For almost 60 years, Krys, the preferred Ray Ban distributor, has been a key player in the optical sector. This position is confirmed by the company’s robust results for 2023 and its well thought-out development strategy.
In an uncertain economic climate, some markets nevertheless manage to maintain admirable health. Such is the case of the French optical sector, which continues to post remarkable results. In 2023, the sector recorded year-on-year growth of 4-5%.
Although many eyewear retailers are present in the market, one player in particular stands out. The Krys Group, market leader, saw its sales increase by 8.4%, reaching 1.366 billion euros in 2023. This performance is the result of a well-defined strategy, based in particular on customer proximity, but also on the company’s diversification into the strategic hearing aid sector.
As the only producer and distributor of optical lenses in France, Krys has set itself apart to become the benchmark in its field. Its position has been strengthened by the results for 2023, boosted by the opening of 70 optical stores and 54 hearing aid outlets.
These stores distribute the leading luxury brands (Ray-Ban, Oakley, Saint Laurent, Tom Ford, Gucci, Chloé…) as well as its own brands.
Blue-white-red” production
With a history dating back to 1966, the blue-square brand has established a strong presence in French towns and cities. Today, Krys has a 17% share of the optical market. According to Jean-Pierre Champion, the group’s CEO, this performance is the direct result of territorial coverage.
“The fact that we try to set up within 15 minutes of our customers to meet their expectations of proximity enables us to attract more people,” asserts the CEO. “In fact, we’ve just passed the 10 million customer mark.”
The company also stands out for its Made in France production. From its Bazainville site in the Yvelines, Krys hopes to produce 1.8 million lenses by the end of the year. This ambitious goal has necessitated a 5,000 m² expansion of the site, at a total cost of 16 million euros.
A recognized CSR initiative
Last June, Krys was awarded the “Confirmed” level of Afnor Certification’s Engagé RSE label for its banners and central services. The group had already received this recognition for its Codir industrial and logistics site.
This benchmark label assesses the performance of organizations’ CSR actions on the basis of over 55 criteria, based on the guidelines of the international ISO 26000 standard and aligned with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Once again leading its sector, the Krys Group is the first optical retailer in France to receive this distinction.
Long-term vision
Building on its performance, the Group launched the Krystal 2028 plan in 2023. This initiative aims to reinforce the company’s offensive strategy to consolidate its market share, which is expected to reach 8.5 billion euros by 2028.
This plan is largely based on the expansion of the Krys distribution network. The group plans to open 400 additional optical stores and 400 points of sale dedicated to its audio offer.
Aware of the opportunities offered by this niche, Krys also intends to position itself in the second-hand market. Last February, the company announced the signature of a partnership with the French platform Seecly. Seecly enables customers to buy and sell reconditioned frames, now all fitted with Krys lenses. Through this alliance, the company proves that it remains in tune with the times and knows how to recognize the new consumer behaviors that characterize its clientele.
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