Vision Express has announced double-digit annual profit growth, buoyed by its new Heston Blumenthal spectacle range.
The multiple said in a statement that its tie-up with the celebrity chef last year had become the most successful launch in its history.
Overall, Vision Express reported an increase in turnover of 6 per cent for full-year 2013, resulting in 11 per cent operating profit growth – a third consecutive year of LFL growth.
CEO Jonathan Lawson said: ‘It is very pleasing to report record sales and profit for 2013. The last 12 months have been an exciting time for Vision Express.
‘As well as celebrating 25 years of trading, we have acquired a number of stores from Crown Eyeglass and Rayner & Keeler practices. I am also pleased to see that momentum has increased this year.
‘In addition we also welcomed online contact lens experts Lenstore when they became part of the GrandVision group. We share many common values with www.lenstore.co.uk and a belief in the importance of a multi-channel offer for optical customers who are looking for unrivalled standards of service and quality.’
Following the acquisition of 65 Rayners practices earlier this year (News 16.01.14) Vision Express now has 373 practices across the UK and Ireland, and Lawson said further openings were planned during 2014.
‘Our growth is down to a sustained period of hard work by Vision Express employees, raising levels of customer care and quality whilst also improving our value for money,’ he added.