Eyewear is a notable aspect of an individual’s life. Eyewear enhances eyesight and is a style statement for many. One thing that we would all agree is that the eyewear business is transforming at a quick pace.According to Statista,the eyewear business is forecasted to reach 197.2 billion U.S. dollars by 2027. Opticians need to build confidence to cash on these trends – of course to increase sales.
At the end of the day, the focus for every optical retail shop has to be to create an unforgettable customer experience. Only then, customers will keep coming back again and again. Moreover, businesses need to build a brand to improve their clientele. This way, they can win over the competition to drive sales. Brand loyalty is the central aspect of improving optical sales.
We are in an extremely competitive environment today. Given this background, here are a few quick and simple tips that opticians are encouraged to incorporate and experience the difference that it makes in the footfalls to their store.
Store display
How a customer sees you is very important – it is the key factor that will help them decide whether or not to make the purchase.Cutting to the chase – A shop’s display is what matters the most. How one has managed to arrange the products in order to present them to the customers is the key.
Buying an eyewear is exactly like buying any other product. It is shopping. And when a person is out for shopping they are looking at something that attracts them the most. So invest on ensuring a pleasing first impression. You arrange and present the products in a manner that intrigues your customer to look at them, try them, and ultimately they may end up buying them!
Your offerings
Offer a unique selection of eyewear, contacts, and other optical products that are of high quality and not easily available in other stores. This can help attract customers who are looking for something different and better. Stay on your toes to constantly upgrade your offerings!Â
A holistic experience
Don’t stop at just offering products that differentiate you from your competitors. Make it a holistic experience. Have a conversation with the customer, make them feel important, understand their needs and help them make the right choice for their eyewear. Ensure that all customers receive friendly and professional service from your staff. This can help establish a positive reputation and encourage repeat visits.
Utilise digital marketingÂ
Utilise various digital marketing channels such as social media, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO) to reach a larger audience and promote your store. It is a small investment but pays off really well!
Collaborate and grow
Collaborate with local eye doctors and optometrists, showcase your services to them. This way they can refer customers to your store. You can also offer them incentives for doing, so to increase the chances of getting referrals.
Discounts
Offer special promotions and discounts to attract new customers and reward loyal ones. This helps build customer loyalty.
Events and workshops
Host events and workshops at your store to attract customers and engage with them. This can be a great opportunity to showcase your products and educate customers about the importance of eye health.
Invest local advertising
Utilise local advertising such as flyers, posters, and newspaper ads to reach potential customers in your area.
Build a relationshipÂ
Don’t think your job ends when a customer makes a purchase. Remember you are in this for the long run. Offer after-sales services such as cleaning, repairs, and adjustments to help retain customers and encourage repeat visits.
By implementing these strategies, an optical store can increase foot traffic and improve its chances of attracting new customers and growing its business.
It’s a positive market!
The optical business in India is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. With the increasing prevalence of eye disorders, the demand for eyewear products such as spectacles, contact lenses, and sunglasses is on the rise.
According to a report by Research and Markets, the Indian eyewear market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 10% between 2020 and 2025. The growth is driven by factors such as increasing disposable income, changing lifestyle, and awareness about eye care.
The growth of the optical business is not limited to the urban areas, as there is also a growing demand for eyewear products in rural areas. To tap into this market, many optical retailers are expanding their presence in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Moreover, the advent of e-commerce has also contributed significantly to the growth of the optical business in India. Many eyewear retailers have established their online presence, allowing customers to browse and purchase products from the comfort of their homes.
The Indian government has also taken steps to promote the optical business. For instance, the government’s ‘National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment’ aims to provide affordable and quality eye care services to all.
So the future of the optical business in India looks promising! And walking the extra mile with these simple tips could end up being the game changer for your business. Then, why not give it a shot!
