R&D network
Rooted in our origins, innovative thinking has been a strategic focus and a strong competitive advantage for EssilorLuxottica. Today, we operate a global network of over 50 R&D facilities with our global community of approximately 1,000 researchers as well as thousands of experienced engineers and designers committed to making EssilorLuxottica a laboratory for med-tech, innovation and growth.
Manufacturing network
Our production plants produce lenses that are finished, semi-finished and plano. We also have specific expertise in developing and manufacturing a wide range of plano and prescription sun lenses performing a key role in the Group’s sun lens operations. Overseeing every aspect of our lens business across all stages of the value chain, from design and engineering to store delivery, our goal is to provide consumers everywhere in the world with the best visual experience. Today, we operate 48 mass production facilities across the world - 35 corrective and plano lens mass production facilities plus 13 eyewear mass production plants.
Global eyecare network
Global eyewear network
Our manufacturing network is complemented by our prescription laboratories. Leveraging a full range of cutting-edge equipment and technologies, the prescription laboratories handle surfacing, polishing, coatings (multilayer and antireflective) and frame integration for the edging and mounting process. This creates a vital link between our production plants and eyecare professionals who place orders for personalized lenses. This level of customization helps address large-scale correction combinations. Today we have a network of 583 prescription laboratories and edging-mounting facilities worldwide, of which 504 are proximity laboratories and 79 are industrial laboratories.
Distribution
Logistics represents an asset of capacity and expertise for us to provide excellent service and distribution coverage for all our products. We have a global network of 128 distribution centers for lenses, eyewear, contact lenses, instruments, equipment, AFA (apparel, footwear and accessories), marketing materials and advertising as well as store-specific furniture. Situated close to manufacturing sites, these centers coordinate the logistics flow between suppliers, production plants, prescription lens laboratories, wholesale clients, retail stores, and e-commerce customers.
Direct-to-Consumer
Our Direct to Consumer business represents the Group’s retail business, including the supply of our products and services directly to the end consumer either through the network of physical stores operated by the Group (brick and mortar activities) or online channels (e-commerce). Today, our direct-to-consumer business consists of 13,366 stores and 4,223 franchised locations.
We also offer consumers around the world a premium online shopping experience. In 2023 our direct e-commerce activities represented 7% of the Company turnover in the full year, with the Group’s wide variety of key e‑commerce platforms serving as important sales channels to complement its Professional Solutions and brick and mortar activities. Last year, we expanded our direct e‑commerce footprint, featuring 73 banners in 44 countries reaching 500 million visitors every year.
