Lu\u00eds Coelho, the face of “General Optica” (Mais \u00d3ptica) in Portugal, explains us the guidelines and future challenges of this group.<\/p>\n
\u00d3pticaPro:<\/strong> General Optica appeared 60 years ago in Spain. 18 years ago, it settled in Portugal as “Mais \u00d3ptica”. Why the naming difference?<\/p>\n Lu\u00eds Coelho:<\/strong> When we established the company in Portugal in 1998, it was also called General Optica. However, after a market study we conducted in order to ascertain what would be the most adequate denomination for our country, we determined that the word “general” did not work here. As you know, “general” translated from the Spanish means “geral”, but in Portugal the former implies a military rank. Furthermore, we encountered some difficulties in registering the brand… therefore, both things led to naming the group “Mais \u00d3ptica” in Portugal.<\/p>\n OP:<\/strong> But do you think there are many differences between the Spanish and Portuguese markets?<\/p>\n LC:<\/strong> No, companies increasingly see this two markets as an Iberian market. Despite having their own particularities, to which we must adopt ourselves, the truth is there are many more similarities – the main lines are the same.<\/p>\n OP:<\/strong> Returning to Mais \u00d3ptica, what is the balance of the group’s activity over the last few years?<\/p>\n LC:<\/strong> We can say that the company has reached maturity in a positive way. Our balance is extremely satisfactory. Of course we had our ups and downs, as the country’s economical situation dictated, but we’re on the right track. Our aim is to maintain the same guidelines and strengthen the group’s presence in Portugal.<\/p>\n