Luxottica to roll out new concept store

Australia Eyewear retailer Luxottica Group S.p.A. announced Tuesday that it has successfully opened its new concept store in Australia and is preparing to roll it out globally.

The concept, which was unveiled in Australia's fashion capital, Melbourne, was designed by architects E2. Labeled the OPSM eye hub store, the store allows customers to dictate and personalize their own shopping experiences.

Luxottica Group's CEO Andrea Guerra said the company's long-term goal is for this concept to be adapted globally. He said there are plans for more stores in Australia to debut in the next two to three years, and additional stores could be opened in key markets such as China, the United Kingdom and the United States.

"We are confident that our first OPSM eye hub will be a huge success and lead to future openings in worldwide markets," said Guerra. "With the features the new store concept has to offer consumers, quite simply it sets new standards for international retailing. Naturally, we also believe this will be the next step in eyewear retailing in particular and look forward to bringing this concept to consumers around the world."

The new concept, laid out in the shape of an eye, features a simulator room for testing glasses and sunglasses for glare and wind resistance, a product vault featuring exclusive designer glasses, touch-screen interactive mirrors that allow people to play back their new look, and a play place for kids.

Luxottica spent two years researching and designing OPSM eye hub.

The retailer operates 6,300 stores in North America, Asia-Pacific, China, South Africa and Europe. In addition to a global wholesale network covering 130 countries, Luxottica manages retail brands LensCrafters and Pearle Vision in North America, OPSM and Laubman & Pank in Australia, LensCrafters in Greater China and Sunglass Hut globally.