Specsavers is celebrating the opening of its 400th store across Australia and New Zealand this week, in a major milestone for the optical chain since its arrival to the local ophthalmic market 12 years ago.
Specsavers Chifley Square in Sydney is now the newest store within the Specsavers network, taking the total number of Australian stores to 345, with 55 locations open in New Zealand.
The store, which will host an official ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, is owned and operated by Ms Sasha Kempen, Mr Gregory Braude and Ms Greeshma Patel. The trio also own and operate the company’s Sydney Central and Sydney MetCentre stores.
“The new Sydney Chifley Square store is a fantastic addition to our store network,” a company spokesperson said.
“With significant room for expansion, it initially features two optical test rooms, dedicated space for OCT and visual field facilities and nine dispense points, making it easier than ever for customers in the Sydney CBD to access optometry services.”
Coinciding with the 400-store milestone, Specsavers noted the success of its joint venture partnership model, which it says “has transformed the fortunes of hundreds of the optometrists and optical dispensers” and provided opportunities for them to become business partners in their own business.
Specsavers launched in Australasia in 2008 and vowed to “change the face of optometry” by providing a combination of accessible eyecare and high quality, affordable eyewear.
Since then, across the two countries, it has dispensed more than 35 million pairs of glasses, performed a similar number of eye tests, and helped more than 800 current store partners get into their own businesses – the vast majority as first-time entrepreneurs.
“From the word go in 2008, our ‘two pairs for one low price, always’ offer drove a step change in the market as optometry collectively moved to greater affordability, seven-day eye testing and store opening to keep pace with patients and customers,” the spokesperson said.
“Across both countries, our store partners currently employ well over 6000 store staff with each store generating an average of 16 current jobs. The Specsavers support offices in Port Melbourne and Auckland, together with our local field-teams, employ a further 550-plus team members.”
An opening party will be held at the Sydney Chifley Square store, featuring special guest and Specsavers designer Mr Alex Perry.
