GfK Continues Asian Optics Growth

GfK has continued its expansion in Asian optical markets via an agreement with professional association the Singapore Opticianry Practitioners (SOP).

GfK already has partnerships with optical associations in Korea, Malaysia and China. The latest Memorandum of Understanding envisages GfK Singapore helping SOP to gain a better understanding of the country's rapidly changing optical retail market, using its research program and tracking services.

The SOP, which was established in 2006 and already collaborates with educational institutes and health authorities in conducting courses and seminars for opticians. President Steve Lim says that while providing opportunities to its members and advocating Corporate Social Responsibility through regular eye screening for members of the public remains a priority, the industry must also learn to survive in a changing market landscape: 'Optical practitioners are currently facing challenges understanding the changing consumer buying behaviour and competing with new entrants to the market and the rapid expansion of large chain stores. This collaboration with GfK Singapore is a timely move as we need to have a better view of our industry… crucial in allowing us to plan our business models to accommodate today's sophisticated consumer market.'

GfK Asia Regional Commercial Director Stanley Kee says the MOU will enable SOP to provide members with information from a business centric perspective, and will establish 'a platform of co-operation, supporting each other in mutually beneficial programs including seminars.'

Based in Singapore, with other offices in India and Japan, GfK Asia provides Asian retail and technology market data, covering more than 55 product groups and over 350,000 models, collecting monthly data from over 6,000 specialist / independent shops as well as over 170 organized retailers with approximately 15,000 outlets.

GfK acquired Nielsen's C.L.E.A.R. contact lens tracking service in the United States in February this year, and in 2008 GfK Asia released its first Pan Asia contact lens retail forecast.

Web sites: www.gfkrt.com and www.sop-association.sg .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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