Marcolin SpA and TBL Licensing LLC have renewed their licensing agreement for the design, production and worldwide distribution of Timberland ophthalmic and sunglass frames.

The partnership was extended to December 31, 2018, with an option to renew for an additional two years.

Marcolin and Timberland signed their first deal in 2003.

Marcolin currently has over 1,450 different ophthalmic and sunglass styles on the market. It sold over $14.3 million eyeglasses in 2014. Aside from Timberland, Marcolin’s portfolio includes other well-known brands such as Roberto Cavalli, Tom Ford, Guess and Swarovski. The company pulled off a huge deal in 2013 with the acquisition of Viva International.

To read the press release: http://us.marcolin.com/upload/documenti/marcolin_announces_the_early_renewal_of_its_licensing_agreement_with_tbl_licensing_llc.pdf

FYidoctors recently announced the appointment of Aldo Romano to the position of vice-president of supply chain.

In his new role, he will oversee the laboratories, distribution and the overall supply chain, in addition to serving as a senior member of the executive team. Romano is the former head of commercial research and development at Specsavers.

The new vice-president says he was attracted to the business model at FYidoctors; it offers Canadian consumers “the right blend of clinical and retail value.”

Marchon Eyewear Inc., one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of quality eyewear and sunwear, and MCM (Modern Creation München), a global manufacturer of luxury leather goods, apparel and footwear, announced today an exclusive global licensing agreement that will grant Marchon the rights to manufacture and distribute the sun and ophthalmic collections under the MCM brand.

The first deliveries will launch in March 2015 with a “Made in Italy” sunwear capsule collection, available exclusively across the MCM worldwide boutique network. The launch represents the beginning of a partnership between these two global players.

The MCM eyewear collection will launch September 2015 in Asia, with a global roll-out planned for January 2016. The eyewear collection will be sold in MCM boutiques, department and specialty stores, and select optical stores worldwide.

For more information visit: www.marchon.com

Prisme Optical Group has announced the appointment of Guillaume Pottecher as the new United States, National Sales Manager. He will report to Carole Menard, Vice President of Sales.

Guillaume brings 15 years of industry knowledge and established relationships and extensive experience in the high end segment of the optical industry. Guillaume introduced the brand Tag Heuer to the US market and has worked with De Rigo. Guillaume will be responsible for: sales, networking, territory development and training, recruiting qualified representatives, business relations for groups and important key accounts in the US.

Prisme Optical Group is a North American leader in the distribution of high end frames including brands, such as Beausoleil, Oliver Goldsmith Spectacle, Xavier Garcia Barcelona and Tartine & Chocolat.

www.prismeoptical.com

With revenue up 12% and operations up 15.4%, Essilor maintained its growth in 2014.

Forty-five percent of the French giant’s revenue came from North America. Growth in Canada was supported by Varilux, Crizal, Transitions and Xperio, the impact of the “perfect pair” offer and the company’s widening presence in the mass retailing channel. The introduction of Kodak lenses and the partnership with Riverside Optical labs contributed to expansion in the mid-tier.

Looking beyond the figures, 2014 marked a strategic shift at Essilor.  CEO Hubert Sagnières calls the group’s desire to expand its playing field, namely in photochromics, sunwear and online business, a true “cultural revolution.” This strategy was embodied in the acquisitions of Transitions Optical, Coastal.com and Costa, as well as in its collaborative effort with FGX International in a sunglass offering.