The online eyewear market - France

The global optical market, which includes eyewear, sunglasses and contact lenses, has grown significantly. The market was valued at $138.7 billion, with an expected compound annual growth rate of 8.1% from 2020 to 2027. Expansion is mainly driven by demand in the Asia-Pacific region. In France, three-quarters of the population is visually impaired, and the increase in screen time and the aging of the population have stimulated the eyewear segment. A notable trend is the shift to e-commerce, with French consumers gradually adopting online shopping.

Although traditional optical leaders such as Krys, Optic 2000 and Optical Center dominate the market, online pure players such as Direct Optic and Polette.com are significant competitors, the former being part of the Acuitis group. In terms of international trade, France imports more optical products than it exports, with a coverage rate of 48%.

The optical market is undergoing a major transformation with the integration of virtual technologies facilitating online sales, and new regulations such as the 100% health law which, by 2021, aims for full reimbursement of glasses for the French, leading to changes in pricing and market structure. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is not clearly assessed in the data provided, but could influence future market dynamics.

Analysis of consumer trends in the French online eyewear market

The French online eyewear market is showing a growing consumer appetite, propelled by the digital evolution of retailer behavior. With an aging population requiring eyewear, and increasing screen time driving the need for vision correction, there is a clear increase in demand for optical products. In France, an overwhelming majority - over three-quarters of the population - suffers from visual deficiencies, which means that a significant number of customers need glasses for correction or rest. In addition, a significant fraction of the population - between 15 and 20 million people - also use contact lenses, combining correction with convenience.

Online shopping trends are on the rise, with 85-90% of French Internet users participating in e-commerce, making an average of almost 40 purchases a year. This indicates a robust and growing digital market with considerable potential for the eyewear segment, although eyewear/optical products is still a nascent online category. Nevertheless, the penetration of online eyewear sales represents around 6-7% of total sales, suggesting considerable scope for growth and adoption. Age is a key factor influencing online purchases, as the vast majority of young people, close to 95-100%, are active online shoppers, while those aged 65 and over are less numerous, in the region of 80-85%. This demographic gap could have an impact on the scope of the online eyewear market, especially as the need for vision correction intensifies with age.

As the French population in general turns to digital consumption, companies in the optical market must strategically navigate between prefrom price-conscious to brand-oriented buyers, offering a range of product lines to suit different consumer segments. Given the constraints of the online medium, eyewear sellers are leveraging technology for virtual try-ons and interactive customer experiences to mitigate the absence of a physical try-on. Innovations such as webcam fittings and personalized previews aim to match opticians' in-store service levels and boost consumer confidence in digital eyewear purchasing.

Regulatory frameworks have an influential role to play in market dynamics, particularly with the "reste à charge zéro" policy, which aims for full reimbursement of eyewear. This has potential implications for market structure, as it governs sellers' pricing strategies and may induce changes in consumer purchasing habits in favor of frames with full coverage.

In summary, the French online eyewear market is brimming with untapped potential within a rapidly evolving consumer base, increasingly comfortable with digital means of purchase. Companies operating in this sector need to align their offers and services skilfully.

Key players in the French optical market: traditional leaders and new online entrants

The French optical market, a complex mix of traditional establishments and innovative online entities, boasts several key players who have left their indelible mark on the eyewear retail landscape.

Traditional optical market leaders

At the forefront of traditional eye care services are well-established brands that have become household names in France.

• Krys is a benchmark in the sector, offering a comprehensive range of optical products and services. The brand is known for its wide choice of frames, catering for a variety of tastes and budgets, and is a destination of choice for those looking for reliable corrective lenses and stylish sunglasses. Not far away is
• Optic 2000, another major player in the traditional optical sector. With a strong network of stores throughout France, the brand has built a reputation for quality customer service and a diverse offering. From affordable eyewear solutions to designer brands, Optic 2000 strives to meet the visual needs of a broad public.
• Optical Center stands out as a formidable competitor, with a comprehensive selection of eyewear and hearing aids. The brand stands out for its competitive prices and relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction. Despite the dominance of these traditional giants, current market sentiment is leaning towards a growing preference for digital shopping experiences, leading to the rise of purely online eyewear brands.
• Online optical market leaders (pure-players) In e-commerce,
• Direct Optic is one of the forerunners in the online optical market. Its website has become a hub for digitally-savvy consumers looking to buy eyewear from home. Although Direct Optic does not publish precise sales figures, its acquisition by Acuitis Group indicates a strategic move to extend its reach both online and offline.
• Sensee is following suit as another purely online player that has grown in recent years. Under the wing of Acuitis Group, Sensee aims to combine the efficiency of online shopping with the tangibility of physical stores. The company has expanded its consumer base by opening boutiques in strategic locations.
• Polette.com is an emerging player that has rapidly established itself in the online sphere. Known for its innovative approach to eyewear retailing, Polette.com cuts out the middleman to bring trendy, affordable eyewear directly to consumers. Its business model has attracted a younger, more fashion-conscious audience.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 27/06/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Optical market size
• Proportion of the population wearing glasses and contact lenses
• Optical market value
• Foreign trade in optics
• Main countries supplying optics by value
• Main optics customer countries by value
• The pros and cons of buying glasses online
• Où envisagez-vous d'effectuer vos prochains achats de lunettes ?
• E-commerce sales
• Produits et services achetés sur Internet
• Online shoppers by age
• Medical optics consumption
• Part de la population qui porte des lunettes selon l'âge
• Part de la population myope
• Critères importants lors de l'achat de lunettes
• Sunglasses selection criteria
• Structure of optical spending
• Nombre de visites sur les sites d'optiques en ligne
• Décomposition de l'audience par tranche d'âge
• Décomposition de l'audience par sexe
• Décomposition de l'audience par sexe et âge
• Décomposition de l'audience par niveau de revenu
• Décomposition de l'audience selon le niveau de formation
• Décomposition de l'audience selon la taille du ménage