Acuité reports that opticians should leverage social media to drive in-store visits rather than direct online sales. Citing an October 2026 Ifop study for Colissimo, the article notes that 15% of French consumers have purchased directly on social platforms, rising to 39% among those under 25, though these figures do not specifically cover eyewear. Carla Vivien, a social media coach for opticians, emphasizes maintaining client contact between typical two-year renewal cycles and fostering local proximity. She advises defining a clear content strategy aligned with store identity, utilizing video and stories to showcase team expertise, and prioritizing interaction over passive broadcasting. The goal is to enhance customer experience and loyalty, not merely accumulate followers or views.
Banuba published a comparison of eight Shopify virtual try-on apps as of October 2026, noting monthly costs range from $14.99 to $1,299. The analysis distinguishes between three billing units: per-try-on generations (used by six apps), digitized products (Camweara), and free built-in media (Shopify). It highlights that entry-level plans often have higher per-unit costs at volume compared to premium tiers. Key findings include that four apps charge overage fees between $0.10 and $0.17 per extra try-on, while Banuba is the only app listed without auto-charged overages. The report also contrasts real-time AR solutions, such as Banuba and Camweara, with AI photo generation apps, advising retailers to match the technology to their product category, particularly for face-worn items like eyewear.
Editorial relevance: Provides a detailed comparison of pricing models and hidden costs for virtual try-on apps on Shopify, aiding merchants in selecting tools for eyewear and other categories.
Rokid has opened what it claims is the world's first unmanned AI glasses experience store at Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. The shop features eight self-service zones demonstrating functions like real-time translation and navigation on Rokid Glasses' in-lens waveguide display, allowing customers to try products and complete automated checkout without staff assistance. To incentivize early adoption, the first 500 buyers at the physical location receive a Joy Pack valued by Rokid at HK$4,688 (approx. $600), which includes Rokid Max AR glasses and a Rokid Station streaming device. This promotion extends to participating online channels and eight retailers, including Optical 88 and Fortress, until October 31 or while supplies last. The release does not specify the retail price of the Rokid Glasses themselves.
Correos Express has introduced a new section within its corporate website specifically tailored to the optical industry. This digital space addresses the logistical needs of opticians, laboratories, workshops, distributors and manufacturers by focusing on daily operations such as shipping glasses, lenses, frames and parts, distribution between establishments, final customer delivery, returns management and shipment reception. The section features established solutions like OptiBox 10 and OptiBag 15, while incorporating services for reverse logistics and flexible delivery to better align with professional workflows. Additionally, it includes new frequently asked questions covering coverage, products, returns and delivery options to help users select appropriate solutions.
Visall has introduced a new webshop to replace its previous order software, which had been in use for approximately 19 years. According to the company, the new platform became accessible via common operating systems and devices in early October. Key features include variable inset entry, submission of special requests, and production status tracking for ongoing orders. Concurrently, Visall updated its digital communication channels; customer contact is now handled via service@visall-group.com, and the corporate website is exclusively available at visall-group.com. These changes consolidate ordering, service, and communication processes onto a single digital platform.
On August 4, 2025, Mister Spex launched "Mister Spex Switch," becoming the first optical retailer in Germany to offer a subscription-based eyewear rental model online. The service allows customers to select at least two pairs of glasses during checkout, with the option to exchange one model after twelve months. The package includes insurance, free lens adjustments, and an annual eye health check, providing access to approximately 100 brands and 12,000 products. Following its retail store launch on May 14, 2025, which saw over 3,000 subscriptions and accounted for around 10% of total store revenue in June and July, the digital expansion aims to scale recurring revenue streams. CEO Tobias Krauss noted that the subscription model drives higher average order values, approximately three times those of standard purchases, and attracts new customers, with over 40% of subscribers being first-time buyers.
Editorial relevance: Mister Spex's introduction of an online subscription model for eyewear rental represents a significant shift in the German optical market, aiming to drive recurring revenue and enhance customer retention through digital channels.
German optical retailer Mister Spex has chosen Salesforce to replace its legacy systems with an integrated platform. The initial phase involves deploying Salesforce Commerce Cloud with Order Management for its DACH online shop and Salesforce Retail Cloud for its 66 German stores. This consolidation aims to unify previously separate online and in-store operations, reducing complexity and accelerating innovation. Mister Spex will centralize data from approximately eight million customers to enable personalized cross-channel experiences and utilize AI capabilities for product placement. Further expansions into marketing, customer service, and Agentforce-based AI use cases are planned, alongside a future ERP modernization. The implementation, supported by Salesforce Professional Services, will roll out gradually throughout the year, ensuring compliance with medical device regulations.
Editorial relevance: This announcement details a significant infrastructure overhaul for a major German optical retailer, highlighting the industry trend toward unified commerce platforms to support omnichannel strategies and AI integration.
The VANNI Blog published five recommendations for opticians using Instagram in 2025 to enhance customer connection and shop visibility. The advice prioritizes authentic, imperfect content over curated images to build trust. It suggests abandoning uniform color palettes in favor of bold, dynamic combinations. The blog highlights Reels and short videos as key tools for engagement, recommending tutorials on frame selection or new collection presentations. It notes that Instagram now supports carousels with up to 20 slides for detailed storytelling, such as manufacturing processes or eyecare tips. Finally, it advises crafting a strategic bio that clearly states the business identity, location, offerings, and a call to action. These points are presented as general trends rather than verified performance metrics.
Visall (Lörrach) has fully transitioned its eyeglass lens ordering to a new web-based shop, replacing the previous Visall-Bestell-Client after nearly 19 years. The new platform supports all common devices and operating systems, offering opticians enhanced features such as direct variable inset entry, remark fields for special requests, and real-time production status tracking via direct connection to Visall’s manufacturing. Visall stated the solution provides a technical foundation for future digital developments. Concurrently, the company updated its contact channels; communication is now exclusively via service@visall-group.com, while the old email address ceased functioning on October 3 without forwarding capabilities. The website is accessible only at www.visall-group.com.