2024: A Year of Change & Consolidation
A Year of Challenges and Growth
2024 was a year shaped by global economic and political complexities. With elections in France, the UK and Germany causing temporary stagnation, and social volatility impacting other regions, businesses faced a tough climate. Yet, amidst these challenges, CHARMANT Group continued to be successful, demonstrating year-on-year growth and showcasing its adaptability and strength. Highlights like the Paris Summer Olympics and Germany’s hosting of the European Football Championship brought some optimism to the European market, and CHARMANT capitalised on these moments of opportunity. In 2024, CHARMANT Group and CHARMANT Europe experienced changes as well as exciting new opportunities
Driving Growth: Leadership Changes, Strategic Shifts and Strengthened Industry Ties
Koji Horikawa stepped into his new role as Group CEO and President, ushering in a fresh chapter for CHARMANT. Wataru Aoyama took over as President of CHARMANT Europe, driving regional growth.
After years in the UK market, CHARMANT made the difficult decision to close its UK operations. However, UK customers remain fully supported by CHARMANT France operations, ensuring seamless service continuity since October 2024. CHARMANT successfully participatedat major exhibitions, including opti, MIDO and SILMO, strengthening its connections with customers and industry partners. CHARMANT plans to be present in 2025 also.
From Rebranding to New Partnerships: CHARMANT Prepares for a Dynamic 2025
The rebranding of the house brand Ad Lib revitalised the collection and launched successfully in autumn 2024. Ad Lib will introduce further product enhancements throughout 2025.
Despite the brand hitting the headlines with its retail issues, the Esprit eyewear collections go from strength to strength. The global license agreement continues and CHARMANT expects to be able to announce the signing of an extension during the first half of 2025.
Meanwhile, the licensed brand ELLE is gearing up to celebrate its 80th anniversary.
The signing of a global licensing agreement with HEAD, a sports industry leader, was the big CHARMANT news in 2024. This partnership will deliver innovative optical frames and sunglasses, with the first collections launching in Q3 2025.
Resilience and Innovation Drive Charmant Group's 2025 Outlook
Under Mr. Koji Horikawa’s leadership, CHARMANT Group plans a dynamic year featuring the launch of HEAD Eyewear, the expansion of the Ad Lib brand and strengthened industry ties through key exhibitions.
Mr. Koji Horikawa, CEO of CHARMANT Group: “(…) Utilising our strengths as a manufacturing company, we will continue to innovate technologically and develop products that surprise and delight our customers."
With resilience and innovation at its core, CHARMANT Group is set to embrace new challenges and opportunities in the global market, ensuring continued excellence and growth for years to come.
