BrackishBassin Posted April 11, 2017 Posted April 11, 2017 Just had this article come up in another group that I'm a member of. Really bummed me out to see it. I'll be digging into it to see if it's true, but if it is, I won't be purchasing anymore of Costas products. http://www.tackletradeworld.com/costa-owner-merges-with-luxottica/ Quote
Super User webertime Posted April 11, 2017 Super User Posted April 11, 2017 Forgive my ignorance, but why is this an issue? 3 Quote
BrackishBassin Posted April 11, 2017 Author Posted April 11, 2017 21 minutes ago, webertime said: Forgive my ignorance, but why is this an issue? They sold out to Luxottica. Eyewear based monopoly responsible for driving the cost of regular glasses, sunglasses, and prescription sunglasses through the roof. They also own optometrists and eye insurance companies. So, they get you coming and going. A quick Google search will turn up more information than you may care to know on the topic. The reason I'm choosing not to buy from Costa anymore is because I don't feel comfortable supporting that kind of monopoly. I'd rather give my money to an independent retailer. Quote
Hawkeye21 Posted April 11, 2017 Posted April 11, 2017 You're really going to find it hard to buy any products in your life if you truly want to hold up to that mentality. I completely understand what you're saying and respect it but it can be a huge waste of time. Almost every product we buy are owned by some huge company like Luxottica. 3 Quote
BrackishBassin Posted April 11, 2017 Author Posted April 11, 2017 1 minute ago, Hawkeye21 said: You're really going to find it hard to buy any products in your life if you truly want to hold up to that mentality. I completely understand what you're saying and respect it but it can be a huge waste of time. Almost every product we buy are owned by some huge company like Luxottica. I don't mind buying from a huge company. What I do mind is buying from a monopoly. They control the production, distribution, sale, prescription for, insurance for, and maintenance of what's essentially a medical device. It's just plain wrong. Quote
Super User J Francho Posted April 11, 2017 Super User Posted April 11, 2017 5 minutes ago, BrackishBassin said: I'd rather give my money to an independent retailer. Isn't that what you do when you buy them from Tackle Warehouse? So you're saying Essilar is a less corporate entity than Luxatica? I had a nice pair of Costas. They're at the bottom of Lake Erie. I buy $20 polarized glasses off the spinner rack at the local sporting goods store. 1 Quote
Hawkeye21 Posted April 11, 2017 Posted April 11, 2017 Just now, BrackishBassin said: I don't mind buying from a huge company. What I do mind is buying from a monopoly. They control the production, distribution, sale, prescription for, insurance for, and maintenance of what's essentially a medical device. It's just plain wrong. Aren't there laws in place to stop a true monopoly? Quote
BrackishBassin Posted April 11, 2017 Author Posted April 11, 2017 5 minutes ago, J Francho said: Isn't that what you do when you buy them from Tackle Warehouse? So you're saying Essilar is a less corporate entity than Luxatica? I had a nice pair of Costas. They're at the bottom of Lake Erie. I buy $20 polarized glasses off the spinner rack at the local sporting goods store. Not if I'm buying a brand owned by Luxottica. Essilar is now owned by Luxottica as well. Not sure what point you're trying to make. I'm saying I'd rather buy sunglasses from a company like Maui Jim or another privately held company. 1 Quote
Super User J Francho Posted April 11, 2017 Super User Posted April 11, 2017 I have friends that work for Maui Jim. Good company, and good products. 3 Quote
BrackishBassin Posted April 11, 2017 Author Posted April 11, 2017 5 minutes ago, Hawkeye21 said: Aren't there laws in place to stop a true monopoly? Yes, there are. Are they being enforced? That's another question entirely. Like I said to a previous poster, just Google Luxottica. You'll find quite a bit of information available on the topic. Quote
Super User J Francho Posted April 11, 2017 Super User Posted April 11, 2017 1 minute ago, BrackishBassin said: Yes, there are. Are they being enforced? That's another question entirely. Like I said to a previous poster, just Google Luxottica. You'll find quite a bit of information available on the topic. Google is a monopoly. Use DuckDuckGo: https://duckduckgo.com 4 Quote
BrackishBassin Posted April 11, 2017 Author Posted April 11, 2017 3 minutes ago, J Francho said: Google is a monopoly. Use DuckDuckGo: https://duckduckgo.com http://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/060315/google-becoming-monopoly.asp Not yet, but it's on its way. Quote
Super User Jar11591 Posted April 11, 2017 Super User Posted April 11, 2017 Wow, the things that some people worry themselves with.... Now if you said you were done with United Airlines, then I could understand lol 4 Quote
Super User J Francho Posted April 11, 2017 Super User Posted April 11, 2017 3 minutes ago, BrackishBassin said: http://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/060315/google-becoming-monopoly.asp Not yet, but it's on its way. They are a vertical monopoly. They provide everything point to point from fiber, to servers, to online experience, to the browser, as well end devices like Chromebook. Quote
Super User Darren. Posted April 11, 2017 Super User Posted April 11, 2017 Luxottica bought Ray Ban from Bausch & Lomb in 1999. I used to work IT at B&L in the mid 90s and just loved their glasses. It's just what happens with consolidation and all that. Smaller guys that make great products get gobbled up by the bigger guy. This doesn't really bother me. I've still got my Costas in a return box waiting to go in for repair (been sitting on my desk since early fall when I broke them). Just haven't wanted to pull the trigger on the repair cost just yet. Might have to now if the warranty will change (which I doubt). Like @J Francho says, Maui Jim is quality. I've also got friends who wear them.... Quote
BrackishBassin Posted April 11, 2017 Author Posted April 11, 2017 6 minutes ago, J Francho said: They are a vertical monopoly. They provide everything point to point from fiber, to servers, to online experience, to the browser, as well end devices like Chromebook. True, but they don't have the kind of market control that a company like Luxottica does. They're open to competition because of the nature of the business they are involved in. Again, not the case with Luxottica. Like I mentioned earlier, it's more troubling to me because they're in control of what's essentially a medical device that many people around the world require in order to live a normal life. 10 minutes ago, Jar11591 said: Wow, the things that some people worry themselves with.... Now if you said you were done with United Airlines, then I could understand lol You must not wear glasses, or if you do, don't mind getting the shaft everytime you need a new pair. Quote
Super User fishballer06 Posted April 11, 2017 Super User Posted April 11, 2017 As long as Costa continues to make the best glass out there, I will continue to buy their product. 1 Quote
Turkey sandwich Posted April 11, 2017 Posted April 11, 2017 I have never owned Costas, but I have owned quite a few pair of Ray-Bans and still wear them regularly. I have no issues with the quality, and actually enjoy that they've been great about replacement lenses and service when I've needed them. 9 minutes ago, Darren. said: Luxottica bought Ray Ban from Bausch & Lomb in 1999. I used to work IT at B&L in the mid 90s and just loved their glasses. It's just what happens with consolidation and all that. Smaller guys that make great products get gobbled up by the bigger guy. This doesn't really bother me. I've still got my Costas in a return box waiting to go in for repair (been sitting on my desk since early fall when I broke them). Just haven't wanted to pull the trigger on the repair cost just yet. Might have to now if the warranty will change (which I doubt). Like @J Francho says, Maui Jim is quality. I've also got friends who wear them.... 1 Quote
Super User Jar11591 Posted April 11, 2017 Super User Posted April 11, 2017 4 minutes ago, BrackishBassin said: You must not wear glasses, or if you do, don't mind getting the shaft everytime you need a new pair. I own Costas. If I couldn't afford them and felt I was getting "shafted", then I probably wouldn't buy them. Quote
BrackishBassin Posted April 11, 2017 Author Posted April 11, 2017 6 minutes ago, Jar11591 said: I own Costas. If I couldn't afford them and felt I was getting "shafted", then I probably wouldn't buy them. I'm referring to the prescription glasses and the industries that surround them that are the main source of Luxottica's income. 1 Quote
Super User Jar11591 Posted April 11, 2017 Super User Posted April 11, 2017 13 minutes ago, BrackishBassin said: I'm referring to the prescription glasses and the industries that surround them that are the main source of Luxottica's income. I know what you're saying. Quote
3rdDon Posted April 11, 2017 Posted April 11, 2017 Have you found anything solid confirming the merger/buyout? Looks like Essilor, the parent company of Costa and many other recognizable brands is actually buying Luxottica. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-15/luxottica-essilor-agree-to-50-billion-euro-merger-ft-reports Quote
Super User webertime Posted April 11, 2017 Super User Posted April 11, 2017 This thread is much better if you have Rage Against The Machine in the background drinking an heirloom coffee. 1 Quote
jimf Posted April 11, 2017 Posted April 11, 2017 I first really learned of Luxottica on a 60 Minutes episode a few years ago. Interesting. I've mentioned in another thread that I probably would not buy an expensive pair of glasses again, but that I do own two pair of Maui Jim's and I will tell you flat out their customer service is first rate. I've had lenses replaced, and I continue to get nose pads replaced for free because one pair I have they will eventually fall off. The glasses are so comfortable that you don't even realize they are off, but when you do finally notice you just send them an email and they send you free of charge a replacement. I'm guessing Luxotttica customer service is probably not quite as good. 1 Quote
nhpleasantlakebass Posted April 11, 2017 Posted April 11, 2017 1 hour ago, BrackishBassin said: Not if I'm buying a brand owned by Luxottica. Essilar is now owned by Luxottica as well. Not sure what point you're trying to make. I'm saying I'd rather buy sunglasses from a company like Maui Jim or another privately held company. I like my mauis more then my costas anyway. Don't hesitate 2 Quote
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