The sunglasses market - France (2025)

1.2 A growing global market

The global sunglasses market is booming, with an estimated value of **.** billion USD in **** and a projection of **.** billion USD by ****. With a compound annual growth rate (***) of *.**%, this growth is driven by evolving consumer trends, technological advances and increased awareness of UV protection.

Sunglasses market size World, ****-****, in $ billions Source: ****

North America represents the largest market, with strong demand in the United States, where consumers favor eyewear as a fashion accessory and sun protection tool.South America is the fastest-growing market, fuelled by improved purchasing power and heightened awareness of the effects of UV rays.Europe remains a mature market, with a strong appetite for high-end products and design innovations.Asia-Pacific, dominated by China and India, benefits from growing demand, while the Middle East and Africa are gradually emerging.

The market is highly concentrated, dominated by a few major international players. EssilorLuxottica, owner of brands such as Ray-Ban and Oakley, retains a dominant position. Other key players include the Safilo Group, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Kering (***) and VSP Global.

The main growth drivers are manifold. Fashion and lifestyle trends strongly influence demand, with collaborations between designers and major brands. Technological innovation also plays a key role, with ...

1.3 Domestic market

In ****, the overall optical market in France has been estimated at *.* billion euros, up *.*% on **** and **% on ****. This growth follows the market's recovery from the health crisis, which had led to an **% decline between **** and ****. Since ****, market momentum has returned to positive territory, underpinned by increased demand for optical equipment, both for corrective needs and for protective and fashion accessories.

Breakdown of eyewear sales France, ****, in Source: ****

The sunglasses segment will account for around **% of eyewear sales in France in ****.

Optical market value France, ****-****, in billions of euros Source: ****

To estimate the value of the sunglasses market in France, we use the following data:

Value of the overall optics market in France in ****: *.* billion euros (***). Share of sunglasses sales in total eyewear sales: **% (***).

Estimated market size for sunglasses France, ****, € billion Source: ****

Calculation :

The value of the sunglasses market can be obtained by applying this proportion to the total optical market:

*,*×*,**=*,**billion euros

In ****, the sunglasses market in France will represent around *.** billion euros, or **% of the total optical market. This estimate is based on the volume breakdown of eyewear sales and their relative weight in the sector's overall sales.

Share of sales of children's sunglasses France, ****, in Source: ****

The ...

1.4 A resilient optical market in the face of business failures

The year **** saw a record number of business failures in France, with **,*** procedures opened, an alarming figure that bears witness to the economic difficulties experienced by many sectors. However, the optical market is an exception, showing encouraging momentum while other industries are experiencing worsening difficulties.

In Q* ****, the optical sector recorded a significant drop in insolvencies, down **% on the same period in ****, far more marked than in other segments such as multi-ray (***). This trend was already observed in the *rd quarter of ****, testifying to a stabilization of the market, out of step with the general economic crisis. A total of *** procedures were opened in the sector in ****, compared with *** in ****, down *.*% year-on-year.

In detail, no optical company was the subject of a safeguard procedure in ****, while ** companies were placed in receivership and ** in compulsory liquidation. This drop in the number of insolvencies can be explained by the consolidation of the market, where the major chains are strengthening their dominant position and adapting to new consumer demands.

on a national scale, the situation remains more worrying. the *th quarter of **** saw a record number of insolvencies, with **,*** procedures opened, bringing the total for the year to over **,*** judgments, a symbolic milestone that ...

1.5. Foreign trade

In ****, the French trade balance for the sunglasses market showed a deficit of ** million euros, underlining a significant dependence on imports. Imports reached *** million euros, while exports were limited to *** million euros.

French trade balance in sunglasses by value France, ****, in millions of euros Source: ****

The United States and Italy are the top two markets for French sunglasses, accounting for **.*% and **% of exports respectively. Other European markets, such as Spain(***) are among the main customers, while other countries account for **.*% of exports.

France's main customers in the sunglasses market France, ****, as % of total Source: ****

Italy dominates French imports, with **% of imported sunglasses coming from this country. China follows with **.*%, confirming its central role in global production. Taiwan(***) also contribute to French imports. Finally, *.**% of imports come from other countries.

These figures illustrate a dynamic in which France remains a net importer of sunglasses, with a strong dependence on Italy and China for supplies, while its exports remain mainly focused on Europe and North America.

Main countries supplying sunglasses France, ****, as % of total Source: ****

2.1 Seasonal and recurring consumption

Sunglasses are an essential part of French people's daily lives, with a high rate of ownership: **% own at least one pair, while **% wear them regularly or occasionally. Buying new eyewear is a recurring trend, particularly during the summer months. In March ****, **% of French people said they had bought or planned to buy a pair of sunglasses for the summerthis figure rises to **% among people living in the south-east of France, and **% among the under-**s, confirming the market's seasonal and generational roots.

Ownership rates and purchase intentions France, March ****, in Source: ****

Sunglasses use is concentrated around two main situations: driving and vacations. In ****, **% of wearers use them primarily for sun protection when driving, while **% prefer them for their summer holidays. Other uses, although present, remain a minority, with **% of consumers wearing them for various reasons. These data underline the importance of eyewear functionality in specific contexts, which directly influences purchasing behavior and renewal periods.

Main use of sunglasses France, ****, in Source: ****

However, a significant proportion of consumers remain ill-informed about the issues surrounding sun protection for lenses. In ****, **% of French people said they didn't know exactly what level of UV protection their glasses offered, and **% were unaware that clear lenses could ...

2.2 Consumer choice criteria and expectations

Sunglasses are perceived above all as a functional device by a majority of consumers(***), it is above all their usefulness in terms of visual protection that motivates the purchase, with **% of consumers considering them to be a health device. This perception directly influences buyers' selection criteria.

Perception of sunglasses France, ****, in Source: ****

The price factor plays a decisive role in the purchasing decision: in March ****, **% of consumers considered it to be the main criterion. Behind this price sensitivity, other factors come into play, notably brand (***) also play a part in the final choice.

Main choice criteria France, March ****, in Source: ****

Ray-Ban stands out in the market, benefiting from strong brand awareness and a marked gender preference. In March ****, **% of men preferred this brand, compared with only **% of women, revealing a difference in affinity by audience. This type of disparity shows the importance of brand positioning and their ability to adapt their offers to specific consumer expectations.

Distribution of preferences by gender for Ray-Ban France, March ****, in Source: ****

Finally, lens quality and UV protection are major concerns. In ****, **% of buyers consider visual health and comfort to be the most important criteria. However, only **% rank UV protection as a priority, even though it ...

2.3 Metal sunglasses: a growing trend

Metal sunglasses are enjoying spectacular growth on the French market. Between the first half of **** and the first half of ****, sales doubled (***), illustrating a marked craze for this material, which combines lightness with minimalist aesthetics. This dynamic is explained by a return to retro, streamlined designs, inspired in particular by vintage trends and iconic brands in the premium segment.

sales trend for metal sunglasses France, H* ****-S* **** Source: ****

In parallel with this strong growth, metal sunglasses now account for a significant share of overall sales. By ****, they accounted for **% of the market, compared with **% for models in alternative materials such asacetate or injected plastic. This rise in popularity reflects consumers' growing preference for frames perceived as more durable and elegant, often associated with a high-end image.

If this trend continues, manufacturers and distributors may have to expand their metal ranges to meet growing demand, while incorporating new technologies such as *D printing, which enables more complex and resistant designs.

Share of current sales of metal sunglasses France, H* ****, in Source: ****

2.4 The French and sunglasses brands

Analysis of French sunglasses preferences reveals clear trends, influenced by brand image, gender and socio-professional category.

According to an Opinionway survey conducted in February ****, Lacoste (***) are less popular, probably due to their more exclusive or specialized positioning.

French people's favorite sunglasses brands France, ****, in Source: ****

Analysis by gender reveals notable variations in preferences: Lacoste appeals more to men (***) due to its sporty, surfwear DNA.

French sunglasses brands preferred by gender France, February ****, in % Source: ****

Preferences change significantly with age: Ray-Ban dominates among young adults (***). The appeal of these brands probably reflects their visibility in current trends and their ability to renew their image with new generations. On the other hand, Louis Vuitton and Ralph Lauren are gaining in popularity with **-** and over-**s, who often prefer brands associated with a certain prestige.

France's favorite honey brands, by age group France, February ****, in % Source: ****

Finally, analysis by socio-professional category reveals marked differences. executives and senior professionals (***), reflecting their attraction to high-end brands. conversely, the middle and lower-income categories give greater preference to Quiksilver and Lacoste, which offer more accessible, sporty models.

French people's favorite honey brands, by socio-professional category France, February ****, in Source: ****

The French sunglasses market is structured around iconic ...

3.1 An oligopolistic market

One of the special features of the sunglasses market is the unchallenged reign of licenses, which account for almost ** % of volumes sold, declining by * to *% to the benefit of designer frames.

Four major groups share more than a hundred sunglasses licenses:

EssilorLuxottica: EssilorLuxottica is a world leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, optical frames and sunglasses. Created in ****, the company combines the complementary expertise of two players, the first in advanced lens technologies, the second in eyewear mastery.It achieved €**.* billion in sales in ****. Marchon: founded in the United States in ****, the group is now the second largest. It will achieve sales of $*.** billion in ****. Safilo: the world's third-largest eyewear manufacturer, with net sales of €*** million in ****. Marcolin: Italian Giovanni Marcolin founded his company in **** in Cadore, Veneto. Six years later, he opened a factory to manufacture his first pair of spectacles.

The optician market is made up of a number of different players:

Independent opticians who are not part of a branded network, representing nearly half of all outlets but generating less than **% of sales. They join a central purchasing group to benefit from competitive supply conditions. Cooperative groups, made up of opticians belonging to the ...

3.2 The production process

The sunglasses value chain comprises * stages: design, manufacturing, logistics and distribution. A particular feature of the market and its production logic is the special role played by the licensing system.

The materials used

The production of sunglasses uses a wide range of materials, more or less adapted to the use to which the sunglasses will be put and to the range chosen.

Sporty users of sunglasses will prefer resistant, lightweight frames that do not oxidize. Materials such as titanium are more flexible than most commonly used materials and are much lighter, offering a high weight/impact resistance ratio, as well as anti-oxidation qualities in contact with seawater or perspiration.

More modest budgets prefer more standardized materials such as plastic, which remains the most common on the sunglasses market, offering great freedom of texture, color and pattern, and can imitate other materials such as tortoiseshell.

More generally, aluminum is a material of choice in the sunglasses industry, thanks to its versatility, lightness and strength, as well as its insensitivity to oxidation. Carbon fiber is found in frames designed for long-term use, and also benefits from high shock-absorbing elasticity.

Riding the eco-friendly wave, new materials have become fashionable in the manufacture of frames ...

3.3 Non-correcting solar distribution circuits

The market for non-corrective sunglasses is based on a diversified distribution model, with a balanced distribution between several sales channels. In ****, opticians will remain the leading distributors of non-corrective sunglasses in France, accounting for **% of sales. This distribution channel enjoys the confidence of consumers thanks to its expertise and the quality of the advice it provides in-store. However, the rise of e-commerce is confirmed, with **% of sales made online. This trend reflects a transformation in purchasing habits, as consumers seek greater flexibility and accessibility via digital platforms.

Brand model sales by price range France, ****, in Source: ****

Specialty stores also play an important role. Sports chains account for **% of sales, attracting customers looking for technical eyewear suited to outdoor activities. Similarly, fashion chains account for **% of the market, featuring trendy collections associated with leading ready-to-wear brands. Finally, other distribution channels, including pharmacies and certain independent retailers, account for **% of sales.

Distribution channels for non-corrective sunglasses France, ****, % of sales Source: ****

Retailers' sales strategies are largely based on bundled offers, such as the " second pair for free" model, which will account for **% of sunglasses sales by ****. This approach encourages consumers to buy sunglasses in addition to their prescription glasses, reinforcing the role of opticians ...

3.4 Value chain

A possible value chain for the sunglasses market is described below:

Conception and design: Sunglasses 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 and promotion: Sunglasses brands promote their products to consumers through advertising campaigns, events, partnerships and collaborations with celebrities and influencers. Distribution: Sunglasses are sold through various distribution channels such as opticians, specialty stores, supermarkets, online sales sites, etc. Sales: Consumers buy sunglasses that meet their needs and aesthetic preferences. After-sales: Opticians and manufacturers offer after-sales services such as repairs, adjustments, exchanges or refunds in the event of problems with sunglasses.

3.5 Strategic market issues

Changing industrial strategies

The sunglasses market is undergoing changes in its industrial strategies, linked in particular to the optical industry. The licensing system that dominates the market means a loss of control over brand image for luxury groups and brands, while the high margins available in the sunglasses market are prompting groups to increasingly internalize sunglasses production.

Testifying to this need for restructuring, the luxury group Kering has terminated its licensing agreement with the manufacturer Safilo, with the aim of bringing sunglasses production in-house, and thus better controlling its costs and brand image. The Kering Group wishes to to develop "a new business model" enabling it to " fully control the value chain " of sunglasses for its ** brands.

From an industrial standpoint, the consolidation sought between lens and frame manufacturers is likely to result in the emergence of new giants who will be manufacturers of both optical and sunwear products, with the result will be a major shift in the competitive landscape, and new production structures likely to further reduce the costs and market power of the new emerging players.

This is particularly true when we look at the announced merger between Essilor and Luxottica in **** for around ** billion euros. The EssilorLuxottica ...

3.6 The rise of low-cost sunglasses

The rise of low-cost sunglasses is one of the key trends in the French market. Between **** and ****, the most affordable models, priced between €** and €**, recorded spectacular growth of **% in value, illustrating strong consumer demand for affordable products. This phenomenon takes place in a context where price sensitivity is a determining factor in the purchase of sunglasses, as evidenced by the fact that **% of buyers consider price to be the main selection criterion.

on the other hand, the intermediate ranges have suffered a sharp decline. The €**-*** bracket, historically a strong market segment, recorded a marked decline of -**%, reflecting a migration by consumers towards either more economical or higher-end models. This observation is reinforced by the drop in sales in the €***-*** category (***), suggesting that the mid-range market is struggling to maintain its customer base.

The rise of low-cost sunglasses France, ****-****, in % (***) Source: ****

Even premium models are not spared by this dynamic. Sunglasses priced over €*** are down by -**%, while the €***-*** (***) brackets show relative stagnation. This trend reflects a change in consumer behavior: in an uncertain economic climate, consumers are opting either for affordable entry-level models, or for iconic brands offering strong brand equity that justifies a more substantial ...

4.1 A highly diverse offering

There are several ranges of sunglasses on the market. First of all, sunglasses can be divided into two categories:

Sports sunglasses ; Sunglasses for the fashion market

Within each of these two categories, it is possible to distinguish several price ranges that can be schematically grouped into * groups:

Entry-level eyewear ; Standard eyewear; High-end/luxury eyewear.

Sports eyewear

Sports sunglasses are a real performance tool for sportsmen and women, whose technical selection criteria focus on the frame and sun lenses

There are multi-purpose sports frames and specialized frames for a single sport, with two essential criteria: comfort and fit on the nose. Frames are generally adapted to three types of sport:

High mountain sports (***): wrap-around frames with side-shields to block the sun's rays or block the wind, and straight temples; Endurance sports (***): lightweight, thin frames with non-slip textures and adjustable nosepieces for support. Frame ventilation requirements to prevent fogging; Water sports (***): soft, wraparound frames with good ventilation.

Daily-use sunglasses

According to a survey by The Good Lifeaccording to a survey by The Good Life magazine, the fastest-growing segments areentry-level and luxury products:

Entry-level products, generally priced between €** and €***, are dominated by brands such as Persol or Ray-Banbut also include brands such as Jimmy ...

4.2 The different eyewear ranges: a price determinant

The complexity and price of eyewear frame production vary according to a number of factors, including the quality of the materials used, with top-of-the-range frames made from noble materials such as tortoise shell and titanium.the complexity and price of spectacle frames vary according to a number of factors, such as the quality of the materials used, with top-of-the-range frames made from noble materials such as tortoise shell and titanium, and the technical nature of the frame's overall design, such as Mykita's screwless frames.

The transition from production to distribution is strategic. It enables eyewear manufacturers to make considerable margins. for example, while the factory-gate price for a Ray-Ban frame is €** to €**, the average retail price is €***. on average, which allows manufacturers to multiply their cost price by * or *, even if they pay royalties of ** to **% and marketing costs of * to *% for some. The average price of a sunglasses frame in France was €**.

In France, the price of sunglasses varies according to their specific features and range. They remain inexpensive compared with the market for aesthetic and fashion sunglasses. The price of sunglasses ranges from *€ per pair, and ***€ per pair:

The entry-level market consists mainly of sunglasses between €* and €** with basic ...

4.3 A constantly adapting offering

The market for everyday sunglasses manages to reconcile technicality and style, but remains subject to fashion trends. For example, the use of natural materials is making a comeback in the sunwear industry, with seaweed, bamboo and paper being used in frames. There is also a trend towards transparency and bi-materials, as well as the use of color in eyewear design.

To illustrate the importance of fashion in the eyewear market, the SILMO Parisa major annual trade show for eyewear manufacturers, has teamed up with the Première Classe fashion accessories trade show.

Another trend in the sunglasses market is the return of Made in France brands to the public eye, with brands such as Alpine and Maison Bonnet which in **** was awarded the title of "Maitre d'art" by the French Minister of Culture.

More than just a fashion accessory, sunglasses must above all protect the wearer from UV rays. While this is not a problem for sports eyewear, it is more often overlooked in the choice and design of sunglasses as fashion accessories. There are four categories of UV protection, defined as the quality of filtration of harmful rays:

Source: ****

4.4 Development of e-commerce and 3D printing

E-commerce:

The optical market, historically dominated by physical stores, is undergoing a gradual transformation with the rise of e-commerce. By ****, online sales of optical products will account for *% of the sector's sales in France, or around *** million euros. This is still a relatively modest share compared to that of e-commerce in French retail as a whole, which will amount to around **% in ****. Moreover, more advanced markets such as the UK and Australia have significantly higher penetration rates, reaching between **% and **%.

Online optics is structured around three key segments:

Contact lenses, which account for a significant share of online sales due to ease of restocking and more attractive prices than in-store. Non-corrective sunglasses and frames, often perceived as a fashion accessory, and therefore less subject to fitting constraints. Corrective eyewear, a fast-growing but still marginal segment due to fitting constraints and the absence of personalized advice. However, players such as EasyLunettes, Mister Spex, Visiofactory, Sensee and Polette are attempting to democratize this online offering through virtual trials and hybrid business models.

While e-commerce offers greater convenience and competitive prices, it still faces major obstacles, notably the lack of professional support and the need for a personalized fit for corrective eyewear. Physical stores ...

5. The DGCCRF framework

From a regulatory standpoint, the sunglasses market is subject to strict control by the DGCCRF. More than just an accessory, sunglasses are first and foremost designed to protect the eyes from the impact of UV rays.

The DGCCRF requires pictograms to certify product conformity. In addition to the CE mark (***), the following warning: "Not suitable for driving and road users".

The protection class corresponding to the sun's filtering capacity must be indicated with or on each pair of glasses. According to standard NF EN ISO *****-* ****, concerning sunglasses for general use, published by the AFNOR group, there are five categories classified on a scale from * to *, according to the increasing percentage of light filtered:

Category * does not protect against solar UV, and is reserved for comfort and aesthetics; category * is associated with a cloud symbol; Categories * and * are suitable for attenuated and medium solar luminosity; category * is associated with the symbol of a cloud partially hiding the sun; category * is associated with a cloudless sun, with * rays; Only categories * or * are adapted to cases of strong or exceptional solar luminosity (***).

6. Company segmentation

6.2 The analyst's eye

Background:

The French optics market is highly concentrated, dominated by a few major groups that structure the sector as a whole. By ****, four major banners(***) will capture **% of the market, while Générale d'Optique, GrandVision and Optical Center will hold **%. Independent players, who historically represented a larger share of the sector, now control just **% of sales. This concentration reinforces the power of the big chains, which benefit from high visibility and competitive pricing policies, while reducing opportunities for smaller independent opticians.

Major trends:

*st Trend: Sunglasses will account for **% of eyewear sales in France in ****.

*nd Trend: A marginal share of children's sunglasses. In ****, children's sunglasses accounted for just *.*% of total sales of sunglasses in France, compared with **.*% for adult models.

trend *: A trade deficit in the French sunglasses market. In ****, France's trade balance in the sunglasses market was in deficit by ** million euros, illustrating its dependence on imports.

*th Trend: Strong dependence on European and North American marketsIn ****, France's main customers in the sunglasses market areitaly (***).

trend *: Strong dependence on Italy and China for supply. In ****, **% of sunglasses imported into France will come from Italy, while **.*% will come from China. Taiwan, Japan and the USA account ...

• Optical Center
• Optic 2000
• Essilor Luxottica groupe
• Safilo Group
• Marchon
• Printemps Groupe
• Izipizi Paris
• Lunettes pour tous
• Sensee
• Marcolin (LVMH Groupe)
• Julbo
• Kering Eyewear
• Persol (Luxicotta group)
• Ray-Ban (EssilorLuxottica)
• Oakley
• Vuarnet (LVMH Groupe)
• Bolle Brands
• Evioo
• Experoptic
• Jimmy Fairly