The UK Optical Goods Retailing report identifies consumer attitudes towards optical goods, online and in-store purchases, and appointments in the UK. This market report covers the market size, market forecast, market segmentation and industry trends for the Optical Goods Retailing market in the UK.
With COVID-19 restrictions coming to an end in the UK, optical goods specialists have gradually been returning to normal. However, increased inflation poses a threat to the market, making it more expensive for consumers looking to update or replace their glasses or contact lenses.
While consumers held back from making eye-test appointments to avoid COVID-19, the rising cost of living will further limit their willingness to spend on non-discretionary items, including updating their glasses.
With vision checks typically being done every 2-3 years, the anniversary of the lockdown is expected to present an increased demand for eye tests and glasses. As consumer concerns around their health are still very much present, this continues to present opportunities within the sector as people place more importance on their eye health.
Concerns around screen time and the subsequent purchasing of blue-light glasses gives optical goods specialists scope to educate consumers on these issues. With the rising interest in sustainability infiltrating the optical goods market, there is also the opportunity to highlight sustainable products offered by retailers. Recycled frames and plastic-neutral contact lenses are becoming increasingly popular within the sector, with there even being interest in sustainable frames across generations.
Read on to discover more details or take a look at all of our UK Health and Wellbeing market research
Products: Eye tests, prescription sunglasses, spectacle frames and lenses, contact lenses (including aftercare), contact lens solutions, non-prescription sunglasses.
Brands: Specsavers, Boots Opticians, Asda Opticians, Vision Express, David Clulow, Optical Express, SynergEyes, Alcon, Ray-Ban, M&S (Marks & Spencer), Hawkers, CooperVision, Mojo Vision, Maison Acuitis, Outside Clinic, SelectSpecs, Scrivens, Duncan & Todd Opticians, On Spec Optical Co, DD Frames Online.
This report, written by Fiona McDonald, a leading analyst in the Retail sector, delivers in-depth commentary and analysis to highlight current trends and add expert context to the numbers.
The optical goods market has been affected by COVID-19 and the cost of living crisis currently taking hold. Consumers continue to forgo non-essential appointments and spending. In-store opticians remain the preference for consumers, but with overall new purchases down, there is scope for retailers to encourage consumers back into their practises.
Fiona McDonald
Retail Analyst
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