Bloobloom Company Profile

Background

Bloobloom is a French designer eyewear brand founded in 2018 by brothers Abbas and Fares Manai. The company aims to revolutionize the eyewear industry by offering premium, handcrafted spectacles and sunglasses at transparent and fair prices. Bloobloom's mission is to make high-quality eyewear accessible while maintaining ethical and sustainable practices. The brand has gained significant traction in the UK market, particularly in London, where it has established multiple retail locations.

Key Strategic Focus

Bloobloom's strategic focus centers on:

Direct-to-Consumer Model: By designing glasses in-house and sourcing directly from ethical factories, Bloobloom eliminates intermediaries, reducing costs and ensuring quality control.

Transparent Pricing: The company provides clear breakdowns of costs, including raw materials, transport, and taxes, allowing customers to understand the value they receive.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Bloobloom partners with non-profit organizations to donate a pair of glasses for every pair sold through its "Pair for Pair" program. Additionally, the company is Climate Neutral Certified, demonstrating its commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

Technological Innovation: The brand integrates advanced technologies, such as augmented reality (AR) for virtual try-ons, enhancing the online shopping experience and minimizing returns.

Financials and Funding

Bloobloom has successfully secured multiple funding rounds to support its growth:

March 2021: Raised £1 million in a seed investment led by DMG Ventures, aiming to expand its online presence and enhance customer experience.

December 2022: Secured £5 million in seed funding from investors including Pembroke VCT plc, DMG Ventures, and CIV. This investment facilitated the opening of additional London stores and further development of the brand's technology and services.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Bloobloom differentiates itself through several technological innovations:

Virtual Try-On (VTO): Launched in August 2023, this feature utilizes AR technology, allowing customers to visualize how glasses will look on their faces using a tablet or laptop camera. This tool enhances the online shopping experience and reduces the likelihood of returns.

Partnership with Zeiss: Collaborating with Zeiss, Bloobloom offers lenses that are 16% thinner and 49% flatter than standard lenses, featuring anti-scratch, anti-reflective, easy-clean, and anti-UV coatings. Customers also benefit from a one-time replacement for scratched lenses within two years of purchase.

Leadership Team

Abbas Manai: Co-founder of Bloobloom, Abbas brings a background in finance and a passion for ethical business practices. He plays a pivotal role in the company's strategic direction and growth initiatives.

Fares Manai: Co-founder of Bloobloom, Fares complements the leadership team with his expertise in technology and operations, ensuring the seamless integration of innovative solutions within the company's offerings.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The UK eyewear market is valued at approximately £3 billion, with a significant portion of sales still occurring offline. This presents a substantial opportunity for online and direct-to-consumer brands like Bloobloom to capture market share by offering convenient, high-quality, and fairly priced alternatives.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the UK eyewear market include:

Specsavers: A dominant player with a vast network of physical stores, offering a wide range of eyewear products and services.

Vision Express: Another major chain providing comprehensive eye care services and a broad selection of eyewear.

Warby Parker: A direct-to-consumer brand known for its home try-on program and commitment to social responsibility, similar to Bloobloom's model.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Bloobloom has engaged in several strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings:

Omnes Collaboration: In July 2024, Bloobloom partnered with sustainable womenswear brand Omnes to launch the "Shady by Nature" sunglasses collection, featuring new frame designs and limited-edition apparel.

Zeiss Partnership: The collaboration with Zeiss enables Bloobloom to offer high-quality lenses with advanced features, aligning with the brand's commitment to quality and innovation.

Operational Insights

Bloobloom's operational strategy includes:

Retail Expansion: The company has rapidly expanded its physical presence in London, with stores in key locations such as Carnaby Street, Marylebone High Street, Westfield White City, Covent Garden, Canary Wharf, Battersea Power Station, and King's Road. These stores offer free eye tests, personalized style advice, and adjustment services.

Sustainability Initiatives: As a Climate Neutral Certified brand, Bloobloom has implemented measures to reduce its carbon footprint, including sustainable store fit-outs, employee commuting programs, and packaging redesigns.