New Look Eyewear’s 2014 revenues increased 54.2% over those of 2013.

Respectively, revenues and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) reached a record CA$140.2 million (+54.2%) and CA$27 million (+71.3%). “All of these and other positive operating and financial factors are concrete evidence of the success of our growth strategy in the past several years,” said Martial Gagné.

The fourth quarter was particularly strong, with record revenues reaching CA$40.8 million, an increase of 59.4% over the same period last year. New Look also acquired Greiche & Scaff in this quarter, making New Look the second largest optical retail chain in Canada.

Furthermore, Jean-Luc Deschamps, senior vice-president and CFO, will be leaving New Look at the end of the second quarter of 2015. His successor will be announced prior to his departure.

For further information: https://www.newlook.ca/data/pdf/press/2015/en/1-BCI-press-release-march-2015.pdf

Vision Expo East has announced the winners of the Vision Choice Awards and interesting wood eyewear and sunwear products were amoung the favourites. The awards are held to honour top new products.

Christopher and Andrew Shalhoub with Parkman Sunglasses from Mountainside, NJ took first place with their wooden sunglasses in a very first collection debut.

“It all started about two years ago on a road trip to Maine,” said the Shalhoub brothers.  “While in the town of Parkman, we came up with the idea of wooden sunglasses and wanted to make two pairs for ourselves and after lots of trial and error we ended up with something we thought was pretty special and took it to market.” They started their company in July of last year.

“This is our first time exhibiting at Vision Expo East and we’ve received tons of traffic and great feedback that we wouldn’t have been able to get any other way. We’re very happy and honored to have won. It makes all the 15-hour workdays and sleepless nights spent figuring out products and getting it all done, worth it” They aim to produce new products this season including materials made from wood with recycled drums, guitars and vinyl records.

Ian Rubinstein with Specs of Wood from Woodmere, NY placed second and Helene Goldschmidt and Brianna Hulburd with Lunette USA placed third.

Winners were chosen from exhibitors in the New Product Showcase Gallery at Vision Expo East where attendees got a first-hand look at the frames, accessories, and medical and lens technologies being introduced at the show.