Google vs Luxottica

Before 3 years none would place Google near to Luxottica. They were providing different products and services. So different that the only common thing between these companies was the fact that they were in the Wall Street Stock Market in different indexes.

This has changed a couple of years ago, since Google has announced The ProjectGlass!  Of course when they announced the new product none would also say that these companies were going to meet each other. But how will they react when it's time to face each other?

I think that the first answers have come recently when we heard the intention of Google to team up with Warby Parket e-commerce rival of Luxottica and bring to life The Project Glass with a fashionable way!

Luxottica has not sit with crossed hands. Oakley, a division of Luxottica and a well-known brand name worldwide and especially in US, has already started to develop paraller technology to The Glass of Google, in order to stand the future competition and follow the new hi-tech trends of eyewear.

Of course it is obvious that for Google is easier to team up with Warby Parker who are a small but with potential eyewear company, rather than Luxottica who is the giant of Eyewear industry.

Googlehas 265 billion in market capitalization and Luxottica is 10 times lower to 25billion.

But what about the high-end brand names? Armani, Versace, DKNY and many more fashion designers will they stay outside the Augmented Reality trend? Does Luxottica know how to do it with Oakley or still they will have to make an agreement with Google?

One thing is for sure. The Project Glass will create as big impact in the eyewear industry as the trend will go on. For Luxottica this is the second hard bunch since Warby Parker has entered the eyewear business.

What should be the strategy of Luxottica to defend their monopoly? They have already takes actions some years ago! They go massively to retail since 2002 by making several acquisitions and mergers with medium to large retail chains, like SunglassHut, Specsavers, Pearle, Aspen and recently to Salmoiraghi  & Vigano in Italy.

What are your thoughts on Luxottica strategy?