Murray Wells predicts multiples will struggle

Glasses Direct founder James Murray Wells warned multiples that they would struggle against internet sellers when he spoke at the Independents Day conference in Birmingham this week.

Organiser Nick Atkins attributed the high turnout to his presence. 'We all think of him as a bit of an irritation and some think he is a major irritation, but remember there are big multiples out there who are far more advanced at taking your market share,' said Atkins.

Murray Wells, who described his company as the Swatch of optics, said the multiples would struggle as independents could specialise. 'If you concentrate on the mass market you might as well throw in the towel as businesses like ours will take 80-90 per cent of this market.'