VisionPlus India

driven, often centred around sunglasses. Performance emphasises innovation, materials, and storytelling, especially in our sports brands. Lifestyle bridges the two, offering stylish frames with the technical features of performance eyewear. By aligning brands within these pillars and across price points, we’ve built a complementary portfolio where each brand retains its distinct identity while adapting to evolving consumer preferences. VP: As this is your first visit to India, what are your thoughts on the market, and how will Sterling Eyewear drive Marchon's growth? TB: India is an exciting and dynamic market for us. I regularly interact with Ketan and his family as a Sterling board member, and it's fascinating to see how the market is evolving. There's growth across segments— from luxury and premium eyewear to the expanding middle class. The demand for brands is immense, and changes happen much faster than in Europe and the US. It’s thrilling to be part of this transformation. VP: Mr Ketan Parikh, this one’s for you. As Thomas experiences India for the first time, how do you plan to introduce him to the culture? Ketan Parikh: We want Thomas to experience both the modern and traditional sides of India, especially places like Kalbadevi, where the optical trade began. We'll visit major stores such as Titan, Lawrence & Mayo, Himalaya Opticals, Gangar Eyenation, GKB Opticals, and key department stores like Shoppers Stop and Lifestyle amongst others. We’ll also explore boutique stores in Mumbai and New Delhi to give him a full view of our market. It’s important that he sees how every store contributes to our success. His trip will also include iconic spots like the Taj Mahal and authentic Indian cuisine, offering him a true taste of the culture—and, of course, some spicy Indian food! VP: With the rise of smart glasses, what innovations is Marchon Eyewear pursuing to set industry benchmarks? TB: Smart glasses are evolving quickly, with everyone searching for that "killer app" to make them a must-have. That said, Marchon is an eyewear company, not a tech company. Our strength lies in designing beautiful, wearable eyewear. However, we’re open to partnerships with tech companies bringing innovation to the eyewear space. In the next three to five years, I believe smart glasses will shift from a novelty to a mainstream accessory. VP: How is Marchon Eyewear addressing sustainability in its products and operations? TB: While consumers may not always actively demand sustainable eyewear, we believe it’s our responsibility to offer these options. Customers choose sustainable frames when they match in quality, style, and wearability—without added cost. We’ve expanded our use of eco-friendly materials, and by the end of 2024, 35–37% of our frames will incorporate sustainable materials, with a goal of reaching 50% by 2025. Our integrated sustainability program, Eyes On Tomorrow, covers the entire value chain. We’ve switched to sustainable packaging, including responsibly produced cardboard and biodegradable plastic IT’S IMPORTANT THAT HE SEES HOW EVERY STORE CONTRIBUTES TO OUR SUCCESS... KETAN PARIKH, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF STERLING META PLAST 26 VISION PLUS INDIA EDITION