Luxottica Group, S.p.A. (LUX)

Competition

We believe that our integrated business model, innovative technology and design, integrated sunglass manufacturing capabilities, effective brand and product marketing efforts and vigorous protection of our intellectual property rights are important aspects of competition and are among our primary competitive advantages.

The prescription frame and sunglasses industry is highly competitive and fragmented. As we market our products throughout the world, we compete with many prescription frame and sunglass companies in various local markets. The major competitive factors include fashion trends, brand recognition, marketing strategies, distribution channels and the number and range of products offered. We believe that some of our largest competitors in the design, manufacturing and wholesale distribution of prescription frames and sunglasses are Charmant Group, De Rigo S.p.A., Marchon Eyewear, Inc., Marcolin S.p.A., Safilo Group S.p.A., Silhouette International Schmied AG and Viva International Group.

28

Competition

The prescription frame and sunglasses industry is highly competitive and fragmented. As we market our products throughout the world, we compete with many prescription frame and sunglass companies in various local markets. The major competitive factors include fashion trends, brand recognition, marketing strategies, distribution channels and the number and range of products offered.  We believe that our principal competitor in the design, manufacture and distribution of eyewear

29

Competition

The prescription frame and sunglasses industry is highly competitive and fragmented. As we market our products throughout the world, we compete with many prescription frame and sunglasses companies in various local markets. We believe that our principal competitor in the design, manufacture and distribution of eyewear within the prescription frames market is Safilo Group S.p.A., or Safilo. We believe that our principal competitors in the sunglasses market include Safilo, De Rigo S.A. and Oakley. See “—Business Overview—Recent Developments—Acquisitions” for more information regarding the Oakley acquisition. Several of our most significant competitors in the manufacture and distribution of eyewear are significant vendors to our retail division. Our success in these markets will depend on, among other things, our ability to manage an efficient distribution network and to market our products effectively as well as on the popularity and market acceptance of our brands. See Item 3—“Key Information—Risk Factors—If we are unable to successfully introduce new products, our future sales and operating performance will suffer” and “—If we fail to maintain an efficient distribution network in our highly competitive markets, our business, results of operations and financial condition could suffer.”

The highly competitive optical retail market in North America includes a large number of small independent competitors and several national and regional chains of optical superstores. In recent years, a number of factors, including consolidation among retail chains and the emergence of optical departments in discount retailers, have resulted in significant competition within the optical retailing industry. We compete against several large optical retail chains in North America, including Wal-Mart and Eye Care Centers of America, and, in the sunglasses area, numerous sunglass outlet centers. Our optical retail operations emphasize product quality, selection, customer service and convenience. We do not compete primarily on the basis of price.

Competition

The prescription frame and sunglasses industry is highly competitive and fragmented. As we market our products throughout the world, we compete with many prescription frame and sunglasses companies in various local markets. We believe that our principal competitor in the design, manufacture and distribution of eyewear within the prescription frames market is Safilo Group S.p.A., or Safilo. We believe that our principal competitors in the sunglasses market include Safilo, De Rigo S.A. and Oakley, Inc. Several of our most significant competitors in the manufacture and distribution of eyewear are significant vendors to our Retail Division. Our success in these markets will depend on, among other things, our ability to manage an efficient distribution network and to market our products effectively as well as on the popularity and market acceptance of our brands. See Item 3—“Key Information—Risk Factors—If we are unable to successfully introduce new products, our future sales and operating performance will suffer” and “—The markets in which we compete are highly competitive, and our failure to maintain an efficient distribution network could harm our business.”

The highly competitive optical retail market in North America includes a large number of small independent competitors and several national and regional chains of optical superstores. In recent years, a number of factors, including consolidation among retail chains and the emergence of optical departments in discount retailers, have resulted in significant competition within the optical retailing industry. We compete against several large optical retail chains in North America, including Wal-Mart and Eye Care Centers of America, and, in the sunglasses area, numerous sunglass outlet centers. Our optical retail operations emphasize product quality, selection, customer service and convenience. We do not compete primarily on the basis of price.

Competition

The prescription frame and sunglasses industry is highly competitive and fragmented. As we market our products throughout the world, we compete with many prescription frame and sunglasses companies in various local markets. We believe that our principal competitor in the design, manufacture and distribution of eyewear within the prescription frames market is Safilo Group S.p.A., or Safilo. We believe that our principal competitors in the sunglasses market include Safilo, De Rigo S.A. and Oakley, Inc. Several of our most significant competitors in the manufacture and distribution of eyewear are significant vendors to our Retail Division. Our success in these markets will depend on, among other things, our ability to manage an efficient distribution network and to market our products effectively as well as on the popularity and market acceptance of our brands. See Item 3—“Key Information—Risk Factors—If we are unable to successfully introduce new products, our future sales and operating performance will suffer” and “—The markets in which we compete are highly competitive, and our failure to maintain an efficient distribution network could harm our business.”

The highly competitive optical retail market in North America includes a large number of small independent competitors and several national and regional chains of optical superstores. In recent years, a number of factors, including consolidation among retail chains and the emergence of optical departments in discount retailers, have resulted in significant competition within the optical retailing industry. We compete against several large optical retail chains in North America, including Wal-Mart and Eye Care Centers of America, and, in the sunglasses area, numerous sunglass outlet centers.  Our optical retail operations emphasize product quality, selection, customer service and convenience. We do not compete primarily on the basis of price.