GrandVision: first quarter results

At Euro 160 million, GrandVision 1st quarter sales are up 7%. In France, Générale d'Optique, which opened 3 stores and 3 franchises in the 1st quarter 2004 confirms last year's success. GrandOptical reaped the fruit of sales innovations and both brands showed an 8% growth for comparable stores.

In the UK and Ireland, 1st quarter sales were satisfactory, with a 3% like for like growth as compared to 1st quarter 2003. In Western Europe, the company registered over 3% growth for comparable stores. One GrandOptical store have been opened in Belgium. In Italy, GrandVision have launched a reorganisation plan and closed one non profitable store.

Commenting on the figures, Daniel Abittan, Chairman of GrandVision Management Board said: 'First quarter sales are encouraging, and we hope to reach our 2004 goals'.