European Eyewear Market: Strategic Outlook 2026 - Chapter 4

Competitive Landscape Analysis

Strategic Positioning of Key Players and Market Share Dynamics

Market Share Distribution

2023 Market Share Overview
CompanyMarket ShareRevenue (€B)
EssilorLuxottica28.5%8.1
Fielmann Group15.2%4.3
GrandVision12.8%3.6
Safilo Group8.3%2.4
Kering Eyewear6.7%1.9
Others28.5%8.1
Market Concentration
65.5%

Top 5 Players Market Share

EL
FG
GV
SG

Moderately Concentrated Market

EssilorLuxottica: Market Leader Analysis

Market Share: 28.5%

€8.1B

European Revenue (2023)

4.2%

Revenue Growth YoY

18.7%

EBIT Margin

Strategic Focus Areas:
  • Vertical integration dominance
  • Retail network optimization
  • Premium brand portfolio expansion
  • Digital transformation acceleration
  • Sustainability initiatives
  • Emerging markets penetration

Competitive Positioning Matrix

CompanyMarket PositionGrowth StrategyKey Strengths2026 Outlook
EssilorLuxotticaLeaderVertical integration & digitalBrand portfolio, retail networkStrong
Fielmann GroupChallengerValue proposition & insurance partnershipsCustomer loyalty, pricing powerStrong
Safilo GroupSpecialistBrand licensing & product innovationDesign expertise, manufacturingModerate
Kering EyewearNiche PlayerLuxury brand exclusivityHigh margins, brand prestigeStrong
MarcolinContenderLicensing diversificationFlexible production, designModerate

Regional Market Dominance

Western Europe Leaders
Germany: Fielmann (32%) EssilorLuxottica (28%)
France: EssilorLuxottica (35%) Alain Afflelou (18%)
UK: Specsavers (30%) EssilorLuxottica (25%)
Italy: EssilorLuxottica (40%) De Rigo (15%)
Growth Market Dynamics

Eastern Europe:

EssilorLuxottica
Local Players
Fielmann

Online Channel:

EssilorLuxottica
Pure Players
Warby Parker

Premium Segment:

EssilorLuxottica
Kering
Marcolin

Recent Strategic Moves

Retail Network Expansion

EssilorLuxottica integrating GrandVision stores across Europe

Integration

Digital Transformation

Fielmann launching AI-powered virtual try-on platform

Technology

Sustainability Initiatives

Safilo introducing bio-based acetate collections

Eco-friendly

Brand Partnerships

Marcolin securing new luxury brand licenses

Licensing

Competitive Threat Assessment

Emerging Threats

Direct-to-Consumer Brands

Online-native players disrupting traditional distribution

High Impact

Private Label Expansion

Retailers developing exclusive brand portfolios

Medium Impact

Technology Integration

Tech companies entering smart eyewear space

Medium Impact

Competitive Advantages

Supply Chain Control

Vertical integration ensuring quality and margins

Sustainable

Brand Equity

Established brand recognition and customer trust

Defensible

Retail Presence

Physical stores providing fitting services and trust

Differentiating

Market Share Trends
EssilorLuxottica +1.2%
 
Kering Eyewear +2.1%
 
Online Pure Players +3.5%
 
Independent Retailers -2.8%
 
Key Players Snapshot

EssilorLuxottica

Vertical integration leader

Fielmann Group

Value segment dominator

Safilo Group

Brand licensing expert

Kering Eyewear

Luxury specialist

Emerging Players

DTC and tech entrants
Continue to Strategic Recommendations

Chapter 5 provides actionable strategies for different market participants