Optical Retailer, Mr Spex, Leads the Way in the Market of Vision Care Products
Mister Spex Introduces Successful Subscription-Based Glasses Rental Model
Mister Spex, a leading German optician, has made a significant stride in the optical market by introducing a subscription-based rental model for prescription and sunglasses, called "Mister Spex Switch." Launched online in mid-May 2025, the service has already gained over 3,000 subscriptions in retail stores, just two months after its launch.
The service, now fully integrated into both Mister Spex's online and physical retail store operations, provides a flexible alternative to outright purchase. Customers can access the full range of Mister Spex, with around 100 brands and 12,000 articles, and enjoy benefits such as insurance, free lens adjustment, and an annual free eye health check.
The strong performance of "Mister Spex Switch" in stores has significantly supported the decision for the online rollout. In June and July alone, the model accounted for around 10 percent of the total store turnover. This marks the first time an optician in Germany offers a digital subscription-based rental model for glasses.
As a digital native, technology and innovation have always been key components of Mister Spex's development. The company employs over 120 highly qualified opticians to ensure top-notch optical service in its stores. Mister Spex also offers advanced technologies such as digital 2D to 3D tools for frame fitting and intelligent browsing functionalities, setting new standards in the optics industry.
The subscription allows for the simultaneous use of two to three glasses, with the option to exchange a model for a new one after 12 months. Interestingly, a significant portion of orders within "Mister Spex Switch" is for progressive lenses and individually glazed sunglasses. Progressive lenses account for around one-third of all glazed glasses within Switch subscriptions, with sunglasses with prescription accounting for around 30 percent of orders within the subscription.
This shift towards subscription-based models is supporting Mister Spex's goal of aligning the product mix towards margin-stronger categories. Tobias Krauss, CEO of Mister Spex, stated that "Mister Spex Switch has already made an important contribution to our profitability and customer retention just two months after its launch." Furthermore, over 40 percent of subscriptions are concluded by first-time buyers, making it an effective instrument for acquiring new customers.
Mister Spex was founded in 2007 and has evolved into a successful omnichannel optician with over 8 million customers and 10 online shops across Europe, as well as its own stores. The company continues to innovate and push boundaries in the optical market, positioning itself as a pioneer and a leading player.
References: [1] Mister Spex Press Release, "Mister Spex launches successful subscription-based rental model for prescription and sunglasses," May 14, 2025.
Customers can access a wide range of wearables and gadgets through Mister Spex's integrated subscription-based service, "Mister Spex Switch," which includes advanced technology glasses and other optics. The service, which accounts for around 10 percent of the total store turnover in June and July, is a digital innovation that offers flexible alternatives to outright purchase, with benefits such as insurance, free lens adjustment, and annual eye health checks.
