New Vision Express chairman Marcel Cezar has outlined plans to boost the optical chain's size by a third.
'We are looking to open 100 franchises within the next five years in the UK,' said Cezar. 'We have about an 8 per cent market share and, with the opening of the franchises, we would hope to take that to 15 per cent.'
Cezar now leads the restructured management team installed by French parent GrandVision, following the departure of managing director Simon Innes in October. Innes will not be replaced, but new supply chain director Alain Brugerolle has been charged with strengthening ranges and improving logistics.
Cezar said fourth-quarter sales had been 'far better than the previous three', but was unable to comment further because GrandVision will report full-year results to the Paris bourse on February 12.
The pursuit of franchise-led expansion will forge a new business model for the 203-store Vision Express chain, which relies on a mix of wholly-owned and joint venture stores at the moment.
In recent years, it has focused on investing in stores and improving staff retention to boost customer loyalty.
The average replacement cycle of a pair of glasses is nearly three years, and the long-term nature of the business has made it susceptible to investor criticism.
A recommended EUR491 million (£339.7 million) offer last summer from French private equity house PAI Management failed.
A ten-week TV campaign breaks on February 1, pushing the eye examination services.
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