Essilor gears up for travel retail push with Bolon debut at TFWA Asia Pacific



Published: 29/04/15
Source: ©The Moodie Report

Leading ophthalmic optics company Essilor is mounting a major travel retail push behind its flagship Bolon sunglass brand, which will be showcased for the first time at the TFWA Asia Pacific exhibition next month (stand number: S8).

According to Essilor, Bolon is a leading sunglass brand in China, with 4.5 million frames sold last year. Positioned in the affordable luxury, mid-range segment (with a retail price of about US$120), it is designed and manufactured by China’s Xiamen Yarui Optical, which was acquired by Essilor in November 2013. At the time of acquisition, Bolon had an awareness rate of nearly 85% in China, and in 2014 it was ranked ninth in Forbes China’s Top 100 Unlisted Potential Enterprises in China.

Bolon’s distribution network covers more than 35,000 points of sale across China, including department stores, shopping malls and optical stores. Bolon also has an online presence with major Chinese e-commerce retailers such as Jumei and Tmall.

The brand’s success in China was a key factor in Bolon’s foray into travel retail, where it made its debut with DFS Group at the start of 2015. As reported, Bolon’s 2015 sunwear collection was launched over the Chinese New Year at select DFS airport stores and downtown Gallerias in Singapore, Bali, Hong Kong and two locations in China.

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