Clearly
Overview
Clearly is an online retailer specializing in eyewear, including contact lenses, eyeglasses, and sunglasses, headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It was founded in 2000 by Roger and Michaela Hardy as Coastal Contacts. Over the years, Clearly has established itself as one of the largest online eyewear retailers globally. The company has undergone several brand evolutions and is a subsidiary of EssilorLuxottica, following Essilor's acquisition in 2014. This acquisition positioned it within a massive global network of eyewear supply and retail.
Recent Developments
- 2025 Developments: Clearly has been actively expanding its market presence, diversifying its product offerings and enhancing customer experience through advanced AI technologies. Recently, data-driven strategies have been pivotal in optimizing product listings and pricing strategies across various marketplaces, allowing Clearly to refine its digital sales approach effectively.
- AI Integration and Customer Experience: In the past year, Clearly has ramped up its technological infrastructure, upgrading its ‘Real View’ technology to improve virtual try-on experiences. This upgrade focuses on delivering accurate sizing and fit, enhancing consumer satisfaction and reducing return rates.
- Retail Expansion: The company has announced intentions to increase its physical footprint alongside its online dominance, by potentially opening new brick-and-mortar stores. This is a strategic move to enhance brand visibility and cater to customers who prefer physical shopping experiences.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Clearly has also amplified its commitment to sustainable practices by incorporating sustainable materials into their products and reducing packaging waste, aligning with parent company EssilorLuxottica's broader environmental goals.
- Market Growth: The company's focus remains on the North American market but with significant sales contributions from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. As part of its growth strategy, Clearly is leveraging market trends to adapt its product offerings and marketing strategies.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2000 |
| Headquarters | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Founders | Roger Hardy, Michaela Hardy |
| Revenue | $175 million (as last reported for 2019) |
| Profits | Achieved $10 million profit in 2019 |
| Key Investors | EssilorLuxottica |
| Industry | Ecommerce, Retail (Eyewear) |
| Number of Employees | Approximately 626 |
Early History
Clearly, initially known as Coastal Contacts, commenced its operations by focusing solely on contact lenses. The company capitalized on digital marketing and search engine strategies early on, securing visibility in the growing ecommerce landscape. By leveraging keyword purchases and online advertising, it quickly gained traction, achieving notable sales within its first month of operations.
In the early 2000s, Coastal Contacts expanded its product range to include eyeglasses and subsequently undertook geographic expansion through mergers and acquisitions in Europe and Japan. These strategic moves facilitated rapid growth, with the company eventually venturing into online sales of prescription eyewear. Its innovative business approach and strategic decisions to acquire firms in diverse markets contributed significantly to its initial success.
Company Profile and Achievements
Clearly's business model is centered around providing affordable eyewear solutions through online platforms, with an emphasis on convenience and variety. The company has achieved several key milestones:
- 2004 IPO: Raised $6 million in an initial public offering which funded expansion into European markets.
- Essilor Acquisition: In 2014, Coastal Contacts was acquired by Essilor, bringing significant operational and strategic resources, leading to a broader product portfolio and enhanced market reach.
- Brand Evolution: Rebranded from Coastal Contacts to Clearly, along with geographic-specific brand names like Coastal in the U.S., enhancing brand identity and market penetration.
- Digital Innovation: Introduced advanced tech solutions such as virtual try-ons and AI-powered customer service tools to improve user engagement and reduce operational costs.
- Physical Store Expansion: While primarily online, Clearly has begun establishing physical retail outlets, combining the seamless online experience with in-store services to cater to diverse consumer preferences.
Current Operations and Market Position
Clearly continues to operate at the intersection of ecommerce and retail in the eyewear industry, maintaining a competitive edge through technological innovation and strategic alliances. The company has a significant market share in North America and is looking to bolster its presence internationally through sustainable practices and enhanced customer service offerings.
Clearly's strategic initiatives include increasing its product range, optimizing supply chain logistics for greater efficiency, and enhancing the digital consumer experience with AI-powered recommendations. By employing a significant amount of automation in both customer service and operations, Clearly aims to maintain competitive pricing while ensuring high-quality delivery standards.
Clearly Sign In
Clearly's online portal offers a robust user experience for account management, facilitating seamless order history reviews, prescription details, and transaction records. The platform also supports secure interactions for returning customers, ensuring a streamlined shopping experience across all devices.
Clearly Earth
Clearly Earth signifies the brand’s commitment to environmental sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices across its operational processes. By focusing on sustainable supply chain practices and aligning with EssilorLuxottica’s environmental goals, Clearly is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting eco-conscious product lines.
Conclusion
Clearly stands out in the retail eyewear industry as a pioneer in digital sales, supported by strategic growth initiatives and a commitment to innovation and sustainability. Its integration into the EssilorLuxottica family allows it to leverage comprehensive global resources and insights. Moving forward, Clearly's focus on enhancing digital experiences and expanding physical retail presence suggests a robust trajectory in the evolving ecommerce landscape. The company's adaptability to market demands and dedication to consumer satisfaction underscore its potential for continued industry leadership.