LensCrafters 2012 Annual Report Download - page 65

633 A LONG WAY TO GROW
The concentration of global wealth in emerging markets has created increased demand
for luxury items and accessories, driving consumption in the premium segment. This
trend is expected to continue over the long term. In this context, Luxottica will continue
to innovate by offering new services to further improve the purchasing experience in the
premium category and developing greater personal attention in order to meet the needs
and expectations of more sophisticated and demanding consumers.
Double-digit growth in the premium and luxury segments is projected for 2013. The
relationship with Giorgio Armani which commenced in January 2013, represents another
major step in this growth plan, as does the acquisition of the iconic brand Alain Mikli, which
has become part of the newly established Atelier division. In addition to Alain Mikli, the
Atelier division includes brands such as Oliver Peoples, Paul Smith and Starck Eyes - with
the objective of becoming a leader in an eyewear segment that is becoming increasingly
important.
New sales channels are growing at a faster rate than traditional retail. Department stores, in
particular, remain one of the primary points of reference for premium sunglass consumers
and offer significant growth potential. Today, sunglasses have the highest growth rate of all
accessories despite the limited space department stores allocate to the category.
Travel retail, in turn, has been growing at a pace that reflects an increase in travel by
consumers who are willing to shop in areas of transit, such as airports and railway stations.
In this case as well, sunglasses are one of the fastest growing retail product categories.
THE PREMIUM
SEGMENT
NEW SALES
CHANNELS