Lenskart Enters ME With AI Try On Devices, Virtual Face Mapping
Lenskart, an Indian eyewear retailer, has formally entered the Middle East with state-of-the-art AI technology. The brand aims to secure 10-20 per cent of the regional $3.5 billion optiwear market by 2026. The brand’s flagship store will feature AI technology through a 3D Try-On machine integrated with virtual face-mapping that suggests suitable frames to customers. […]
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Lenskart, an Indian eyewear retailer, has formally entered the Middle East with state-of-the-art AI technology. The brand aims to secure 10-20 per cent of the regional $3.5 billion optiwear market by 2026.
The brand’s flagship store will feature AI technology through a 3D Try-On machine integrated with virtual face-mapping that suggests suitable frames to customers. Another newly introduced concept available in-store is The Sun Room – a trial room for sunglasses which replicates the outdoors.
With the twin objective of establishing market-leading status as the region’s top eyewear platform within two years, backed by more than 5000 styles of eyewear, Lenskart’s $50 million expansion into the Middle East with its omnichannel strategy includes the opening of the first physical store in Dubai. The brand will expand into two other locations at Ibn Battuta Mall and BurJuman in the coming months.
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Lenskart has also launched an exclusive loyalty program in the form of a Gold Membership. Available to purchase online or within the store, the program offers customers access to buy-one-get-one offers on the complete range of eyeglasses and sunglasses, extended warranty, and unlimited exchange and returns.
Peyush Bansal, Lenskart’s Founder and CEO said: “We may be the region’s newest optiwear specialist, but our aim is to be its largest. We plan to build a $250 million business in the Middle East over the next 3-4 years through organic and inorganic expansion.
“The region, which is largely dominated by offline retail chains, is a fragmented market lacking a meaningful tech enabled omnichannel brand. There is an absence of full-stack players with limited control over supply chain and order fulfilment. The segment is dominated by traditional optical players selling branded products largely through horizontals. This is in total contrast to our philosophy of cutting out the middlemen and their mark-ups and selling premium eyewear at honest prices,” added Bansal.
Tech-driven Lenskart employs indigenously developed Augmented Reality (AR) technology that enables customers to try eyewear virtually and makes intelligent recommendations based on facial analysis. The unique click and mortar business aims to revolutionise the eyewear industry. To prioritise consumer needs, Lenskart offers disruptive services, including virtual 3D try-on and soon to be launched home eye check-up – all using hi-tech robotics which is redefining the global optiwear market.
“Saudi Arabia is of interest due to its large local Arab population with high spending power, while we anticipate strong appeal among UAE-based millennials who will respond to our stylish and high-quality products supported by innovative technology and a strong supply chain delivering unbeatable customer experience. Our prime objective will be customer satisfaction and we anticipate speedy penetration across the Emirates, where the market remains driven by expatriate buyers,” said Sudhir Syal, Chief Business Officer, Lenskart Middle East.
