Blog

December 12, 2019December 12, 2019

FYidoctors Grows to 40 Locations in Ontario

FYidoctors announced Muskoka Vision as the latest clinic to join the company. This addition marks the company’s 40th location in Ontario.

Established in 2010, Muskoka Vision is a full-service vision centre led by Dr. Colin Bowser which offers eye exams, contact lenses, and eye surgery co-management. Known to deliver comprehensive eye care and high-quality, affordable products, they look forward to continue serving the community from their current location only now under the FYidoctors banner.

“The addition of Muskoka Vision to the FYidoctors family is a milestone for us, as not only does this mark our first location in the Muskoka area, but also the 40th FYidoctors location in Ontario,” said Dr. Alan Ulsifer, CEO and Chairman of FYidoctors. “Entering new regions and enhancing the lives of its residents is always an exciting task and we are delighted to do so in this instance with Dr. Bowser and his team.”

Dr. Bowser added that the decision to join FYidoctors was one which made a lot of sense to the needs and expectations of existing Muskoka Vision clients.

“The client base we’ve built in the Muskoka area has come to expect exceptional eye care and, by joining FYidoctors, we’ll be able to maintain that and provide the added benefits that come with an FYidoctors clinic,” said Dr. Bowser. “We’ve always taken pride in the experience we provide our patients and are excited to enhance that through this move.”

Muskoka Vision will now have access to the Internal Freeform technology that produces high-quality lenses from FYidoctors’ ophthalmic laboratory in Delta, B.C., in addition to a variety of support and a wide range of designer frames.

Source: FYidoctors

December 11, 2019December 11, 2019

Transitions Announces 2019 Transitions Innovation Award Finalists

Transitions Optical has named the finalists for its annual Transitions Innovation Awards program, which recognizes both individuals and companies for their innovative efforts to support the Transitions^® brand over the past year. The finalists will be honored during Transitions Academy, February 2-5, 2020, where the winners will be announced.

2019 Transitions Brand Ambassador

The Transitions Brand Ambassador award celebrates an individual who best showcases their dedication to be an influential advocate of the Transitions brand. The 2019 finalists include:

Edward C. August, Professor – CUNY, MBA, ABOM, and President of August Enterprises (Cranford, New Jersey)
Daniel Brunson, Optician – Hicks Brunson Eyewear (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Jennifer Chinn, O.D. – Dr. Chinn’s Vision Care (San Diego, California)
Roxanne Fermin, O.D. – Priority Vision Optometry (Los Angeles, California)

Canadian Eyecare Practice of the Year

The Canadian Eyecare Practice of the Year title recognizes independent eyecare practices in Canada that are actively promoting healthy sight to their patients and within their local communities, and who have demonstrated excellence in supporting the Transitions brand. The 2019 finalists include:

Eye Station Optical (Richmond, British Columbia)
LOPTICIEN.CA (Rosemère, Quebec)
Vision Care Centre (Scarborough, Ontario)

Canadian Retailer of the Year

The Canadian Retailer of the Year title is awarded to a retailer in Canada for actively supporting the Transitions brand and demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the vision of their customers and communities. The 2019 finalists include:

Best in Marketing

Best in Marketing honors an individual or company for their creative and strategic marketing tactics to effectively promote the Transitions brand or Transitions family of products among customers or within their communities. The 2019 finalists include:

Best in Training

The Best in Training award celebrates an individual, company or educator that has shown creativity in developing or offering training and education opportunities that include dispensing photochromic lenses, the Transitions brand or Transitions family of products. The 2019 finalists include:

Click HERE for the full press release.

December 10, 2019October 18, 2019

Carbon Fiber and Natural Wood: A Creative Combination

Jean-François Rey launches new models to premier at SILMO Paris 2019.
CarbonWood frames are technically exceptional, made by way of the extremely thin carbon fibers with natural wood. The natural hues of wenge, sental wood or cedar are combined with the electric colours of carbon. The models feature a FLEX hinge, impeccable finishes, extreme lightness, fine matte polishing and neat stylistic details.
Photo: JF2861 9545

Distributed by Maison Jean-François Rey: www.jfrey.fr

December 10, 2019December 10, 2019

Safilo and Marc Jacobs Renew Licensing Agreement

Safilo and world-renowned designer Marc Jacobs announce the early renewal of their licensing agreement for Marc Jacobs branded optical frames and sunglasses collections. The new agreement will now run until December 31st, 2026.

The renewal of this partnership, that has reached its 15th year of collaboration, further strengthens Safilo’s portfolio in the contemporary segment, while extending the positioning of the brand in the luxury segment with the launch of the Marc Jacob’s Runway eyewear collection which will hit the market in January 2021.

Click HERE for the press release.

December 9, 2019December 9, 2019

Safilo Acquires 70% of California-based Blenders Eyewear

Safilo Group announces the acquisition of a 70% stake in the equity of the California company Blenders Eyewear. Safilo purchased the stake from the company’s founding entrepreneur and full owner.

Founded in San Diego in 2012 by Chase Fisher, Blenders Eyewear has built an advanced e-commerce platform with unique digital and social media skills. The company generates approximately 95% of its current business through its proprietary direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform, more recently complemented by the opening of the first Blenders flagship store in San Diego.

The brand, profitable since its inception and with strong current profitability, has fuelled its rapid growth through highly effective social marketing strategies, partnering with influencers, athletes, lifestyle enthusiasts, and product collaborations which have driven sales and brand awareness.

In 2019 the Company expects to reach profitable net sales of approximately USD 42 million, all generated in the United States and up around 40% compared to the previous year and with a 3-year CAGR of 175%.

Angelo Trocchia, Safilo’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are thrilled to welcome to Safilo an inspiring brand like Blenders Eyewear, a fast-growing e-commerce-powered business at the forefront of the latest direct to consumer and omni-channel capabilities, which will enrich our proprietary portfolio with new strong skills and a particular focus on our key US market.”

Chase Fisher, founder and CEO of Blenders Eyewear commented: “This marks a huge step forward for Blenders and we’re excited to be part of Safilo to reach a wider marketplace. Safilo’s product know-how and global distribution capabilities are the perfect complement to our digitally native business model, opening up worldwide expansion potential. We’re on a mission to build a thriving global community that inspires people to live in forward motion.”

Safilo acquired the 70% controlling interest in the Company, based on a total value on a cash-and debt free basis equal to USD 90 million.

Click HERE for the full press release.