MONTRÉAL, April 11, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - The number of Quebecers who plan to purchase glasses or contact lenses online will grow exponentially in the next two years, according to a new survey conducted by Leger on behalf of Clearly (clearly.ca), the leading Canadian online optical retailer. Seven per cent of online shoppers (consumers who make purchase online), who need vision correction, currently buy their glasses or contact lenses on the web. This percentage is expected to rise to 50% within the next two years and see seven times more Quebecers consider purchasing eyewear products online.
While most Quebec online shoppers have never experienced buying glasses or contact lenses online (83%), the majority of those who have tried are satisfied (75%). Consumers who purchase their vision products online mainly appreciate the low prices (74%), promotions offered (31%) and convenience of the buying process (28%). Interestingly, Quebecers aged 18 to 34 give priority to price (65%) and style (41%) when choosing their glasses, whereas the majority of those aged 55 and over, believe quality of service is the most important factor (54%).
"The data shows that online eyewear in Quebec is an important market to be explored," said Arnaud Bussières, General Manager of Clearly. "As a Canadian leader in the field, we are certain that our quality products at competitive prices, our impeccable customer service and our mission to offer better vision for all will convince Quebecers that purchasing glasses and contact lenses online is a win-win for them."
Reluctance to purchase
Although, more and more Quebecers are shopping online, some are still reluctant to buy specialized products, such as glasses or contact lenses. In fact, 69% of respondents who have never bought prescription glasses or contact lenses online do not know which website to trust to buy these items, 28% doubt the quality of frames and glasses available and 21% are concerned about the potential impact on their eye health.
"The purchase of glasses or contact lenses must always start with an annual visit to an eye health professional," said Arnaud Bussières. "On clearly.ca, consumers are accompanied at every step of their online purchase to find the product that suits them best. Our customer service agents are available to answer all questions and we offer various tools like MyFit, which provides a selection of frames adapted to the face shape of the customer," adds Bussières.
Making the purchase of eyewear online more accessible
The survey also highlights several reasons that could motivate Quebecers to buy their vision products online. The most important incentive is to pay less for a quality product that is equivalent to the quality offered in stores (76%). More than two-thirds of respondents who have never purchased vision products on a website say they would buy online if they were assured they could: easily return the product (65%); get their first pair at half price (50%); be offered a selection of glasses adapted to the shape of their face (52%); and buy from a Canadian company (37%).
"These results confirm the relevance of our goal of demystifying the purchase of glasses and contact lenses online and making it more accessible," concludes Arnaud Bussières.
About Clearly-Léger survey
To better meet the needs of Quebec consumers, Canadian online eyewear company, Clearly (www.clearly.ca) mandated the firm Léger to conduct a survey of 551 respondents across the province to learn more about their perception of purchasing eyewear online. Respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, require vision correction, and have made at least one online purchase within the last 12 months. According to the most recent data available, approximately 57% of Quebecers shop online and are considered online shoppers.
About Clearly
Clearly is the third largest online optical company in the world with a mission to make vision correction accessible worldwide. Founded in 2000, Clearly's family of websites offers an extensive selection of contact lenses, eyeglasses and sunglasses shipped directly to your door. Through Clearly's Buy One, Give One program, for every purchase made on clearly.ca, a pair of glasses is donated to someone in need. Owned by Essilor, Clearly is headquartered in Vancouver, B.C. For more information about Clearly, please visit clearly.ca.
SOURCE Clearly
For media inquiries or more information about Clearly, please contact: Catherine Chantal-Boivin, CASACOM, 514-835-2033, [email protected]
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