Local Entrepreneur Becomes Pearle Vision Licensee In Iowa

MASON, Ohio, Feb. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearle Vision, one of North America's largest and most trusted licensed optical brands, is proud to announce it has signed an agreement with local entrepreneur Kari Lempp to assume ownership of the Pearle Vision in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The location in the Mall of the Bluffs was previously corporate owned and operated.

"I am thrilled to be a part of the Pearle Vision family and will continue to ensure that the local community benefits from the brand's extensive optical and retail experience," said Kari Lempp, Pearle Vision licensee. "I look forward to many years of serving the residents of Council Bluffs and providing them with the best possible eye care."

A first-time licensee, Kari Lempp franchised her new Pearle Vision location under KMCL, LLC. For the last decade, her family has been involved in the optometry industry, so when Lempp made the decision to open her own business, she knew Pearle Vision was the right choice. Lempp currently resides in Bellevue, Neb. where she has lived for the past nine years. Lempp is active in the United Way and Habitat for Humanity in her community.

Pearle Vision has a significant legacy in the industry and has continued to outpace competitors by evolving to meet patients' changing needs and providing quality products and services they desire. With more than 610 centers located throughout North America, the company offers best-in-class eye care provided by neighborhood doctors who are skilled optometrists, a principle created by Dr. Stanley Pearle in 1961.

Pearle Vision is now seeking to grow its national footprint and has identified development opportunities in markets from coast-to-coast. In addition to new territories available for development, there are corporate-owned locations available in Illinois, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Michigan, Florida and Washington.  Other markets also are available and have thriving operations with strong customer-bases.

To fuel its growth, the company is looking for optometrists interested in licensing opportunities. Ideal candidates for Pearle Vision ownership should possess a desire to join a trusted industry-leading brand and work within a proven system to provide exceptional eye care and superior patient service. Pearle Vision licensees can expect their initial investment to build a new center to cost approximately $200,000, in addition to a licensing fee of $30,000.

Optometrists interested in exploring re-licensing or new development opportunities should call 1.800.PEARLE.1 or visit www.ownapearlevision.com.

About Pearle Vision
Pearle Vision was founded in 1961 by Dr. Stanley Pearle, who began the concept of one-stop, total eye care with the opening of the Pearle Vision Center in Savannah, Ga. Pearle combined complete eye exams with an extensive selection of eyewear. In 1981, Pearle Vision began offering licenses to select doctors and opticians. Today, with more than 610 eye care centers located throughout the United States, Pearle Vision is built around a doctor-centered business model with a primary focus to deliver genuine eye care to patients and become a trusted source for all their eye health needs. Pearle Vision is owned by Luxottica, a leader in premium fashion, luxury and sports eyewear. For more information, visit http://www.PearleVision.com.

Luxottica Group S.p.A.
Luxottica Group is a leader in premium, luxury and sports eyewear with approximately 7,000 optical and sun retail stores in North America, Asia-Pacific, China, South Africa, Latin America and Europe, and a strong, well-balanced brand portfolio. House brands include Ray-Ban, the world's most famous sun eyewear brand, Oakley, Vogue Eyewear, Persol, Oliver Peoples, Alain Mikli, Arnette and REVO, while licensed brands include Giorgio Armani, Bulgari, Burberry, Chanel, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karan, Polo Ralph Lauren, Prada, Starck Eyes, Tiffany and Versace. In addition to a global wholesale network involving 130 different countries, the Group manages leading retail chains in major markets, including LensCrafters, Pearle Vision and ILORI in North America, OPSM and Laubman & Pank in Asia-Pacific, LensCrafters in China, GMO in Latin America and Sunglass Hut worldwide. The Group's products are designed and manufactured at its six manufacturing plants in Italy, two wholly owned plants in the People's Republic of China, one plant in Brazil and one plant in the United States devoted to the production of sports eyewear. In 2012, Luxottica Group posted net sales of more than €7.0 billion. Additional information on the Group is available at www.luxottica.com. 

Safe Harbor Statement
Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those which are anticipated. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the ability to manage the effects of the current uncertain international economic outlook, the ability to successfully acquire and integrate new businesses, the ability to predict future economic conditions and changes to consumer preferences, the ability to successfully introduce and market new products, the ability to maintain an efficient distribution system, the ability to achieve and manage growth, the ability to negotiate and maintain favorable license agreements, the availability of correction alternatives to prescription eyeglasses, fluctuations in exchange rates, changes in local conditions, the ability to protect intellectual property, the ability to maintain relations with those hosting our stores, computer system problems, inventory-related risks, credit and insurance risks, changes to tax regimes as well as other political, economic and technological factors and other risks and uncertainties referred to in Luxottica Group's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward looking statements are made as of the date hereof and Luxottica Group does not assume any obligation to update them.

MEDIA CONTACTS:Amanda DelPrete954-893-9150
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Emily Ryan513-765-3358
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SOURCE Pearle Vision