We are so proud to announce that we have been shortlisted as finalists for the Love Eyewear Awards by 100% Optical! It is a brand new award which has been launched this year and the winners will be chosen live at the awards night on the 25th of January 2020.
The three categories we have been chosen for are: Luxury Eyewear Retailer of the Year Eyewear Retailer of the Year Most Engaging Window Display
As cocky as it sounds, at the time of entering we were almost convinced we would be shortlisted for at least one award but weeks went by and we didn’t hear back and our confidence waned. When we finally heard the news last week we were elated! We have been shortlisted for not one category, or two, but three!
For the Luxury Eyewear Retailer of the Year category, the award criteria said it is looking for the store that has “pushed the envelope in luxury retail with unique store design, a broad range of luxury frames, visual merchandise initiatives and stand out initiatives to increase their sales.”
Within our entry for luxury eyewear retailer, we explained that luxury was at the forefront of our minds when relocating our old Station Square practice to its new Market Sq home. If you have visited our Lytham practice, you will know that we pride ourselves on delivering the complete “Broadhurst Experience”. Just as customers would be treated when visiting high-end stores like Prada, we believe clients buying luxury eyewear from us deserve the same treatment.
A lot of thought has gone into the interior of our practice. We opted for a refined industrial theme implementing natural materials and introducing imagery and design aspects inspired by the surrounding beach area.
We took design ideas from the famous Lytham Windmill situated close to our practice and created bespoke lighting with large wooden cogs that symbolise the cogs of the windmill. The three cogs are also positioned to replicate the three circles that are on within our brand logo. We also chose to do this with sets of three circular mirrors all around the practice. Due to this, our retail identity is subtly implemented throughout the practice. As you enter the shop there are two panels which signify windmill sails. There is also a wall that we have had the Lytham coastline printed onto and furnishings such as rope lights to add to the beach atmosphere.
If you’ve purchased glasses from us, you will know our dispensing quarter within the practice is where final decisions are made. We chose to move to this practice at Market Square largely because of a skylight towards the back of the building. Once frame choices have been narrowed, clients progress into this dispensing room where natural light floods in, there are luxurious furnishing and a shag pile creating ambiance. Customers are welcomed to enjoy their time with us as cappuccinos are served.
Eyewear Retailer of the Year- Preston
This award was open to anyone who sells eyewear in the UK. The judges said they will be looking for attention to the range of frames selected for sale in the store, “how the practice has approached their visual merchandising, the initiatives they have run in the community to generate interest around their frames and anything else that makes them stand out as an eyewear retailer on the high street.”
For this entry, we really got to brag about all our collection of independent brands (see below) and the Around The World in 80 Frames campaign we created to promote each brand. We believe each brand selected brings something different to the optics scene in Preston.
-Dita: selected because of its unmatched craftsmanship -Oliver Peoples: as it is a truly iconic brand -Face a Face: chosen for its vibrant colours -Oakley: renowned for its sports eyewear and because of the fit -Kirk & Kirk: an independent British designed brand which has unique material and colours -Tom Ford – always a favourite! -MOSCOT – selected because it has a great history – established since 1915 -Etnia Barcelona – showcases quirky European style -Silhouette – our customers love silhouette due to its minimalistic characteristics -Lindberg – timeless quality, customisable and exceptionally lightweight -Tom Davies and Lindberg ranges allow for personalised bespoke creations to be brought to life. We believe having the freedom to select your own frame design and materials makes us stand out from the crowd!
Not only did we dedicate a month around a specific frame brand and the country it originated from, but we held themed-events that both our customers and the staff loved getting involved with.
Additionally, we got a chance to speak about the collaborative work we do with local businesses such as Town House Coffee and Brew Bar and Hollywood Exports Preston, a vintage shop in Preston’s town centre.
Most Engaging Practice Window
For this award submission, we had to show how we drive sales our eyewear sales through a thoughtful and interactive approach to window design. We submitted our Denmark window as part of our Around the World in 80 frames campaign along with our France window. We loved the feedback we got from you all, especially the Viking one which we think was the most popular!
Which one is your favourite?
Finally, we just thought we would say a massive thank you to all our loyal customers and all our new customers, without which we wouldn’t have a practice or be able to do amazing things like apply for these awards! We are very humbled by this nomination and we are eager to hear who the judges decide is the most worthy of these titles. However, the very fact that we have been chosen as finalists for these national awards has us jumping for joy in itself and we thank you for all your support <3 <3 <3
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