A conversation with Women’s Wear Daily
Leading up to Vision Expo East 2023, Eyes on Hudson owner Dr. Katelyn Rogerson spoke with Women’s Wear Daily about trends in eyewear and the challenges of running an independent optical shop in 2023.
WWD: What are some trends you are seeing now in the optical frame space?
Katelyn Rogerson: The biggest trend we see is that oversize is not over. Our clients love bold statement frames like the Enzo from Jacques Marie Mage and the Thundery from Thierry Lasry. Another huge trend is exposing the hardware inside the frame. Ahlem does this beautifully, by using the translucence of the acetate to showcase a gorgeous Art Deco filigree on the temple wire.
WWD: What are some of the biggest changes, either trend-wise or in the business space, that you’ve faced in the last five years?
K.R.: Independent optical boutiques have not traditionally participated in e-commerce, but now indie eye shops are likely to be left behind if they do not display their offerings online. We have an online shop that we love as a marketing channel to share our collection with potential clients. But we have also sold frames to online buyers across the United States.
WWD: What are you on the lookout for at Vision Expo this year?
K.R.: This year at Vision Expo I am looking for color. Our clients love deep blues, hunter greens and even some yellows in the honey-mustard family. Classic eyewear design in gorgeous contemporary colors is so compelling.
WWD: Talk about the challenges of operating a small optical business in today’s world.
K.R.: Small business owners in the optical industry face numerous challenges that would be familiar to any small business owner, including staffing shortages, supply chain backlogs, an uphill battle against cutthroat online behemoths. We are literally on Main Street, we employ local talent, and we offer unique brands, some even designed and manufactured locally. We are lucky that we are in an area that values the experience we offer, but the challenge remains that we will never be able to compete on price with corporate online retailers — so we must provide the highest-quality products, as well as a recognizable and dependable brand experience to keep our clients loyal.
https://wwd.com/accessories-news/eyewear/eywear-shop-owners-trends-challenges-1235576391/
That last bit really encapsulates our position in the eyewear market. We cannot compete with online vendors on price because as a local business we have a Main Street store front to rent and skilled onsite eye care professionals who receive fair living wages in Westchester County. We sell the highest quality frames and lenses and offer state-of-the-art eye exams which leads to a better experience and a superior end product. Curious? Book an appointment for the Eyes on Hudson experience.
