Luxury Optical Holdings

Established in 1999, Luxury Optical Holdings (LOH) has solidified its position as a significant retailer of luxury optical products in the United States through a strategic campaign of acquiring high-end optical boutiques. The company was formed through the initial consolidation of three private retail chains: Lunettes, Morgenthal Frederics Opticians, and Optical Fashion Center, backed by private equity firm Circle Peak Capital. Veteran retail executives Pierre Keyser and Bernard Andrews were instrumental in this initial consolidation and invested in the newly formed entity.

LOH operates a portfolio of specialty stores under various trade names, including Robert Marc, Optica, Scene, Morgenthal Frederics, and Davante, among others. This network of boutiques is strategically located in premium retail markets across the country, such as New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and Aspen. The business model centers on offering a curated selection of luxury eyewear, designer sunglasses, and handcrafted frames, including those made from buffalo horn, to an affluent clientele. Revenue is generated through the direct sale of these products within its retail locations. While specific revenue figures vary, estimates place the company's annual revenue in the range of $12.4M to $35M.

The company's product and service strategy extends beyond multi-brand retail. LOH has an atelier that designs and manufactures small-batch eyewear from materials like buffalo horn, titanium, and acetate in Germany, Japan, and France. This vertical integration is complemented by a wholesale distribution arm. LOH exclusively distributes its proprietary brands, such as Robert Marc, Lunor, and Morgenthal Frederics, to hundreds of independent eye care professionals across North America, expanding its market reach beyond its own retail footprint. A key milestone in this strategy was the 2014 acquisition of Robert Marc Eyewear, which not only expanded LOH's retail dominance in New York City but also provided the infrastructure to launch its brands into the global wholesale market. On December 1, 2021, Luxury Optical Holdings was acquired by New Look Vision Group, with the intention of operating LOH as a separate, stand-alone business unit under the leadership of CEO Tim Mayhew.

Keywords: luxury eyewear, optical retail, designer sunglasses, handcrafted frames, buffalo horn glasses, US optical market, multi-brand boutiques, Robert Marc, Morgenthal Frederics, Lunor, high-end optical, specialty retail, eyewear distribution, optical acquisitions, New Look Vision Group, premium eyewear, fashion accessories, optical boutiques, designer eyewear, luxury accessories, eye care professionals