What Jim had to fight against

[Arnaud Paris]

I came across this episode of 60mn:
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7424700n&tag=contentBody;storyMediaBox

I had no idea there was such a disguised monopoly in the sunglasses industry and I can't even imagine what a battle Jim had to conduct against these guys with Oakley.

Knowing what happened I understand better why after selling Oakley Jim went on to carry such a fight in the camera industry, and why he knows better than anybody the importance of having some strong challengers in any industry.

Thank you Jim for having kept on the fight and having defended us, the customers, in the filmmaking industry.

 

[Stephen Mick]

Luxottica acquired Oakley in 2007, just so you know.

 

[Arnaud Paris]

It's not because they bought Oakley that he didn't make them bite the dust during this battle, especially when we know how good Jim's lawyers are.

 

[Bob Gundu]

Interesting story, but she was definitely fishing for something with more drama. The biggest competitor is online shopping with products made in China. luxottica does sound like the Monsanto of eyewear though.

 

[Arnaud Paris]

Interesting story, but she was definitely fishing for something with more drama. The biggest competitor is online shopping with products made in China. luxottica does sound like the Monsanto of eyewear though.

You are right Bob, there is still room for competition on this market through the internet. But the difference is that the online competitors can't really have access to distribution outlets in the US. And when we know how important it is for people to try out their glasses before buying them it makes it even more difficult for the competition to exist against Luxxotica in the US.

Not sure what the situation is in Europe though.

 

[jake blackstone]

The problem is not just the sunglasses. Cheap Chinese knockoffs will never be real competition to well funded luxury makers with unlimited promotional budgets. Even bigger problem is in the prescription glasses arena. Can you just buy a cheap pair of glasses and go to LensCrafters to get fitted with prescription lenses? Oh wait, LensCrafters is also owned by Luxotica and so is Sunglass Hut. Being vertically integrated manufacturer and distributor, like Luxotica is not a monopoly per se. Abusing it's position and manipulating global prices is.

 

[Bob Gundu]

I took a chance and ordered a pair of prescription glasses online based on the sizing of my existing pair (3 numbers on the inside of the arm). I have to say my experience was very positive. I must be getting old though, I can't bare to go to a shopping mall anymore.