Summary

The global sunglasses market has been experiencing significant growth, recovering from a drop in activity of over 15% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, worldwide sunglasses accounted for 17.9% of total eyewear sales, with a market size projected to reach $40.1 billion by 2027. The Spanish sunglasses market, in particular, rebounded strongly in 2021, with the optical sector grossing sales of €1.67 billion, representing a 9.2% increase from the previous year. Despite this recovery, a slowdown in growth is anticipated by 2023 driven by inflationary pressures. The Spanish market demonstrates robust demand, fueled by the sunny climate and high levels of tourism. In 2022, Spain recorded 71.7 million international tourist arrivals, indicating a strong potential customer base for sunglasses. Categories 3 and 4 sunglasses, offering protection against strong sunlight, dominate the market due to the country's high exposure to solar rays. Despite the challenges posed by illegal street sales—or "top manta"—the average selling price for sunglasses in Spain has risen to €76.15 in 2021, evidencing the market's resilience and consumers' willingness to invest in quality eye protection..### Prominent Demand Trends in the Spanish Sunglasses Market In the vivid market of sunglasses within Spain, notable trends have emerged, shaping consumer behavior and purchase patterns. The Spanish climate, marked by ample sunlight, and the country's historic appeal to tourists have been pivotal drivers in magnifying the demand for sunglasses—making it more pronounced than in many other developed nations. The allure of sunglasses extends far beyond mere fashion accessories as they are recognized for their protective attributes against the sun’s rigorous impact on the eyes. Notably, during 2019, it was observed that frames and sunglasses held a substantial share—approximately between 30% and 40%—of the total optical market volumes in Spain. However, the unforeseen advent of the pandemic in 2020 led to an activity decline of over 15%, which only began to recover in 2021. Despite this setback, the sunglasses market has demonstrated resilience. It rebounded with a 6% growth in 2022, surpassing the levels seen before the pandemic. Leading this resurgence are factors like the lifting of COVID restrictions and the end of mandatory mask mandates, which foster a conducive environment for the purchase and usage of sunglasses. Search trends reveal the cyclical nature of demand, with peaks during the sunny seasons of May to July and troughs in the colder, less sunny months. Aside from seasonality, the significant influx of international tourists, which tallied up to a staggering 71.7 million arrivals in 2022, provides a consistent demand for sunglasses. The tourist hotspots like the Canary Islands, Catalonia, and the Balearic Islands manifest concentrated spots for sunglasses-related commerce. When dissecting the use of sunglasses among the Spanish populace, reports indicate that a vast majority, which is over 85%, frequently utilize sunglasses. About 38% of Spaniards reportedly purchased their recent pair within the last year or less, suggesting a dynamic market influenced by changing fashion trends and new model introductions. The Spanish market exhibits a diverse offering, characterized by a spectrum of sunglasses meeting various protective, aesthetic, and usability needs, with prices witnessing a general upward trajectory—averaging around 76 euros in 2021. This variety reflects the market's response to different consumer preferences and the importance of protection adequacy, especially for the vulnerable young consumer demographic. In terms of market players, a combination of major international brands and domestic Spanish companies have been vying for consumer attention. Among them, the likes of the Krys Group, GrandOptical, and Opticalia have made their mark with.### The Key Players Shaping the Sunglasses Landscape The sunglasses market is not just about fashion and trendsetting; it's also an arena where major players exert substantial influence through innovation, production capacity, and strategic market positioning. Here's a closer look at some of the most prominent companies that are pivotal to driving the sunglasses industry forward. #### Krys Group With a strong presence and solid reputation, Krys Group stands as a dominant figure in the optics and sunglasses sector. Their extensive network of stores and commitment to quality products resonate with consumers looking for trusted eyewear solutions. #### GrandOptical (Groupe Grand Vision) GrandOptical, under the umbrella of Grand Vision, presents a sophisticated range of sunglasses that cater to diverse consumer preferences. With establishments across various locations, they ensure accessibility for those seeking both protective and stylish eyewear options. #### Alain Afflelou Renowned for innovation, Alain Afflelou is a name synonymous with contemporary eyewear designs. Their sunglasses embody a combination of modern aesthetics with the practicality of sun protection, making them a go-to for the style-savvy crowd. #### Optic 2000 Optic 2000 offers consumers a wide array of sunglasses that emphasize both functionality and fashion. Their customer-centric approach ensures that each pair of sunglasses is not only trendy but also tailored to the customer’s individual needs. #### Atol Atol has carved out a niche for itself by providing high-quality sunglasses at competitive prices. Their diverse collection ensures that there's something for everyone, whether it's for fashion, sports, or everyday use. #### Generale d'Optique Generale d'Optique is recognized for its extensive range of sunglasses that are well-aligned with the latest fashion trends. They focus on delivering both style and protection, thereby appealing to a broad clientele. #### Opticalia Opticalia stands out for its strong identity and a vast selection of designer sunglasses. With exclusive collaborations and unique designs, they attract customers who seek individuality and distinction in their eyewear choices. #### Multiópticas A leader in the Spanish market, Multiópticas prioritizes customer satisfaction with their personalized service and diverse product range. Their commitment to quality is evident in the variety of sunglasses they offer, which cater to different styles and preferences. #### Soloptical Soloptical, although not detailed with sales figures, is presumed to be another key company in the industry. Likely focusing on providing a broad range of sunglasses, they would contribute to the market by catering to various
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  • Number of pages : 30 pages
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  • Last update : 05/06/2023
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Summary and extracts

1 Market overview

1.1 Definition and presentation

Sunglasses are tinted spectacles whose main function is to reduce the impact of the sun on the eyes. As well as providing protection from the sun, they can also be corrective, correcting a person's eyesight. A must-have fashion accessory in summer, sunglasses are driven by the growing use of eyewear in general, as well as by fashion trends that encourage people to renew their existing eyewear.

Worldwide, the sunglasses market represents around 17% of the total optical market (prescription glasses, contact lenses, etc.). The market is growing fast, and French and Italian brands have a strong presence in the high-end segment. In Europe, the Danes have the highest annual expenditure on sunglasses, with an average of $35 a year, followed by the Finns ($33), the Austrians ($31) and the Irish ($26).

In Spain, the sunglasses market is significantly more important than in the majority of developed countries, thanks to a climate conducive to its use and historically high levels of tourism. In 2019, frames and sunglasses accounted for 34.7% of total optical market volumes in the peninsula. The phases of confinement and drastically reduced tourist arrivals, however, resulted in a drop in activity of over 15% in 2020, before recovery began in 2021.

1.2 A growing global market

Worldwide, sunglasses will account for **.*% of total eyewear sales in ****of total eyewear sales (***) for a total of $**.* billionand a forecast CAGR in value over the period ****-**** of *.*% [***].In ****, *** million sunglasses were sold worldwide.

In contrast to the stagnant French market, worldwide sales of sunglasses grew by*% between **** and ****. It ...

1.3 The domestic market

The optical market

The sunglasses segment is part of the optics market. In ****, the sector in Spain recorded sales of *.** billion euros, an increase of *.*% on the previous year.

Despite the recovery in ****, the sector has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, following the collapse in consumption caused by the Covid-** ...

1.4 Foreign trade in sunglasses

Foreign trade in sunglasses is on an upward trend, despite the downturn caused by the pandemic. The pandemic has also helped to rebalance the coverage rate somewhat: from **% to **% between **** and ****.

Foreign trade in sunglasses Spain, **** - ****, in millions of dollars Source: ****

The chart above illustrates trade in sunglasses in Spain. ...

2 Demand analysis

2.1 Sunshine and tourism, the main drivers of demand

In Spain, the market for sunglasses is much larger than in most developed countries, thanks to the favorable climate and historically high levels of tourism.

Plenty of sunshine

Spain is one of the sunniest countries in Europe, which makes it a great place to buy sunglasses. In fact, * of the top ...

2.2 Growing interest in sunglasses

Cyclical demand

It's natural that demand for sunglasses is greater in summer than in winter, when there's a lot of sunshine. We can gauge consumer interest in sunglasses by looking at the Google Trends index for the terms "gafas de sol" in Spain. This shows a real seasonality of demand, with ...

2.3 Sunglasses usage habits

In Spain, **.*% of the population use sunglasses frequently. Only *% never use them, and *.*% rarely. The use of sunglasses also depends on the activity and exposure to the sun's rays. For example, activities on the beach or in the mountains lead to greater use of protective lenses, while sporting activities make their ...

3 Market structure

3.1 Value chain and production

Below is a possible value chain for the sunglasses market:

Conception and design: Sunglass manufacturers conceive and design frames and lenses according to fashion trends, technological advances and quality requirements. Manufacturing: Manufacturers produce sunglass frames and lenses on a large scale, using materials such as metal, plastic, wood or titanium. Marketing ...

3.2 Distribution

The channels preferred by Spaniards

The most popular channels for buying sunglasses in Spain are optical stores, since they offer sufficient quality and a wide range of models. Next come specialized sunglass boutiques, and finally online sales, which have seen unprecedented growth in recent years.

Which distribution channel do you prefer ...

4 Offer analysis

4.1 Offer typology

The sunglasses market is characterized by a highly diversified offering. In fact, the different characteristics of sunglasses offer a number of distinctive features that are exploited by manufacturers. First and foremost, sunglasses are distinguished according to their sun protection. There are * different categories of protection:

Category *: provides no protection against the ...

4.2 Price disparity: a reflection of heterogeneous supply

The price of sunglasses varies widely, depending on the range, brand and materials used. Nevertheless, the general trend is for sunglasses prices to rise (***).

Sunglasses price trends Spain, ****-****, in euros Source: Modae The average selling price of sunglasses in Spain in **** will be **.** euros. The transition from production to distribution ...

5 Regulations

5.1 Legislation and recommendations

The European Consumer Centre in Spain (***) reminds us of the importance of protecting our eyes from the harmful effects of the sun by wearing safe sunglasses. Recommendations are provided for the purchase of sunglasses that comply with current regulations and offer adequate protection.

It is advisable to buy sunglasses from reputable ...

6 Positioning the players

6.1 Segmentation

  • CECOP
  • Essilor Luxottica groupe
  • Afflelou
  • Krys Group
  • Optical Center
  • Ray-Ban (EssilorLuxottica)

List of charts

  • Top 10 spending per head in the sunglasses market
  • Global market size for sunglasses
  • Optical sector sales
  • Breakdown of sales by product type
  • Foreign trade in sunglasses
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Latest news

BBGR boosts Seine-et-Marne capacity by 30% to keep pace with growth in Nikon optical lenses - 30/03/2024
  • - BBGR is a subsidiary of EssilorLuxottica.
  • - The company has specialized in optical lenses for over 170 years.
  • - BBGR will increase capacity at its Provins site by 30% from April.
  • - The Provins site employs 235 people.
  • - The aim of this capacity increase is to meet strong demand for Nikon lenses, produced at Provins since 2016.
  • - Since 2016, volumes of Nikon lenses manufactured at Provins have increased 15-fold.
Krys Group puts the finishing touches to the modernization of its Bazainville plant - 08/03/2024
  • -Investment in expansion and modernization program: 23 million euros
  • - Post-renovation manufacturing capacity increase: 30%
  • - Planned production capacity: 1.8 million units per year
  • - Krys Group sales in 2023: €1.265 billion
  • - Number of associates: around 900, representing 1,600 points of sale
  • - Supplying around a thousand independent opticians
  • - Krys Group plans to open 400 additional stores by 2028.
EssilorLuxottica passes the €25 billion sales mark - 15/02/2024
  • In 2023, the company spent 1.7 billion euros on R&D between 2020 and 2022, in particular to develop connected and/or hearing glasses. Before the summer, the company will inaugurate an optics laboratory (300 employees) in Wissous (Essonne). In the second half of 2024, its first hearing glasses will be marketed in the United States.
  • The product potentially concerns the 1.25 billion people affected by mild hearing loss.
  • To integrate a miniature hearing aid into a pair of glasses, the company acquired the Israeli start-up Nuance in 2022.
  • Its brand portfolio has expanded to include Moncler, Jimmy Choo, Brunello Cucinelli and Ferrari licenses.
  • 18,000 directly-operated stores in 150 countries, including 1,000 in France.
Krys group: innovations for the ecological transition - 06/02/2024
  • Codir, a subsidiary of Krys Group, grouping together its industrial and logistics activities, will produce 1.4 million lenses by 2021
  • The subsidiary employs 330 people
  • Krys Group generates sales of 1.2 billion euros, and has 1,533 stores in France, as well as around 50 in Belgium, Poland and Morocco.
  • With its two other banners, Le Collectif des lunetiers and Lynx Optique, the Group has a 16.5% market share in France.
  • Its ambition is to open a further 400 outlets by 2028.
  • Over the past ten years, it has expanded into the hearing sector, with 277 centers.
EssilorLuxottica integrates a hearing aid into its glasses - 09/01/2024
  • Launch of "Nuance" glasses that act as hearing aids.
  • Microphones camouflaged in the frames enable the wearer to concentrate on and amplify the voice of the person speaking
  • First equipment with virtually invisible hearing aids
  • While 1.6 billion people worldwide suffer from hearing loss, this figure is expected to rise to 2.5 billion by 2050
  • Nuance Audio glasses, which will be available in three models, will be sold by hearing aid practitioners, in EssilorLuxottica's distribution network (18,000 stores) and on the Internet.
  • Acquisition of Israel-based Nuance Hearing, which has developed a small tabletop device that amplifies sound
Afflelou innovates: discount, private labels and teleconsultation - 04/12/2023
  • Brand stores grew by 5% in the fiscal year to July 31, to 876 million euros, of which 64% in France, 26% in Spain and 10% in other countries such as Switzerland and Belgium.
  • In France, performance in the optical sector was 6.4%, outperforming the market, which grew by 4.1%.
  • The family increased its shareholding to 30% with the purchase of the Apax Partners fund's stake.
  • Optical eyewear accounts for 92% of sales, while hearing aids account for just 8%.
  • Of the group's 1,440 outlets, 510 are equipped with a dedicated hearing aid area.
  • The company has set up teleconsultation booths in 180 stores, with 10,000 teleconsultations to be carried out by 2023.
  • Prescription optical sales account for 82% of business.
  • An identified potential of 150 new units in France and 75 in Spain, and an increase of 45 openings in one year.
  • Afflelou's own-brand products already account for 60% of the offering.

Companies quoted in this study

This study contains a complete overview of the companies in the market, with the latest figures and news for each company. :

CECOP
Essilor Luxottica groupe
Afflelou
Krys Group
Optical Center
Ray-Ban (EssilorLuxottica)

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