Luxottica sees room for fast growth

In China, the company retails through LensCrafters stores.

In 2006, it started to expand those stores through a re-branding operation. It has 300 points of sale, largely through the acquisition of three Chinese chains in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong and Hong Kong.

Luxottica has decided to give its presence in China a higher profile by opening a new showroom in Beijing, with the aim of creating a space to meet its target clientele, and to allow media and visitors to familiarize themselves with its collections.

Guerra confirmed that Luxottica plans to increase its presence in the huge, competitive Chinese market by expanding its sales network. "We plan to open more than 50 LensCrafters stores this year and expand into new cities and to also seize e-commerce opportunities."

The company has chosen actress and dancer Liu Shishi for the launch of its Vogue Eyewear collection, which has been designed and made in China. A gala event is set for July 23 in Shanghai. This new Vogue collection reflects Luxottica's localized design, called the "Asian fitting".

"Many of Luxottica's brands have been tailored so that their frames have been adapted specifically for Asian wearers to ensure optimal fit, comfort and original style," Guerra says. "These adjustments are made at Luxottica Group's design studios in China."

Asked whether the company is collaborating with a Chinese fashion designer on a new brand of glasses, Guerra says: "We have always been open to new ideas. Openness characterizes our company's philosophy."

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