Mintel predicts tougher times ahead for optics

After five consecutive years of growth, challenging times lie ahead for independents, according to the latest Mintel report, Optical Goods and Eyecare.

The report forecast a marginal downturn in the optical market until 2013. It attributed this to the erosion of margins because of discounting patterns set by the multiple chains, the rise in the number of supermarket optical outlets and the increase in the number of internet-only retailers. As reported in Optician last week, (July 4), the market has been buoyant over the past five years, with consumer spending up by 20 per cent, to £2.7bn. However, Mintel predicted only 13 per cent growth over the next five years.