Eyes and More Plans Expansion with 150 New Stores by 2029

The optical retail chain Eyes and More has announced ambitious plans to open 150 new locations across Germany by 2029. This announcement was made by Bart van den Nieuwenhof, the CEO of the parent company Nexeye, during a recent interview with the press. The company aims to create over 700 new jobs in the process and is actively searching for suitable rental spaces in urban centers. Interestingly, the chain anticipates that only up to five existing stores will close in the coming years.

Founded in Lübeck in 2006, Eyes and More has established itself as a significant player in the German optical market, boasting 224 locations and employing approximately 1,500 staff members. The brand is not only present in Germany but also operates in the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, and Sweden. In Germany, it ranks among the largest optical retailers.

According to research, other well-known optical retailers such as Apollo Optik, Fielmann, and Mister Spex are also pursuing expansion strategies, indicating a broader trend in the industry.

Market experts suggest that the optical sector is benefiting from demographic changes, as an aging population contributes to increased demand for health-related products. Marco Atzberger, a specialist from the EHI Retail Institute, explains that major retailers are capitalizing on this trend. Additionally, sectors like hearing aid retailers and pharmacies are seeing similar growth opportunities.

Despite a general decline in the number of stationary optical stores in Germany, the overall revenue in the sector has been on the rise. The latest report from the Central Association of Opticians (ZVA) indicates that there were approximately 11,000 optical retail locations by the end of 2023. Interestingly, the market is also witnessing a trend toward consolidation, with the top ten revenue-generating companies increasing their market share significantly.

Notably, Apollo Optik remains the largest chain with around 900 locations, followed closely by Fielmann, which operates over 600 stores. Recent observations reveal that consumers are increasingly purchasing more expensive eyewear, with many opting for fashionable frames priced over 250 euros. Eyewear is evolving into a style statement, with many individuals opting for multiple pairs of glasses.

While numerous retail chains have reduced their presence in the German market in recent years, a few notable exceptions are emerging. For instance, the bookstore chain Thalia has expanded its footprint in urban areas, and retailers like Decathlon and Action have also announced plans to open numerous new outlets.