The autumnal landmarks of trick or treating children and the fireworks of Bonfire Night are over for another year and, with the first snow spotted on the peaks of the Lake District, winter is well on the way. In the world of optical retail that means it is time to stock up on the latest winter sports eyewear as snow enthusiasts plan their pilgrimages to the slopes.
Eyewear for sports like skiing and mountaineering tend to be technical in nature and none more so than goggles. Some optical practices avoid stocking these but people interested in high performance will consider purchasing a pair.
A key issue here is to ensure staff have detailed knowledge of the features of specific products. Innovations such as anti-fog systems and swipe off lens covers can make all the difference but the real crux is being able to guide a customer through the various lens types available and the light conditions they are suitable for.
Arena: Sunwise Shipwreck - www.arena-eyewear.co.uk
Marchon: Dragon X2s - www.marchon.com
Marchon: Dragon Mountaineer X - www.marchon.com
Inland: Salice 905 - www.inland.co.uk
Inland: Salice 915 - www.inland.co.uk
Hilco: Mogul - www.hilco.co.uk
Hilco: Slope - www.hilco.co.uk
Hilco: Sprayer - www.hilco.co.uk
The post-Brexit weakness of the pound means trips to the Alps and beyond are more expensive than a couple of years ago, so expect customers to focus on getting value for money on their eyewear.
Bushnell: Cébé Infinity - www.bushnell.com
Bushnell: Bollé Emperor - www.bushnell.com
With this mind it may well be worth stocking some winter sports sunglass models which can conceivably be used for other activities away from the mountains.
Safilo: Smith I/O - www.safilo.com
Safilo: Smith I/OS - www.safilo.com
Safilo: Smith I/O7 - www.safilo.com
Safilo: Smith Squad - www.safilo.com
Among this year’s crop there is a trend towards protective side pieces, which can often be removed for more casual use, to keep sun glare from intruding on the eye.
Norville: Bling - www.norville.co.uk
Norville: Nannini Snowfighter - www.norville.co.uk
Norville: SRX08 - www.norville.co.uk
Norville: SRX06 - www.norville.co.uk
Norville: SRX11 - www.norville.co.uk
Remember your practice is competing against specialist sports shops for the winter sports market. An eye catching window display can help establish credentials and draw people in.