L’OPTIQUE EMPLOYEES MEGHAN HALL AND CARA DRAZ DISCUSS CREATING A SUCCESSFUL RETAIL ENVIRONMENT WITH FEATURE EDITOR JILLIAN URCELAY
As a woman owned and women run business, we work to provide the best customer service and highest expertise in the optical field. WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT OUR BRANDS AND QUALITY OF WORK. Our customers trust our knowledge and advice when it comes to style and best lens technology.
WE ARE FORTUNATE TO BE LOCATED IN TWO CITIES THAT BELIEVE IN MINDFUL GROWTH WHERE PEOPLE VALUE THE ARTS, DESIGN AND NATURAL BEAUTY.
Each of our stores are designed to feel cohesive with the aesthetic of their neighborhood. Our Downtown Asheville location is the first L’optique and has been there for over 20 years. Located in the heart of Asheville on one of the most charming streets in downtown, this location has grown with the city and become a staple. With continued growth means evolving, and we are currently renovating this shop. Our Biltmore Village location is in a historic neighborhood close to the famous Biltmore House and the interior of our store reflects that richness. The Greenville location is right off their vibrant Main Street and is an open airy space filled with light and eye-catching displays.
Our stores feel chic, French boutique inspired, clean, bright and inviting. WE WANT OUR
DISPLAYS TO FEEL ACCESSIBLE AND ENTICING TO THE CUSTOMER to encourage exploring and trying of new styles.
We have an in-house lab at each of our locations, providing faster service and superior quality. WE SPECIALIZE IN PERSONAL STYLING AND CUSTOM FITTINGS.
When hiring staff, we STRIVE TO FIND WARM AND PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE, who value a strong customer experience and a shared excitement for the industry.
Our consumer base are people who ARE DRAWN TO THE UNIQUE AND CREATIVITY OF STYLE. Our consumers are looking to find a frame that sets them apart.
TREAT YOUR CUSTOMERS LIKE FAMILY. As a small independent business, Janice believes in extending that mentality to everyone, and making them feel welcome and supported is hugely important to success. ■
Photos Interiors and Headshots: Laura Coddington Studio
DYNAMIC DISPENSING
STORE
L’optique
OWNER
Janice Gibbs, N.C./S.C. Licensed Optician
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS
3
STORE LOCATIONS
Downtown Asheville (Asheville, N.C.); L’optique in the Village (Asheville, N.C.); and L’optique Greenville (Greenville, S.C.)
SQUARE FOOTAGE EACH LOCATION
Approximately 1,000 square feet
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
9
YEAR THE BUSINESS FIRST OPENED
November 2001
TOP SELLING BRANDS
Theo, Anne et Valentin and Blake Kuwahara
PERSONAL
FAVORITE BRANDS
We will always be loyal fans of Theo and Anne et Valentin, but we have recently added Rigards and Kuboraum to our favorites. We love a line that breaks boundaries.
AMOUNT OF INVENTORY
700 to 1,000-plus frames at each location
AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE FOR FRAMES
$400 to $700
INSTAGRAM
@opticaldivaz