After announcing its entrance into the North American market earlier this year, Specsavers has set a goal to open 200 stores across Canada over the next three years.
The world’s largest privately owned optometry group is marking its arrival in November with the acquisition of British Columbia-based, multi-store business Image Optometry.
It will start by launching 16 stores in British Columbia over the next six months. The first will open in Woodgrove Centre, in Nanaimo, and Coquitlam Centre, in Coquitlam, next month, with 14 more scheduled by March 2022.
The company, which says it is known in Europe, UK Australia and New Zealand for its affordable and high-quality products and clinical expertise, plans to become a market leader in Canada and open more than 200 locally owned stores across Canada by 2024.
In a statement, Specsavers stated that it wanted to redefine accessible eyecare for Canadians, and focused on bringing value-driven prescription eyewear paired with inclusive clinical care, advanced equipment, and a network with professional expertise.
“We’re looking forward to showing Canadians the value of our tried-and-true business model that has allowed us to deliver on our promise of accessibility for customers for 37 years and counting,” Mr Bill Moir, Specsavers Canada general manager, said.
“By creating business ownership opportunities for independent optometrists, Specsavers is able to build a network that is represented in rural and urban locations and can structure operations in a way that generates high value for both optometrists and customers. Together, we will transform eye health for Canadians.”
Specsavers stores are owner-operated under a franchise partnership model that helps optometrists focus on delivering eyecare, while providing a global, integrated supply chain with facilities across Asia, UK, Australia, Eastern Europe and North America.
Founded in 1984, Specsavers now has more than 3,500 optometrists, retail and audiologist joint venture partners who own and operate 2,350 stores, supported by 40,000 store and support office colleagues. It operates in the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Spain, Australia and New Zealand.
The company set up in Australia in 2008 and last year celebrated its 400th store across Australia and New Zealand. Since then, it has announced further locations.
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