The Belgian Opticians Union A.P.O.O.B., in the latest issue of its trade magazine Opto Magazine, has opened an argument about suppliers demanding a yearly minimum of purchased frames or sunglasses for their brands. The Union targets specifically at Luxottica. It says the Italian supplier misuses its power and makes it difficult for Belgian opticians to make their own choices. To us this seems a lost fight for the A.P.O.O.B. but nevertheless we signalize more and more brands demanding purchase guarantees, to repair diminishing sales, without any real effort in return. This certainly is not a good or healthy development for the industry. The best way to stop it is when opticians refuse to sign contracts. The industry knows almost no brands which cannot be missed, which makes such a decision much more easier.
