Introduction: In this opinion piece, EssilorLuxottica Global Travel Retail Director Alessio Crivelli outlines the eyewear company’s bold vision for the future – a future, previewed during the recent TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes, which focuses on innovation, craftsmanship and luxurious consumer-centric experiences.
Following our successful showcase at TFWA Cannes 2024, EssilorLuxottica’s vision for the future of travel retail has never been clearer. The exhibition offered a platform for us to share how we are evolving to meet the demands of the modern, ever-changing consumer.
It also reinforced our commitment to innovation, craftsmanship and reimagined consumer experiences.
The landscape of travel retail is shifting rapidly. Today’s travellers seek more than just luxury products – they want meaningful experiences, personalised services and brands that align with their values.
This year at Cannes, we highlighted how EssilorLuxottica is at the forefront of these changes, constantly innovating to deliver on the expectations of this new generation of consumer.
A showcase of innovation and craftsmanship
Our presentation in Cannes was a testament to the power of combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation. Visitors to our booth were immersed in this dual experience, where both legacy and forward-thinking solutions came together seamlessly.
One of the most celebrated moments was the unveiling of Oakley’s Future Genesis, which captivated audiences with its bold vision for the future, celebrating the brand’s 50-year legacy and embracing the spirit of progress and innovation that defines it. Visitors were inspired by the way Oakley continues to push the boundaries of design, storytelling and retail, all while staying true to its disruptive DNA.
The debut of Moncler’s upcoming eyewear collection was another standout at our booth. The excitement surrounding this launch reflected how consumers crave fresh, dynamic perspectives from luxury brands and Moncler delivered in every aspect, blending high fashion with modern-day functionality.
Expanding horizons: Introducing Nuance Audio
Perhaps one of our most significant milestones was the introduction of Nuance Audio, our groundbreaking product in the hearing solutions market. This innovation represents our vision to expand beyond eyewear and address other consumer needs in the travel retail space.
The reaction to Nuance Audio was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising its potential to revolutionise how travellers experience hearing solutions. As health and wellbeing continue to become priorities for modern consumers, Nuance Audio is a step forward in creating products that elevate everyday experiences, even while on the move.
Reshaping travel retail with luxurious experiences
Our presence at the TFWA show reinforced our ongoing commitment to redefining the travel retail channel. As travel behaviours evolve, so too must the retail environments that cater to them.
Throughout the event, our booth reflected this dedication, offering visitors a glimpse into the future of travel retail – one where luxury offerings are seamlessly integrated with the personalised experiences that modern travellers expect.
The curated selection of brands at our booth was designed to do more than just showcase products, it was about creating an immersive journey into the world of EssilorLuxottica. Each brand reflected our dedication to research, design excellence and innovation. From the luxury eyewear collections to cutting-edge health solutions, we demonstrated how our evolving portfolio is perfectly aligned with the demands of today’s traveller.
Empowering partners with state-of-the-art tools
Beyond our products, our focus throughout the week was on empowering our partners with innovative tools designed to elevate the consumer experience.
The Red-Carpet app, with its advanced digital selling capabilities, was met with enthusiasm from attendees. Retailers recognised its potential to revolutionise how they engage with customers, delivering seamless, personalised service in a way that resonates with today’s digitally savvy consumer.
Similarly, our Leonardo digital training platform received widespread acclaim for its ability to provide essential knowledge and skills to store staff, ensuring that they can continue to deliver best-in-class service to their customers.
Craftsmanship in action: Fedon’s artisans
Visitors were also treated to an extraordinary experience of live craftsmanship, thanks to our partnership with Fedon. Skilled artisans demonstrated the meticulous process of customising leathergoods, from eyewear cases to wallets. This display of craftsmanship was a poignant reminder that luxury is not just about innovation – it is about the art and precision that go into every detail of a product.
A new era of travel retail
Looking back at our participation at the TFWA show, it is clear that EssilorLuxottica is not only responding to the shifts in consumer behaviour but is actively leading the charge in redefining what’s possible in travel retail. Our blend of innovation, craftsmanship and empowering technology positions us as a leader in creating experiences that resonate with the modern traveller.
As we move forward, our commitment to driving the industry forward remains steadfast. Whether it’s through groundbreaking products, hero collections or the empowering tools we offer our partners, EssilorLuxottica will continue to shape the future of travel retail.
The future of luxury eyewear, and travel retail, is bright and we’re proud to lead the way. ✈
