Yesterday I spoke in New York with Michael Hansen, General Manager Luxury Retail Group Luxottica and responsible for the development of the luxury stores including the Ilori ones in the United States. We know each other from earlier meetings and are both in the Big Apple to attend the launch of the L’AGENCE by Sama collection in the Ilori store in Soho. Ilori does well. The stores realized an increase in sales of 20% last year and this year sales are already far ahead of last year. Shortly, Luxottica will open more Ilori stores in the United States, besides the 24 stores the company owns now, soon followed by openings in the rest of the world. Luxottica believes very much in the development of the luxury market. Within a few weeks Ilori will even introduce an own collection, designed by Sheila Vance of Sama Eyewear, with very exclusive styles including one beautiful pair of (sun)glasses, mounted with diamonds, which will retail about 50.000 dollar. Michael Hansen believes the optical stores grow to another level now and eyewear follows the track shoes, watches and for example bags already followed. Interesting developments which offer loads of opportunities to independent opticians who want and dare to distinguish themselves. Later more about this inspiring meeting with one of the influential people in the business in our BRILLANT business to business magazine.
