Günther Fielmann, Founder of the Fielmann Optician’s, Dies at 84

Legacy of a Visionary Entrepreneur

Günther Fielmann, renowned as the founder of the largest optician chain in Germany and a pioneer in the eyewear industry, passed away at the age of 84. His death marks the end of an era for the Fielmann optician empire, a company that reshaped the optics market in Germany and beyond. Fielmann died peacefully at his home in Lütjensee, Schleswig-Holstein, surrounded by his family.

Building an Empire from Scratch

Fielmann’s journey from a humble beginning to creating an empire is a tale of ingenuity and determination. He opened his first store in Cuxhaven, Lower Saxony, in 1972, at the age of 33. This move revolutionized the somewhat stagnant optician industry of the time. Fielmann’s business model, which emphasized customer satisfaction over high margins, rapidly transformed the industry. He is credited with the innovative approach of offering a wide range of modern eyeglass models in place of the standard, subsidized “Kassenbrille.” His strategy not only offered customers more choices but also significantly altered the perception of eyeglasses in society.

Expansion and Innovation

Under Fielmann’s leadership, the company experienced phenomenal growth. It expanded across Germany and later internationally, focusing mainly on Switzerland, Austria, Northern Italy, and Slovenia. By March 2023, Fielmann AG boasted 977 branches globally, employed over 22,000 people, and served 27 million customers, with an annual turnover nearing 1.8 billion euros. Fielmann’s vision extended beyond retail, as the company also became a producer of eyewear with a production center in Rathenow, Brandenburg.

Transition and Philanthropy

In 2019, Günther Fielmann stepped down from the company’s board, passing the leadership to his son, Marc. Post-retirement, he devoted himself to organic farming and philanthropy. Fielmann owned three farms in Schleswig-Holstein, where he bred horses, cattle, and sheep, and was deeply invested in eco-agriculture, producing over 2,300 organic products. His contributions extended to the renovation of Schloss Plön, where opticians are trained for the industry. Fielmann’s philanthropic efforts spanned various domains, including education, science, culture, ecology, and nature conservation. He was also known for planting a tree for each of his employees every year, reflecting his commitment to environmental stewardship.

Remembering the Pioneer

Tributes have poured in from various quarters, remembering Fielmann for his visionary spirit, customer-oriented philosophy, and contributions to the wider German economy. Mark Binz, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Fielmann Group, described him as a “century entrepreneur and visionary,” praising his strategic foresight and commitment to customer needs. Daniel Günther, the Minister-President of Schleswig-Holstein, remembered Fielmann as a passionate promoter, culture lover, nature protector, and brilliant idea generator who always prioritized human welfare.

Günther Fielmann’s passing is not just the loss of a successful entrepreneur but also of a visionary who left an indelible mark on the eyewear industry and the community at large. His life and work stand as a testament to the impact one individual can have on an industry and society.