Comment: Sunshine on the high street

They say one swallow doesn't make a summer but how about four? We are talking here about the summer glow of financial results rather than the weather and the positive financial figures coming out of De Rigo, Marcolin, Rodenstock and Optician's own Index.

All three companies posted higher sales and profit figures for their latest trading period (see news). Such positive indicators will come as welcome news to the optical business and will provide a much needed fillip ahead of the busy summer period.

Add the spring-like tone of April's Index figures (see page 22) and things are starting to look rather good. It is interesting to try to gauge the feel of the buoyancy in the business through talking to supplier companies during the post-Optrafair period. Most will say they had a great show, especially in areas such as instruments, but not all are upbeat. But talk to practices and the tone changes completely. Retailers are busy and customers are spending money.