Pearle Vision® Outlines Strategic Franchise Growth Phase
October 2, 2017
Pearle Vision® Outlines Strategic Franchise Growth Phase
Premium Eye Care Brand Puts Focus on Strength of Operating Model to Create Scalable and Sustainable Franchise Investment
MASON, Ohio. – Injecting innovation into every level of its brand, Pearle Vision has set the stage for a strategic franchise growth phase that will significantly expand the brand’s U.S. presence. This commitment to cultivating transformative advancements in its own business has led to infusing new centers into the Pearle Vision development pipeline in 2017, as well as a pair of confirmed multi-unit area development deals for Tampa and Phoenix.
The brand’s operating model, eyecon, launched in 2015. eyecon is designed to maximize efficiencies at each Pearle Vision EyeCare Center – including a turnkey supply chain, is one element that is paving the way for the brand’s emergent franchise growth.
“It is imperative to nurture our staying power. For more than six decades we’ve been a leader in eye care and the advancements we’ve made recently are all geared to keep us right there,” said Alex Wilkes, general manager of Pearle Vision. “Pearle Vision has been one of the best kept secret in the optical industry. Our system includes licensed owners (franchisees) who have built incredible businesses for themselves and now we’ve reinforced the model for years to come.”
Along with eyecon, Pearle Vision has redefined its local marketing approach, providing licensed owners at every stage of their business cycle a plan to keep and expand market share. The digital component of the brand’s marketing package now includes online exam scheduling, which has quickly made a strong impact, accounting currently for 25 percent of Pearle Vision licensed owners’ patient scheduling.
Likewise, Pearle Vision distinguishes itself in the marketplace with the sway of immense buying power on its side, bridging relationships with the most well-known name brands in eyewear and managed vision care, maintaining tight connections with lens and contact lens distributors and providing access to state-of-the-art equipment at favorable price points.
“It is all about helping licensed owners become more profitable. The business model supports our pledge that ‘Nobody Cares for Eyes More Than Pearle’ and the only way we can achieve that is if our owners can focus on what they do best – running their business and caring for patients,” added Wilkes. “From the exam room to the retail floor we are creating value for our licensed owners that they cannot find elsewhere.”
The value proposition in place for licensed owners is earning admiration from both within the current franchise system and among a new set of licensed owners. Markets targeted for new growth span the United States, from regions with existing centers such as New York and Seattle, to untapped, attractive areas that include San Francisco, San Diego and Louisville.
Plus, the launch of an impressive Area Developer model in early-2017 has resulted in Pearle Vision awarding a group of qualified licensed owners the rights to open throughout entire designated market areas (DMAs) or states. Thus far, area developer groups have finalized agreements to build out the Tampa and Phoenix markets as interest remains high across the country for this new opportunity.
Pearle Vision is positioning its current and projected licensed owner opportunities with: 1) skilled optometrists (currently 50 percent of licensed owners); 2) opticians (employ optometrists or lease space to them); and 3) investor groups. Ideal licensed owners have a desire to build strong teams, embrace innovation, remain customer and care focused and dedicate themselves and their businesses to the communities they serve.
Pearle Vision aims to expand with qualified licensed owners that embody a contagious entrepreneurial spirit and who have a deep appreciation for following the brand’s processes and systems. The franchise opportunity has been designed to meet the needs of today’s individual optometrists, both seasoned and recent graduates, as well as independent practices seeking greater structure, support and marketing expertise. Plus, established franchise investors and successful business leaders can benefit from Pearle Vision’s proven business model.
To learn more about the Pearle Vision licensed owner opportunity, visit ownapearlevision.com or call 1-800-PEARLE-1.
About Pearle Vision
Pearle Vision was founded in 1961 by Dr. Stanley Pearle, who began the concept of one- stop, total eye care with the opening of Pearle Optical in Savannah, Ga. Dr. Pearle combined complete eye exams with an extensive selection of eyewear. In 1981, Pearle Vision began offering franchise opportunities to select doctors and opticians. Today, with more than 550 EyeCare Centers located throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, Pearle Vision is built around a doctor-centered business model with a primary focus to deliver genuine eye care to patients and become the neighborhood trusted source for all their eye care and eye wear needs. Pearle Vision is owned by Luxottica, a leader in premium fashion, luxury and sports eyewear. For more information, visit PearleVision.com. And, to learn more about the Pearle Vision franchise opportunity, visit ownapearlevision.com or call 1-800- PEARLE-1.
