LAUNCHES, PROMOTIONS, MERCHANDISING, EVENTS, AND OTHER THINGS TO KEEP YOU IN THE KNOW.
KENMARK CHILLS OUT WITH NEW P-O-P. The new displays for Kenmark’s Original Penguin Eyewear collection are a throwback to the ’50s, featuring freestanding wooden fixtures. Complimentary with a minimum purchase, they include a “Pete” the Penguin logo block, Munsingwear logo block, two-piece display, three-piece display, and an image holder display. Countercards, postcards, and a banner are also available. Kenmark Group, 800-627-2898, kenmarkoptical.com.
COLE HAAN KEEPS CLASSIC COOL FOR CLEARVISION. Maintaining the brand’s focus on high-quality, stylish innovation, Cole Haan’s advertising campaign features its fall eyewear collection. The national campaign appears in a range of online and print titles, as well as out-of-home and direct mail and includes eyewear in its tagline. In addition, a series of ads that support the brand’s new optical collection began recently. ClearVision Optical Co., 800-645-3733, cvoptical.com.
ESSILOR GETS SMART. ECP University, Essilor’s eyecare training center, now offers the Dispensary Manager Program. The course develops the skills and business savvy of dispensary managers so they can more effectively manage day-to-day retail operations. The six-month course includes a combination of real-world experience, classroom instruction, personalized coaching, and project-based learning. Essilor of America, Inc., 800-542-5668, essilorusa.com.
THE STARS COME OUT FOR WESCAN. At this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, Wescan Optical showcased its eyewear brands, Fysh UK, Kliik:denmark, and EVATIK. The company was a top-tier sponsor of the A-list-friendly Tastemakers Lounge, with stars such as Christopher McDonald, Chris Cornell (pictured), and Zaib Shaikh making an appearance. Wescan Optical, 800-361-6220, westgroupe.com.
SAFILO’S CARRERA HAS NO REGRETS. The new CARRERA campaign from Safilo is full of life, targeting its energetic, fashionable audience. Remaining at the campaign’s forefront is the “After All, No Regrets” headline. The concept is based on social media feedback from fans and it ultimately strives to reveal a list of the top 10 things to do in life. Safilo USA, 800-631-1188, safilo.com.
SANTINELLI HITS THE ROAD WITH VSP GLOBAL. Newly remodeled, VSP Vision Care’s mobile eye clinic—referred to as SeeZar—joins the yearlong Solution Showcase and includes a Santinelli in-office finishing lab. The technologically driven practice center also features Marco equipment, lenses from VSP Optics Group, Eye Designs’ frame boards, a Marchon frame brand showcase, and Eyefinity practice management software. Solution Showcase gives doctors a hands-on understanding of electronic integration of core practice functions that positively impact business efficiency and profitability. Santinelli International, Inc., 800-644-3343, santinelli.com.
L’AMY GIVES BACK. With its holiday charity program, “Help the World to See a Better Tomorrow, TODAY,” L’Amy offers ECPs an opportunity to participate in a worthy cause. For every L’Amy frame participants sell, the company will donate one frame to charity through New Year’s Day. Frames will be given to respected organizations like Lions Club International, New Eyes for the Needy, Volunteer Optometric Services for Humanity, and Eyewear for Kids. L’Amy America, 800-USA-LAMY, lamyamerica.com.
L.A.EYEWORKS TURNS A NEW PAGE. FRAMED: Greg Gorman for l.a.Eyeworks offers readers 171 portraits (in photographic reproduction) from Greg Gorman’s renowned black-and-white eyewear advertising campaign. The hard-bound volume features Gorman’s work for the campaign, known for its signature tagline, “A face is like a work of art. It deserves a great frame,” as well as a number of essays. l.a.Eyeworks, 800-348-3337, laeyeworks.com.
NEWS BUZZ The L’Amy Groupe enters global agreement for the design and distribution of Carven eyewear.
De Rigo Eyewear signs licensing agreement for the design, production, and worldwide distribution of Lanvin sunglasses and prescription frames. Marr International will be the U.S. distributor.
Fatheadz Eyewear is now available at Canadian Walmart Vision Centers.
Eyes of Faith partners with Christian apparel brand Not of This World.
Oakley, Inc. is official licensee and eyewear supplier to Team USA for the London 2012 Olympics.
