[perfectpullquote align=”left” bordertop=”false” cite=”Joanne Mohr, event director for Reed Exhibitions” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”14″]”The OPTImum Retail Award puts a spotlight on the immense talent that lies within the independent boutique retailer community. As so many outstanding retailers craft groundbreaking innovations and implement creative solutions into their stores, it’s a great honor to promote and recognize the work they’re doing with this award.”[/perfectpullquote]
Vision Expo East 2019 is pleased to announce the second annual OPTImum Retail Award is accepting submissions from all independent boutique retailers.
The OPTImum Retail Award is encouraging all businesses in the independent retail market to submit their story for consideration. Applicants will answer questions regarding their in-store innovations, individuality, culture, brand loyalty and technology usage.
As the optical marketplace continues to grow, independent boutique retailers face the unique challenge of differentiating themselves to consumers. The OPTImum Retail Award aims to celebrate independent boutique retailers by allowing them to showcase their products, stores, visions and stories to the entire optical industry.
Last year’s winner, Todd Rogers Eyewear, serves as both an independent shop and eyewear brand in a former bar and grill in Andover, Mass. Todd Rogers Eyewear received the award based on their passion for celebrating sight, dedication to educating customers, providing high-quality products and more.
[perfectpullquote align=”left” bordertop=”false” cite=”Todd Rogers, 2018 OPTImum Retail Award recipient.” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”14″]”I look around at the shop I’ve built, the clients who have morphed into friends, the trays of new customers who have been referred and I know in my gut that I’ve done something right. From a personal perspective, being able to share this award with my two young sons and my lovely wife means everything; and of course, there was the call to my mom after we won. I’m humbled, honored and psyched to be an optician in this day and age.”[/perfectpullquote]
To determine the top three finalists, a committee of the industry’s top leaders will deliberate and vote on which retailers they feel are most deserving of the award. This year’s committee members include Dr. Arian Fartash, optometrist and influencer of @glamoptometrist; Christian Roth, eyewear designer and the first Council of Fashion Designers of America member in the eyewear category since 1990; and James Spina, 20/20 Magazine editor-in-chief and senior vice president.
To help determine the final winner, Vision Expo social media channels will be open for voting from Feb. 5–25, and votes will be factored into the judges’ scores to select the winner. The 2019 OPTImum Retail Award winner will be announced at Vision Expo East during the Boutique Buyer Panel on March 23.
ll independent boutique retailers are encouraged to submit their application by Jan. 7. To submit or find out more visit, VisionExpoEast.com. For questions about the OPTImum Retail Award, contact tlackran@reedexpo.com.
To stay up-to-date on Vision Expo East, follow along on all of Vision Expo’s social media channels, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn
About Vision Expo
Vision Expo East (Education: March 21-24, 2019; Exhibition: March 22-24, 2019) in New York City and West (Education: September 18-21, 2019; Exhibition: September 19-21, 2019) in Las Vegas are trade-only conferences and exhibitions for eyecare and eyewear presented by co-owners Reed Exhibitions and The Vision Council. Vision Expo is the complete event for ophthalmic professionals, where eyecare meets eyewear, and education, fashion and innovation mingle. In the Vision Expo Exhibit Hall, eyecare providers can discover trends, interact with new technologies and access innovative products and services. The Vision Expo education program is driven by the profession, offering content of the highest quality and relevance to enhance overall patient care. For more information, visit VisionExpo.com and follow Vision Expo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About The Vision Council
Championing better vision for better lives, The Vision Council positions its members for success by promoting growth in the vision care industry through education, advocacy, research, consumer outreach, strategic relationship building and industry forums. By sharing the latest in eyewear trends, advances in technology and advice from eyewear experts, The Vision Council serves as a resource to the public looking to learn more about options in eyeglasses and sunglasses.
