Wednesday, November 05, 2008 Optical concept shop for young people, BPO staff opens in Cebu
WHERE do young people go to have their eyes checked?
This simple question has moved retailer Chris Tio to put up a “trendy” optical shop at The Walk in Asiatown I.T. Park.
Called Eyebar, this lifestyle concept shop is “a full-blown optical clinic with an ambiance that is cool, relaxing and unique.”
“We have been encouraged to put up this service center to cater to call center employees and young people whose eyes (undergo strain) or are exposed to artificial light through gadgets like computers,” said Tio.
Eyebar, which opens daily until midnight, resembles a modern bar—instead of liquor, it serves trendy eyewear (eyeglasses and sunglasses) and contact lenses.
The optical shop has young optometrists who can educate clients about eye care. It also has all the facilities needed for eye check-ups.
The bar has minimalist interiors and is equipped with colorful racks, lounge sofas and wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) connection. At 9 p.m., its lights are dimmed and lounge music is played.
The market response for this type of optical shop has been good, noted Tio, since many young people have already visited Eyebar since it soft-opened late last month.
“It’s good that they talk about us and come here. We want to make this their Eyebar. We want to be top-of-mind as a fashionable shop that emphasizes not just eye care but also eyewear. This is an original idea we developed for a traditional segment and we believe it can go national,” he said.
He admitted that he already received invitations from malls in Manila to open a similar concept shop there. However, he is bent on launching other concept shops and establishing Eyebar first in Cebu.
Eyebar is managed under Eyepad Vision Corp. where Tio sits as president. He is planning to open another concept shop,
Eyes Candy, which will cater to children, two to three weeks from now at Ayala Center Cebu.
Tio is also planning to open a high-end fashion eye boutique in the first quarter of 2009. Eyepad Vision, though, is still negotiating with local mall operators for space.
Tio, a member of the board of the Philippine Retailers Association Cebu, believes these concept shops have the potential to be players in Cebu’s tourism industry. (NRC)
