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May 19, 2021May 19, 2021

New Look Vision Reports Strong Results for Q1 of Fiscal 2021

New Look Vision Group reported financial results for the 13 week periods ended March 27, 2021, and provided updates on actions in response to COVID-19, store re-openings, on omnichannel and facility consolidation.

Q1 2021 highlights:

Revenues increased by 27.3% compared to the first quarter of last year to reach $86.6 million as a result of comparable store sales, revenues from newly acquired stores and COVID-19 temporary store closures in March 2020 as opposed to essential services exempted lockdown in 2021.
Comparable store sales were up 24.5% as a result of enhanced store operating procedures and a shift in customer behavior.
Adjusted EBITDA attributed to shareholders reached $17.1 million, a 72.2% increase over the first quarter of last year.
Net debt was $169.1 million compared to $175.5 million as of Q1 2020.
The Company actively continued to pursue its significant pipeline of acquisition opportunities in Canada and the United States and acquired 6 stores in the quarter.

Antoine Amiel, the President and CEO of New Look Vision, stated that: “New Look Vision carried forward its momentum from the second half of 2020 into 2021 with comparable sales growth rising to 24.5% despite the extended COVID-19 restrictions during the quarter. We continued consolidating the fragmented Canadian retail optical market, with six stores acquired since the beginning of the year.”

COVID-19 and Store re-opening

During Q1 2021, the Company faced renewed COVID-19 regional restrictions in the market in which it operates despite the Company posted another strong quarter in spite of the ongoing impact of COVID-19. In advance of reopening its stores, the Company issued stringent health and safety procedures, undertook extensive training in the form of in-store rehearsals and is providing each location with prescribed personal protection equipment.

Arrangement Agreement to be Acquired

On March 18, 2021, the Company announced that it had entered into an arrangement agreement to be acquired by NL1 AcquireCo Inc., an entity created by a group composed of funds managed by FFL Partners, LLC, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, and the Dr. H. Doug Barnes Family.

Click HERE for the full press release.

Morel Presents the Arsene

A modern reinterpretation of a historical code. This ephemeral frame took only one single piece to build the bridge and arm pads. Arsene features added detailing of an “M” engraved along the rim, a stainless wire temple with end tips and nose pads covered in thermotube material for comfort. All together making this eyewear truly irresistible.

Distributed by Morel Canada: morel-france.com

May 14, 2021May 14, 2021

ZEISS Shares Sustainability Report in Recognition of Earth Day

In recognition of Earth Day and ZEISS’ commitment to corporate social responsibility, The Zeiss Group has shared a comprehensive Sustainability Report that exemplifies the company’s mission to reducing their carbon footprint.

An important component in sustainability is the “Green, Safe, Responsible” project offered through ZEISS Vision Care. Globally, more than 250 initiatives have been combined into one program that’s designed to fulfill their responsibility every single day.

At the ZEISS Canadian lab, one of the achievements this past year was reducing their solid waste production compared to previous years. This was achieved by utilizing some local and global projects like: optimized puck shapes and thicknesses, centralized swarf collection systems, improved sorting, and recycling.

“Sustainability is a key component of our corporate pillar which includes green and social responsibility. We take pride in our achievements and will continue making further improvements to reduce our carbon footprint.” said Bryan Rossi, President at Carl Zeiss Vision Canada Inc.

Carl Zeiss AG provided further insight to the company’s goals in this Sustainability report.

Source: ZEISS Vision Care

May 14, 2021May 14, 2021

At-home Vision Health Checklist Released for Vision Health Month

In support of Vision Health Month, FYidoctors, has released its vision health checklist. The list aims to raise awareness and make Canadians more mindful of eye health conditions and diseases that often go untreated due to lack of symptoms, and the preventative measures individuals can take daily towards their vision health.

“Eye health is no less important than physical health and it’s crucial that Canadians familiarize themselves with proactive habits and behaviours to keep their eyes healthy,” said Dr. Alan Ulsifer, CEO and Chairman of FYidoctors. “In addition to routine visits to your optometrist, other measures like ensuring workplace safety and proper eyewear should be taken in support of vision health.”

Useful steps Canadians can take to protect their vision health as highlighted on the checklist include:

☐ Wear contact lenses correctly

According to the Center for Disease Control, 40–90% of people do not properly follow their optometrist’s contact lens instructions.

☐ Protect eyes from allergies

While allergies can be tedious to avoid during certain seasonal changes, there are many factors patients can control indoors and with proper medications.

☐ Prioritize fitness and nutrition

High blood pressure and obesity are both risk factors for a variety of eye diseases, so diet and exercise are important to ocular health.

☐ Schedule an eye exam

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends that adults get a comprehensive eye exam every two years from a qualified optometrist. Children, seniors, and anyone with medical conditions or family history of eye disease should get an exam at least once a year.

Click HERE for the full press release.

May 13, 2021May 11, 2021

Canada Goes Green with David Green

David Green Eyewear is now distributed in Canada through Canadian distributor, Suzanne Sendel Agency.

David Green Eyewear contains real nature, such as fallen leaves, mother of pearl, reeds and a variety of woods. These items are incorporated into a natural, cotton-based acetate out of which the frames are individually cut by hand. The acetate is biodegradable and selected for comfort and a long-lasting finish.

Testament to their commitment to environmentally responsible fashion, David Green Eyewear is plastic-free, handcrafted and unique by nature. All frames are designed in Cape Town, South Africa.

The coatings used are certified by Restrictions on Hazardous Substances (RoHS), which indicates compliance based on a European Union’s Directive that restricts the use of Hazardous Substances. No harmful substances are used in the production of the eyewear and the factory water is recycled.

With a focus on superior quality, other components of the eyewear, such as nose pads and hinges, are sourced from Italy, France and Germany.

David Green states, “My purpose in life is to bring nature to the cities of the world, making people look with nature.”

“Being one with nature is a gift. In having access to a brand of eyewear as ethereal as Green eyewear, my work has become all the more meaningful,” says Canadian distributor, Suzanne Sendel.

www.greeneyewear.com

About David Green:
Having worn spectacles from an early age, David Green created David Green Eyewear in 2005 in order to merge his passion for the environment and his keen eye for detail and design. His appreciation for craftsmanship and customer care is evident in the comfort, quality and individuality of each David Green frame.

About Suzanne Sendel Agency:
Suzanne Sendel reinvented herself at the age of 52 leaving behind a national sales management position to join the visionary world of eyewear distribution.

Currently, Suzanne Sendel Agency distributes Coco and Breezy, Catherine de’Medici, Round Ten, Custom Eyes, Kazoku Lunettes and her latest addition in keeping “one with nature”, David Green Eyewear. Susie is also the creator of the Original FTG, an optical pouch that safely stores and protects your specs.