NEW YORK—Luxottica Wholesale N.A. announced it has further invested in the independent channel by adding 104 new roles to the independent team. The additions are part of the evolution of Luxottica’s new approach to serving the independent channel. The new sales force model, introduced in early 2020 by the company, reduced the number of brands carried by sales consultants and added new territories, allowing Luxottica to strengthen high service levels and offer greater support to wholesale customers, particularly during a difficult year.

VMAIL previously reported on that change. Citing the positive momentum of this evolution, Luxottica has now added 82 new sales consultants specifically to its premium fashion and luxury sales team, growing the team by 36 percent. 

These sales consultants will serve smaller territories and carry a maximum of two brands, further cultivating their brand expertise and making them more accessible to customers, Luxottica stated, "all reinforcing the company’s commitment to being a true partner to ECPs." In addition, the company has created a dedicated Vogue/Arnette sales force.
  
“We’ve always had the customer at the center of our approach and today, we are doubling down on that. The combination of a fast-changing industry and new challenges faced by ECPs has us digging deeper to provide the kind of support that will make our customers’ lives easier,” said Fabrizio Uguzzoni, president of Wholesale Americas.

“The feedback we’ve had so far has been very positive, a sign we’re doing right by our customers. As we continue to invest in the team and in our offerings like EssilorLuxottica360, we’re confident it will have a tangible, long-term impact for independents.”
 
Reinforcing the importance of solid leadership in serving the customer, Luxottica’s five regional sales directors were elevated to the role of vice president: Amy Stachler is now VP of Field Sales – West; Brandon Williams is now VP of Field Sales – US Oakley and Costa; Debra Bulken is now VP of Field Sales – East; Greg Chrzanowski is now VP of Field Sales – Central; and Ted LoCascio is now VP of Field Sales – South. All will continue to report into Ludovic Ladreyt, SVP of North America Optical Channels. The company also added six new regional sales managers across the country.
 
In parallel, Luxottica is investing in its Business Development team, adding 16 new roles across the U.S. which will support customers with initiatives such as EL360.