Eyewear business Luxottica has been awarded Emerging Franchisor of the Year following its adoption of a franchise model as a way to allow their employees a career path towards owning their own business.
Director of franchising and acquisitions, Peter Baily accepted the award at the gala event in Canberra.
Baily said the model also provided a great opportunity for independent optical businesses to improve their profitability and value by converting to either the OPSM or Laubman & Pank brands.
“This award has highlighted a lot of hard work by our team, but also proves we are on the right track as the best practice tools we have been building have been recognised by the peak body in franchising,” Baily said.
Luxottica is a manufacturer, marketer, wholesaler and retailer of premium and sports eyewear.
More about Luxottica
Timeline
1908 Laubman & Pank opens
1932 OPSM opens in Sydney
1961 Luxottica established in Milan
1996 Luxottica Australia established
2001 Luxottica acquires Sunglass Hut
2003 Luxottica acquires OPSM Group which included Laubman & Pank
2008 Luxottica launches franchise models
2010 OPSM launches Eye Hub store
2011 OPSM rolls out Digital Retinal Scan to all stores
2012 Launched charitable foundation OneSight, providing free eye wear and eye care
The franchise models are built on a platform of partnership and have differing levels of risk/return and commercial complexity to suit the needs of the industry. Franchise partners are able to leverage Luxottica’s position and resources, whilst running a profitable business and developing a saleable asset.
“We’re driven by innovative strategy behind the business, and we’re doing better than we’ve done before. What matters to consumers is what happens when they’re in store,” said Baily.
“It’s a fantastic global brand and manufacturer, offering high quality eye care and eye health. The Eye Hub stores have the most advanced technology in the marketplace. That leads to eye wear.”
The brand portfolio ranges from luxury and fashion to sport and lifestyle brands including Ray-Ban, Prada, Vogue, Oakley and Persol.
- To see the complete list of FCA winners click here