ANNUAL REPORT 2004 - Luxottica Group
ANNUAL REPORT 2004 - Luxottica Group
ANNUAL REPORT 2004 - Luxottica Group
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DISTRIBUTION<br />
Today, <strong>Luxottica</strong> <strong>Group</strong>’s wholesale division distributes<br />
in 120 countries. In the 28 most important markets it<br />
operates through a direct presence with a local<br />
subsidiary. In most of the countries where the <strong>Group</strong><br />
operates distribution subsidiaries, its main customers<br />
are retailers of mid- to premium-price eyewear, such<br />
as independent opticians, retail optical chains, stores<br />
specializing in sunglasses and duty-free shops. In<br />
other countries, mainly in North America, customers<br />
also include independent optometrists and<br />
ophthalmologists as well as major department stores.<br />
Direct distribution operations in the key markets offer<br />
an important competitive advantage by allowing for<br />
consistent, close contact with retailers, maximizing the<br />
image and visibility of <strong>Luxottica</strong> <strong>Group</strong>’s products,<br />
closer monitoring and optimizing distribution.<br />
<strong>Luxottica</strong> <strong>Group</strong>’s wholesale division provides<br />
thorough marketing support, reinforcing brand image<br />
and coordinating the presentation of its brand portfolio<br />
at the international level.<br />
<strong>Luxottica</strong> <strong>Group</strong> plans to further expand its distribution<br />
network by opening new subsidiaries. In countries<br />
where the market size does not justify the costs of a<br />
traditional subsidiary, the prospects of opening “light”<br />
subsidiaries or branch offices to directly control<br />
business will be evaluated. This would in any case<br />
ensure closer control of distribution in these markets.<br />
DISTRIBUTION<br />
Services and logistics<br />
One of <strong>Luxottica</strong> <strong>Group</strong>’s greatest strengths is its<br />
ability to offer the best pre- and post-sale service,<br />
through a system which has been continuously<br />
developed and perfected over time to provide its<br />
customers with the best product, in a timeframe and<br />
manner that best enhances its value.<br />
The distribution system is connected at the<br />
international level to a central production planning<br />
function, thanks to a network that links logistics and<br />
sales functions/outlets to the manufacturing plants.<br />
This network allows <strong>Luxottica</strong> <strong>Group</strong> to monitor global<br />
sales and inventory on a daily basis, adjusting the<br />
allocation of production resources and inventory levels<br />
based on specific market information.<br />
This integrated system is among the fastest, most<br />
efficient in the world. In Asia, Europe and the U.S.<br />
centralized distribution centers have over the years<br />
significantly improved distribution speed and<br />
efficiency.<br />
<strong>Luxottica</strong> <strong>Group</strong> is therefore able to provide its clients<br />
with a highly automated system for order management<br />
that reduces delivery times and minimizes the<br />
inventory.<br />
<strong>Luxottica</strong> <strong>Group</strong> is committed to continue to help its<br />
wholesale customers grow their business, also by<br />
focusing on manufacturing products of the highest<br />
quality and design. The common objective is to<br />
maximize growth opportunities for all and expand the<br />
overall optical market.<br />
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