In focus: Arrival of M&S Opticians adds fuel to retail frenzy

Four years has passed since the arrival of John Lewis Opticians under the stewardship of Luxottica Group.

After a period of relative calm, the battle for market share among supermarket and department store chains has suddenly resumed with the announcement that Marks and Spencer will be trialling optical practices.

Under the plans, five of its stores in England would pilot the concessions starting this summer.

Both M&S and John Lewis, which now operates nine practices, have set out to capitalise on their reputations as well-established and trusted brands.

Beyond these two flagship names, within the past six months developments at Tesco Opticians and a proposed merger of Sainsbury’s and Asda have further resulted in a changing landscape for the supermarket optician sector.