes the optical formula of each lens surface; in fact, Nikon estimates the number of design possibilities to be at 93,000,000,000,000,000,000.

Combining the reputation of its Japanese heritage and the expertise of Nikon’s Canadian laboratories, which consists of specialized technicians, quality managers, opticians and customer experience partners, Nikon lenses guarantee each patient a high-precision, perfectly customized product.

To experience The Nikon Difference, contact a Nikon Business Development Partner at 1-800-663-8654 or visit www.nikonlenswear.ca to learn more about Nikon lenses and coatings.

This year, Nikon Optical Canada celebrates 35 years of expertise enabling Canadians to see with precision and experience their finest moments.

Click HERE for the full press release.

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May 28, 2024May 28, 2024

Doyle Optometrists & Opticians Acquires Clinique Visuelle Voir in Magog

Dr. Jacob Dorais, OD, co-owner Clinique Visuelle Voir

Doyle Optometrists & Opticians has acquired Clinique Visuelle Voir, an optical store that has been established in Magog since 1990. This is Doyle Group’s 24th store.

As part of the acquisition, optometrist Dr. Jacob Dorais will become co-owner, working with an experienced and dedicated team. The store will be completely renovated in the fall to integrate the well-established Doyle brand concept and enhance the experience of both customers and employees.

Doyle has been present in the Eastern Townships, and more specifically in Cowansville, for nearly 40 years, and this new addition will enable the Group to strengthen its presence in the area and reach a potential customer base that has been growing steadily over the past few years.

Groupe Doyle Optométristes et Opticiens Magog boutique — New concept out in the Fall of 2024

“We are delighted to be able to continue our growth in the Magog area, while remaining loyal to our business model, making room for local co-owners, like optometrist Dr. Jacob Dorais. This approach provides a perfect mix of autonomy and support for our associates, who are highly involved in their stores, while benefiting from invaluable expertise and support from head office.”

Patrick Doyle, president, Doyle Optometrists & Opticians

This addition is also part of a well-thought-out strategy of combining expansion by acquisition and organic expansion, piloted by both Patrick Doyle and Dr. Karl Brousseau, vice-president and optometrist. After the Magog acquisition, Doyle will open its 25^th store in Mirabel on June 17 and move the Blainville store (Fontainebleau district) to more spacious premises in July, in order to add a second exam room and expand the sales area.

Click HERE for the full press release.

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May 27, 2024May 9, 2024

Woodys Unveils Colorado, the Spring-Summer Collection Campaign

Woodys presents Colorado, a campaign set in the desert full of fashion and style. The spring-summer collection features LEXI 03. These hexagonal shaped sunglasses combine double laminated acetate and high-quality nickel-free metal to create a very light and comfortable frame. The CR39 gradient lenses provide maximum UVB protection and high visual comfort.

Distributed by Mood Eyewear: www.moodeyewear.com

About Mood Eyewear:

Mood Eyewear Inc is proud to lead in the latest European optical trends, integrating European fashion influences to enhance the visual experience. We consider it both a duty and an honor to support our business partners by providing personalized and efficient service. Our exclusive collections are carefully curated to blend creativity, innovation, art, design, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology.

Established in 2006, Mood Eyewear was founded with the aim of importing and offering prestigious optical and sunglass collections to the Canadian market. Our group ensures the distribution of renowned European brands, selected for their quality and distinctive aesthetics.

We are the exclusive distributors in Canada for brands such as Blackfin, Woodys, Le Parc, Visionario, X-Ide, MIC, I-Man, Komono, and Kunoquist.

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May 24, 2024May 29, 2024

CooperCompanies Publishes 2023 ESG Report, Highlighting Efforts to Drive Positive Change for People and the Planet

CooperCompanies released its 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report showcasing progress on enhancing the health and wellness of people around the world while protecting the planet and serving its communities.

CooperCompanies made significant investments in learning and development programs for global employees, maintained its commitment to protect the planet, and continued making its leading healthcare solutions more accessible in underserved communities.

“We are most innovative when we leverage synergies across our ESG priorities. We believe in the importance of sustainability and are pursuing a future in which everything we create mutually reinforces the wellbeing of people and planet.”

Al White, President and CEO of CooperCompanies

The 2023 ESG Report includes expanded and updated ESG performance data and highlights the Company’s efforts to drive positive change for people and the planet. The report is aligned with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Standards, a leading framework that identifies important ESG topics most relevant to investors.

Key highlights from the report:

People + Planet

We enhance the health and wellness of people around the world, while doing our part to protect the planet and serve our communities.

Scored 100 on the Human Right Campaign’s 2023 Corporate Equality Index
Named to the Top 20 Global Inspiring Workplaces and the Top 10 North American Inspiring Workplaces
CooperVision Puerto Rico received the President’s Award for workplace safety
More than 2,000 employees participate in our employee resource groups
Women received 49% of management-level promotions and made up 49% of our global workforce
Launched our Generation Sight initiative to bridge myopia management access disparities among children in the U.S. and train the next generation of optometry care providers
In 2023, CooperVision sites in Puerto Rico and Costa Rica achieved LEED Gold certification; 8 of CooperCompanies’ facilities are LEED® or BREEAM® certified
Received our first Zero Waste Facility certification at our CooperVision Distribution and Packaging Center in West Henrietta, diverting more than 90% of waste from landfill
Prevented 6.9 million kilograms of plastic waste from entering the ocean since the start of our partnership with Plastic Bank ^[1]
100% renewable electricity sourcing at all CooperVision facilities in New York and the United Kingdom

Governance

Adherence to high standards of ethics, compliance and accountability provides long-term value for our stakeholders.

Employee engagement is now a KPI for all executives
50% Board gender diversity
Launched the Speak Up awareness campaign, highlighting the responsibility of all employees to speak up if they observe or suspect misconduct
Three ESG organizational bodies, including our Executive Leadership, our ESG Team, and a dedicated ESG Cross-Functional Project Team; the Board of Directors oversees ESG topics

Read more in the Cooper 2023 ESG Report.